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A Counter-Strike 2 pro has been banned for life after showing off stacks of cash on social media while serving a three-year suspension for match-fixing.
Palkovics ‘2xplayN’ Tamás was among five NOMERCY players sanctioned by the Esports Integrity Commission on October 15 following an investigation into suspicious matches at Roman Imperium Cup VII and a bet with a potential $4.5 million payout.
The 22-year-old initially received a three-year ban, preventing him from competing in ESIC-affiliated tournaments until April 2029.
However, shortly after the sanctions were announced, playN posted a photo on X showing himself holding what appeared to be several thick stacks of cash.
“2029 we back to @rmnimperiumcup,” he wrote, accompanied by a laughing emoji.
Unfortunately for playN, his planned comeback is no longer happening.
ESIC upgrades CS2 pro’s ban to lifetime after cash photo
On October 16, just one day after announcing the original sanctions, ESIC confirmed that playN’s suspension had been upgraded to a lifetime ban.
The commission cited a series of public posts featuring apparent cash and comments about match manipulation, betting payouts, and his eventual return to competition.
ESIC described his conduct as an “egregious breach which created the appearance of improper conduct” under its rules.
Importantly, the organization clarified that the photographs alone did not establish that the money shown came from match-fixing.
The decision also means playN will no longer benefit from the cooperation-based reduction that initially allowed him to receive a three-year ban.
His original punishment was lighter than those given to several teammates because he cooperated with investigators, provided financial records, and submitted detailed responses.
However, ESIC stressed that players remain accountable for their actions even while suspended, and his previous cooperation did not excuse the subsequent misconduct.
The commission also revealed plans to refer the sanctioned conduct to Valve, government agencies, and law enforcement.
The original match-fixing investigation centered on four NOMERCY defeats in March 2026, with each result matching the requirements of a suspicious accumulator bet carrying a potential payout exceeding $4.5 million.
The bookmaker reportedly voided the wager before any winnings were paid out.
PlayN now joins former teammate Oliver ‘kzy’ Heck, who received a lifetime ban in the original investigation.
Unlike his initial suspension, playN’s new punishment has no expiration date, permanently excluding him from ESIC and member competitions in any capacity.
