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Counter-Strike 2 player Oliver ‘kzy’ Heck has been banned for life following a match-fixing investigation involving a bet with a potential payout of more than $4.5 million.
The former MOUZ player was one of five NOMERCY members sanctioned after the team’s appearance at Roman Imperium Cup VII in March. His teammates received bans ranging from three to five years.
NOMERCY lost all four matches under investigation, winning just five rounds combined against BetBoom, Sangal, BESTIA, and Wildcard. Their opponents finished with 13-0, 13-3, 13-1 and 13-1 victories, respectively.
Those results attracted attention after a screenshot circulated showing a roughly $57,000 accumulator bet backing heavy defeats for NOMERCY, with more than $4.5 million potentially riding on the outcome.
ESIC hands kzy lifetime ban after NOMERCY investigation
In its October 15 announcement, ESIC said betting intelligence identified a high-value combination wager targeting a -9.5 round handicap across all four matches on March 28.
That meant NOMERCY’s opponents needed to win each match by at least 10 rounds. Every result met that requirement.
The commission reviewed gameplay, betting intelligence, player-specific analysis and available financial records and communications. Investigators identified repeated problems with trading, utility, positioning and decision-making, while stressing that no single mistake established the case.
ESIC found kzy responsible for match manipulation, corrupt in-game incidents, and facilitating corrupt conduct. His leadership, calling role, involvement in map vetoes, and complete failure to cooperate contributed to the lifetime sanction.
James8k and perakokanje received five-year bans, running until April 23, 2031. Meanwhile, 2xplayN and srtn1 received three-year bans ending April 23, 2029, with their cooperation carrying mitigating weight.
The seven-figure betting return reportedly never materialized. RTP Arena reported that the bookmaker voided the wager, with the tournament organizer confirming that information. ESIC’s final statement does not identify who placed it or say kzy personally received any winnings.
The sanctions cover ESIC and member-supported competitions, extending beyond playing to roles including coaching, management, analysis and other forms of participation.
