After more than a decade of anticipation, Valve has finally lifted the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) ban on Josh “steel” Nissan. This marks a pivotal moment in esports history, offering the former iBUYPOWER player a shot at redemption. Fans are eager to see whether steel will make a triumphant return to the competitive Counter-Strike scene or pursue other opportunities in the gaming world.
A Look Back: Why Was Steel Banned?
The story dates back to 2014, during Season 5 of the CEVO Professional League. Steel, along with his teammates from iBUYPOWER, was embroiled in a match-fixing scandal that rocked the esports community.
Despite being strong favorites to win, iBUYPOWER intentionally lost to Netcodeguides.com. Investigations revealed that players had placed bets against themselves, profiting significantly from the fixed outcome.
Key Players Involved:
- Josh “steel” Nissan
- Braxton “swag” Pierce
- Keven “AZK” Larivière
- Sam “DaZeD” Marine
The aftermath resulted in lifetime bans for those involved, except for Tyler “Skadoodle” Latham, who was found uninvolved.
From Permanent Ban to Redemption
Initially, the bans were viewed as permanent. However, growing debates about fairness led to adjustments in the rules. By 2017, major tournament organizers like ESL and DreamHack eased restrictions, enabling banned players to participate in non-Valve-sponsored events.
Despite the changes, steel and others were still excluded from major Valve tournaments—the pinnacle of Counter-Strike competition. This limitation pushed steel to explore new horizons, including a transition to Valorant in 2020, where he enjoyed consistent success.
The Comeback: Valve Lifts the Ban
As of January 29, 2025, Valve has officially lifted steel’s ban, granting him eligibility to compete in CS2 tournaments. This decision paves the way for steel—and potentially other banned players—to reclaim their spots in the Counter-Strike scene.
What’s Next for Steel?
Steel has expressed enthusiasm about returning to Counter-Strike if the right opportunity arises. In a recent interview, he hinted at his willingness to join competitive CS2, provided he finds the right team and platform to showcase his skills.
Given his success in Valorant, however, fans are curious whether steel will split his focus between both games or commit entirely to one. Either way, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for his career.
Steel’s return highlights the evolving landscape of esports and Valve’s willingness to revisit past decisions. His story serves as a reminder of redemption and second chances, not just for him but for others impacted by similar controversies.
With the ban officially lifted, the spotlight is back on steel. Fans eagerly await announcements about his next move—whether it’s dominating CS2 tournaments, continuing his Valorant journey, or possibly balancing both.
