Joel Holmlund Banned for Life from CS2: Cheating and Betting Scandal Explained

Joel Holmlund: From Rising Star to Lifetime Ban in CS2

Joel Holmlund, a Swedish professional Counter-Strike player, is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Once known as “joelxd,” Holmlund’s rise in the esports world was marked by impressive skill, but his career came crashing down due to cheating and betting scandals.

The Rise of Joel Holmlund in CS2

Born on September 24, 2004, Joel made his professional debut in the esports scene as a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) player. His skills quickly earned him recognition, and he eventually transitioned to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), where he continued to make waves as a rifler.

Playing for teams like BC.Game Esports, Joel had a promising career ahead. He was known for his sharp aim and quick reflexes, making him a standout player in the competitive CS2 scene.

The Fall: Cheating Scandal and Bans

However, things took a turn for the worse when Joel was caught cheating in competitive tournaments. This led to his initial temporary ban, which was just the beginning of his downfall. His name was later tied to even more serious allegations.

Joel's troubles didn’t stop with cheating. He was found guilty of betting offenses during his time at GODSENT, and he subsequently faced a provisional ban. But that wasn’t the end. In April 2025, Joel’s integrity was further questioned when he was permanently banned from all ESIC (Esports Integrity Commission) events, marking the official end of his professional career.

Permanent Bans: Akros Anti-Cheat and ESIC

Joel’s reputation was shattered when Akros Anti-Cheat, which monitors and enforces fair play in CS2 tournaments, issued a permanent ban on him. This decision was followed by a lifetime ban from ESIC member events, making Joel’s participation in major CS2 competitions impossible.

The combination of cheating and integrity violations left the esports community shocked. Many players, fans, and analysts alike expressed disappointment, while others emphasized the importance of maintaining fairness and ethics in professional gaming.

The Impact on the Esports Community

Joel’s story is a cautionary tale for aspiring esports players. His rise to fame, followed by a rapid fall from grace, highlights the critical importance of integrity, both on and off the virtual battlefield. Cheating and unethical behavior can destroy a promising career, as shown by Joel’s lifetime bans.

While Joel’s story may have ended tragically, it serves as a reminder to professional players in all esports: cheating will not be tolerated, and actions off the server matter just as much as your gameplay.