joel’s suspension to expire on January 6; no "compelling or conclusive" match-fixing evidence found

The 19-year-old will be allowed to take part in the upcoming Major cycle after serving “an effective seven-month ban” for betting offences.

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has announced that Joel "⁠joel⁠" Holmlund will be allowed to compete in its member events again from January 6, 2024, following the conclusion of its investigation into a case of betting offences involving the former GODSENT player.

On September 20, joel was provisionally suspended by ESIC pending the outcome of an investigation into claims that he had engaged in “corrupt behavior” earlier in the year, while competing under GODSENT’s banner. He had allegedly placed bets on matches in which he was playing, including two bets involving his own team, in addition to 17 bets on various CS:GO matches.

According to ESIC, joel failed to provide evidence to the contrary of the charges brought against him, which means that the original reason for his suspension was substantiated.

Despite initially stating that joel had played "particularly poorly" in one of the matches in which he had placed a bet against GODSENT - a reference that was later deleted from the press release -, ESIC has now sought to clarify that “there is no compelling or conclusive evidence” that he was involved in match-fixing.

When determining the length of joel’s ban, ESIC considered several factors, including his assistance with the investigation. According to the esports watchdog, the player provided “crucial information pertinent to ongoing inquiries.”

“His full and candid cooperation was helpful to ESIC’s ongoing investigations,” ESIC said. “Consequently, we have decided that a reduction in Mr. Holmlund's suspension is warranted and aligns with our principles of fairness and justice.”

Moreover, joel’s “genuine contrition and commitment to seeking professional help” were mitigating factors considered by ESIC, which stated that the player showed traits indicating that he suffered from a gambling addiction.

“Throughout the initial discussions, where Mr. Holmlund was supported by skilled legal counsel, he acknowledged his gambling issues and agreed to pursue professional counseling and treatment,” ESIC said.

In a statement, joel apologized to the Counter-Strike community for his actions, acknowledging that his behavior “was not only irresponsible but also undermined the principles of fair play and sportsmanship that are the foundation of competitive gaming.”

He has also agreed to collaborate with ESIC’s education program by creating video content highlighting the negative aspects of gambling and the risks associated with betting on a player’s own game.

Although joel was only provisionally suspended in August, ESIC says that, by January 6, he “will have served an effective seven-month ban from ESIC member events”. This means that his suspension is backdated from June 6, approximately two weeks after he was benched by GODSENT.

In August, joel played in the CCT North Europe Series 7 Closed Qualifier, and in September, in Pelaajat Nordic Masters Fall 2023 (a qualifier for the BLAST Premier Fall Showdown). The organisers of those two tournaments are not official ESIC members.

joel’s ban will expire just two days prior to the start of the open qualifiers for PGL Major Copenhagen, keeping alive his hopes of finding a new team soon. The 19-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising Swedish talents, averaging a 1.11 rating during his time on GODSENT.

"ESIC has granted me a second chance, and I'm committed to seizing it," joel wrote on Twitter. "I'm determined to embark on a path of redemption and make the most of this opportunity."