7. Violations & Penalties
Cheating
- Aimbot/wallhack: Use of any aim assistance or information-revealing software — permanent ban
- Match fixing: Deliberately losing or manipulating outcomes for gambling — permanent ban
- Bug exploitation: Intentional use of map exploits or game bugs — round loss, map forfeit, or disqualification
- Coach spectating abuse: Exploiting spectator camera during live rounds — coach ban
Publisher / ESIC Bans
Under Section 5.9 (Publisher or ESIC Bans) of the ESL Pro Tour Rulebook 2026 Update #2, a player who receives a Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) ban is now suspended from ESL FACEIT Group competitions for five years, up from the two-year suspension that applied under the prior edition. This brings VAC-ban handling in line with EFG's standard cheating-ban duration, though the duration may be adjusted downward for mitigating factors or upward for aggravating circumstances.
Sponsorship & Branding Restrictions
The ESL Pro Tour Rulebook 2026 Update #2 added new restrictions barring skin-gambling, skin-trading, and other non-compliant skin-related platforms from appearing in tournament broadcasts, overlays, banners, jersey branding, or any other official event integration at EFG-operated events.
Conduct Violations
- Verbal abuse: Harassment of players, staff, or officials — warning to fine
- Unsportsmanlike conduct: Excessive celebration, taunting, or disruptive behavior — warning to suspension
- Betting violations: Players or staff betting on matches they can influence — suspension to permanent ban
Penalty Tiers
- Verbal warning
- Round or map forfeiture
- Monetary fine
- Tournament disqualification
- Temporary competitive ban (months to years)
- Permanent ban from Valve-sanctioned events