feature-image
feature-image

A CS:GO player finally logged back into the game after getting banned for phishing, and all thanks go to Valve’s CEO Gabe Logan Newell.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

It is no secret that CS:GO has one of the biggest online communities worldwide. This is because the game always remained ahead of its time, alluring millions of players to spend countless hours. Plus, Valve added an exciting yet expensive cosmetics store that was always up for debate. Mainly because of its cost and the company’s rigorous TOS, which instantly banned players if found violating the rules. 

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

A major example of this can be traced back to 2014 when a CS:GO player was banned over phishing. Apparently, the user made a ‘flip knife’ deal on the internet, leading to an instant ban. However, Valve’s CEO later stepped in to help him out as it was a matter of simple misunderstandings. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Valve CEO shares helping hand to an avid CS:GO player; helps to un-ban his account

In 2014, an avid CS:GO player was on his way for a new purchase. He had his eyes fixed on a flip knife and wanted to become an instant owner. So, in excitement, he made an anonymous deal on the internet from his account, Waddle Waddle Duck. The deal went smoothly with the Reddit user being able to use the knife in the game. 

ADVERTISEMENT

DIVE DEEPER: CSGO Veteran pashaBiceps’ 1800 Kms Paris Majors Journey Comes to a Disheartening End.

ADVERTISEMENT

But hours later, his excitement turned into fear as an anonymous user claimed it to be originally stolen. To shed light on Valve’s TOS regarding this, the franchise puts an instant ban on such accounts. And with this account violating the terms, Duck’s account got locked up under phishing and hacking. 

So, like every other gamer, Waddle reached out to the support page, only to get turned down multiple times. And with time passing, he kept on losing hope. Two years later, the CS:GO enthusiast had a unique idea that involved the CEO himself. He wrote an email to Gabe Logan Newell, the mastermind behind Valve’s success. Hours later, Gabe did his magic and unbanned his account, stating that he wasn’t at fault. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch this Story | Best FPS games on PlayStation, XBOX, and PC

After all, if we logically look at it, Waddle had no clue whether the knife was a stolen item or not. He paid the full price asked and shifted it to his account. So, Waddle’s honestly brought him back to the world of CS:GO and the best part was, it was the CEO bringing him back itself. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Atharv Phadke

1,016 Articles

Atharv Phadke is a Senior Olympics Journalist and Content Head for the division at EssentiallySports, known for his in-depth interviews and sweeping features that capture the soul of sport. A former international swimmer boasting over 300 medals, Atharv draws on his competitive roots to fuse journalistic precision with an athlete’s empathy and insight. With a master’s degree in journalism and over five years of on-ground experience, he leads the ES Olympics division with a balance of Newsroom vision and competitive drive. He was at the helm of EssentiallySports’ dynamic Paris 2024 Olympics coverage, curating stories in collaboration with the on-ground team. His research helped in capturing both the thrill of victory and the humanity at the heart of competition. Throughout his career, Atharv has engaged in exclusive conversations with sporting icons such as Anita Alvarez, Joe Choong, Griffin Colapinto, Ezra Frech, Jim “The Shark” Dreyer, and Amouranth, providing audiences with rare, intimate glimpses into their worlds. His standout coverage includes a deeply personal conversation with Noah Lyles, where the world champion opened up about his bond with his mother and the emotions behind his journey. Atharv also led EssentiallySports' Paralympics coverage, and has been at the helm of Essentially Athletics, our dedicated track and field newsletter with a mission to change traditional storytelling and celebrate the sport.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Akash Pandhare

ADVERTISEMENT