CS GO has gone through a bit of a weird patch in recent months when it comes to cheating. A series of match fixing allegations have escalated pretty far. However, last week they’ve announced the loosening of some rules about players who are caught cheating. Players with VAC bans are now allowed to return to the game, but the decision doesn’t concern any of the major scandals for CSGO.
The change brings some players with a big following back to the game, and sets a nice precedent for a degree of forgiveness. The decision though, might have arrived several years too late. CSGO has been out for quite a long time at this point. It is one of the best established esports games. However, what comes along with this longevity is building up a backlog of players who have made a mistake or two.
Lets look at some notable un-bans and how the decision impacts their professional careers.
Today we are making changes to our RMR Eligibility Guidelines regarding VAC bans: https://t.co/Ku4vADKTyu
— CS:GO (@CSGO) April 15, 2021
Do VAC Ban Changes impact anyone important?
The Valve VAC ban changes only affect long-term players, and those with smaller offences. This doesn’t cover major incidents like match fixing, just minor things. Up until now these were lifetime bans that were handed out. The rule change hasn’t handed out complete forgiveness, but it has instituted a timer on these bans. They now expire after five years have passed. After that time, the players will be able to compete once again.
The change is officially to reflect CS GO’s age. It has now been out for eight years, instituting a timer makes a lot more sense. However, the change has had a wider positive effect on the community. Many banned players have been attempting to gain access again since their original bans stretched out for so long.
This included a few pro players, but maybe none more prominently than former ENCE AWPer Elias “Jamppi” Olkkonen. The player ended up progressing through lawsuits in an attempt to play the game again. Eventually he switched to Valorant. However, it now looks like he can come back to CSGO once again.
Officially… Unbanned… Thank you @CSGO ❣️?
— Elias Olkkonen (@Jamppicsgo) April 15, 2021
Other notable examples are Patryk “paTiTek” Fabrowski, Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel and Vinicius “vsm” Moreira.
Sayf much like Jamppi, has found a home in Valorant as a member of Guild Esports. It’s highly unlikely either him or Jamppi are even considering returning to CSGO anytime soon. But they will at least lose the VAC banned aura over their head.
The biggest benefit of this decision could impact VSM’s career the most. The player is still pretty active in CS:GO circles. He was loaned to mibr by Detona recently and is actively seeking a team this spring. With CBCS Elite League Season 1 just around the corner, we might see VSM sign with either INTZ or Isurus or even mo
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