ESIC issues two years ban on this CS: GO player for cheating

Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC) revealed today that it has banned Conner Huglin (zonC), formerly of team Armor Legion Gaming, from all esports for 2 years from 10 May 2017 to 9 May 2019 for cheating in one of the recent competitions.

Conner admitted that he cheated using a cheat/exploit apparently undetectable by Valve Anti-Cheat during the Mettlestate Samsung Galaxy CS:GO Championship in May 2017. As a result of his confession, the Integrity Commissioner was able, under the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code and the Disciplinary Procedure, to offer Conner a plea bargain, which Conner accepted meaning a full hearing of the matter was not necessary.

Conner pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and had already voluntarily withdrawn himself from competitive CS:GO when ESIC approached him with a formal Notice of Charge. He accepted the proposed sanction without question. He apologized to Mettlestate, his team and the CS:GO community.

Esports Integrity Commissioner Ian Smith said, “It is always disappointing when someone cheats and it gives me no pleasure to ban a player, but cheating cannot be tolerated in esports – it fundamentally undermines the integrity and credibility of our industry. I hope this demonstrates that ESIC will deal quickly, decisively and proportionately with cheats following a fair process.”

Mettlestate’s CEO, Barry Louzada added: ““Mettlestate are really glad to have a partner like ESIC on board to assist with these kinds of situations. It is never easy to have this kind of thing happen but when it does, knowing that there is guidance from ESIC ensures that it is dealt with properly.”

In related news, ESIC recently signed with five new members including eSports Middle East, which will be using the coalition’s rules in upcoming tournaments organized in the region.