CS2 Pro Gets Lifetime Ban After Flaunting Cash During Suspension

Palkovics ‘2xplayN’ Tamás, a 22-year-old Counter-Strike 2 player on NOMERCY, converted a three-year match-fixing suspension into a lifetime ban after posting a photo of himself holding what appeared to be large stacks of cash on X, just one day after his original punishment was announced. The Esports Integrity Commission has since referred his conduct to Valve, government agencies, and law enforcement.

The Match-Fixing Case Behind the Ban

According to Dexerto, ESIC announced sanctions against five NOMERCY players on October 15, 2026, following an investigation into suspicious match results at Roman Imperium Cup VII. The probe focused on four NOMERCY losses in March 2026, each of which aligned with the conditions of an accumulator bet that carried a potential payout exceeding $4.5 million. The bookmaker reportedly voided the wager before any winnings were paid out.

PlayN initially received a lighter three-year ban compared to some teammates, a reduction credited to his cooperation with investigators. He provided financial records and submitted detailed responses during the inquiry, which ESIC acknowledged when handing down the original penalty. That cooperation credit has since been revoked entirely.

One Photo, One Very Bad Decision

Shortly after ESIC published the October 15 sanctions, playN posted a photo on X showing himself holding several thick wads of cash. He captioned it with a reference to returning to competition in 2029, accompanied by a laughing emoji. The post spread quickly across the CS2 community.

ESIC moved fast. By October 16, less than 24 hours after the original announcement, the commission upgraded playN’s ban to lifetime, citing a series of public posts that referenced apparent cash, match manipulation, betting payouts, and his planned return to play. The commission described the behavior as an “egregious breach which created the appearance of improper conduct” under its rules, as reported by Dexerto.

ESIC was careful to note that the photographs alone did not prove the money shown came from match-fixing activity. Regardless, the conduct was treated as a serious violation. The commission also made clear that active suspensions do not place players beyond accountability for their public behavior.

Permanent Exclusion and Referral to Police

PlayN now joins former NOMERCY teammate Oliver ‘kzy’ Heck, who received a lifetime ban as part of the original October 15 ruling. Unlike the initial three-year suspension, which would have expired in April 2029, the upgraded punishment carries no end date. PlayN is permanently barred from ESIC-affiliated competitions and member events in any role.

ESIC confirmed plans to refer the matter to Valve, relevant government bodies, and law enforcement, meaning the consequences for playN could extend well beyond competitive esports.

Sources: Dexerto