ESIC gives kzy a lifetime ban and sanctions four other NOMERCY players

What ESIC found

According to the commission, monitoring of betting markets uncovered a coordinated accumulator placed before play and involving a large stake. Each of its four legs targeted a −9.5-round handicap, and every match result aligned with the targeted outcome.

ESIC reviewed a betting-intelligence report, complete match footage, additional player-specific analysis, roster information, communications, financial materials where they were produced, and the participants’ responses. The commission stressed that no single gameplay error, transaction or communication was determinative on its own.

Length of the bans

Oliver “kzy” Heck received lifetime ineligibility. ESIC pointed first to his central leadership and calling role. It also cited his part in veto decisions, recurring conduct during play and refusal to cooperate at any stage.

János “James8k” Fodor and Petar “perakokanje” Bešir were banned for five years, through April 23, 2031. Palkovics “2xplayN” Tamás and Sreten “srtn1” Smiljanić received three-year bans, through April 23, 2029. All five were credited for provisional suspensions served from April 23, 2026.

What the sanctions prohibit

Within the competitive ecosystem of ESIC and its member organizations, the five cannot play, coach, manage, officiate, analyze, assist, provide strategy, take part in practice, or otherwise become involved in covered matches, events and activities. This includes competitions those bodies authorize, organize, sanction, recognize or support, as well as certain services at official event venues.

About the reported $4.5 million

Secondary reports linked the case to a circulated betting screenshot showing a possible $4.5 million payout. ESIC did not confirm that figure or any actual payout in its decision, so it should not be treated as the established value of the scheme.