There’s been significant news from the Esports Integrity Coalition (“ESIC”) this afternoon as the organisation has banned Conner “zonC” Huglin from all esports for two years. Additionally, the organisation has released a survey to canvas opinion on appropriate sanctions for those caught cheating in esports.
zonC receives two year ban
Conner Huglin admitted that he cheating by using a gameplay altering cheat/exploit apparently undetectable by Valve Anti-Cheat during the Mettlestate Samsung Galaxy CS:GO Championship in May 2017.
ESIC Integrity Commissioner, Ian Smith, under the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code and the organisation’s disciplinary procedure was able to offer Conner a plea bargain which he subsequently accepted and thus a full hearing was not necessary.
Huglin pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and had already voluntarily removed himself from competitive CS:GO when the coalition approached him with a formal Notice of Charge. He accepted the sanction without question, apologised to Mettlestate, his team, and the Counter-Strike 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.”
ESIC release survey to gauge opinion on appropriate sanction for cheating
Following recent controversy specifically within the CS:GO community with matters relating to cheating in esports, ESIC released a detailed paper outlining their position on the matter. The aim of the survey is to form some consistency across the esports industry based on the consensus of the esports community.
“Esports is a community driven medium and therefore it makes sense to canvas opinion from the wider esports community,” commented Ian Smith. “Following the conclusion of the survey I hope we can come to a consensus on how to sanction cheats in esports and create a level of consistency that is deemed fair by the industry.”
The survey can be filled out here.
Esports Insider says: ESIC showing their opinion on cheating, no matter the size. We’re already looking forward to the results of the ESIC cheating survey as it’s definitely a matter that divides opinion at the best of times.