Cheater forsaken may play CS majors again

The ban on professional CS:GO player Nihil "forsaken" Kumawat, who was caught using cheats during a professional match, has come to an end. As of September 19, 2024, the esports player is eligible to compete in majors again, as noted by users on Reddit.

Previously, players were prohibited from participating in Valve-sponsored tournaments if they had ever received a VAC ban. However, in 2021, the developers relaxed this rule, allowing esports athletes to return to tournaments five years after their ban. At the time of this announcement, forsaken had not stated any intentions to return to the professional scene.

On October 19, during the Asian finals of eXTREMESLAND 2018, Kumawat was caught cheating. During a break in the match, tournament administrators checked forsaken's computer and discovered banned software. The Indian team OpTic Gaming, which forsaken represented, was disqualified, and the club later dissolved the roster.

On October 22, it was revealed that forsaken had also used cheats at the ESL India Premiership 2018, which took place on September 13-14 in Hyderabad. Reports suggested that representatives from OpTic India were aware of forsaken’s cheating. Ultimately, Kumawat admitted to using cheats and apologised for his actions before the ESIC announcement.