Babybay (Flex) caught cheating in CSGO: Valorant Pro player ban in CS ESports

You know, in the world of esports, reputation is everything. One day you are a top level hero, and the next, you are an outcast. If you follow the competitive scene in Valorant or used to watch the Overwatch League (OWL), you definitely know the name Andrej "Babybay" Francisty. He is known for his aggressive "smeag" playstyle, his flex role, and his massive popularity. But there is a dark chapter in his history that many new fans miss: the Babybay cheating CSGO scandal.

Honestly, it is rare to see former cheaters get a second chance. Usually, a ban ends it all. But Babybay’s story is different. It is a story of a Tier 3 struggle, a stupid mistake, and eventual redemption. Let’s dive deep into what actually happened, how he was caught cheating, and how he managed to turn his career around.

Who is Babybay? From CS to Valorant Star

Before we get into the dirt, let's look at the player. Andrej Francisty wasn't always the flashy pro we see on YouTube or Twitch. Back in the day, he was just a kid trying to compete in the brutal CS (Counter-Strike) scene.

He had the mechanics, the aimbot-like natural aim (ironic, right?), and the drive. Aimbots in online games are getting better and better every day, but like many young talents stuck in Tier 2 or 3, he hit a wall. And this is where the story gets spicy. 

The Core Issue: Babybay CSGO Cheating Scandal

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Babybay CSGO cheating. Yes, it happened. This isn't just an internet rumor where people falsely accuse a skilled player. Andrej himself has admitted it.

How He Got Caught Cheating

It happened during an ESEA match. For those who don't know, ESEA (E-Sports Entertainment Association) has an anti-cheat system that is often more intrusive and stricter than Valve's own VAC.

When Babybay was playing official matches in Crossfire and later transitioning to CS:GO, the pressure to perform was insane. He wasn't in a top org yet; he was grinding. According to the lore and his own admissions, he toggled software during a match. The result? He was caught cheating by the anti-cheat system.

It wasn't a sophisticated private cheat like we have today at VRedux. It was a moment of weakness. The punishment was swift: a ban from ESEA. While some rumors say he was banned live on stream, the reality is that the ban hammer dropped, and his CS:GO career was effectively over before it truly began.

The "Once a Cheater, Always a Cheater" Stigma

There is a saying in the community: "always a cheater." It implies that if you cheat once, you have no integrity. When the news broke, the forums exploded. People labeled him a cheater, and for good reason. Using illegal software in a match destroys the sport aspect of the game.

He tried to make an excuse initially—many do—but eventually, he owned up to it. He admitted he was young, dumb, and frustrated with the struggle to break through.

Transition to Overwatch and League Success

Most players would retirement (retire) right there. But Andrej switched lanes. He moved to Overwatch, a game that was just exploding.

This is where his ability really shined. Blizzard's league, the OWL, had different rules. Since his ban was in a Valve game and on a third-party platform (ESEA), Blizzard decided not to eliminate him from competition. They chose to forgive, provided he kept his nose clean. Want to learn more about modern anticheat systems? Check out our guide.

The Rise of "Smeag" and the Babybay Challenge

In Overwatch, playing for the San Francisco Shock and Atlanta Reign, he became a talent powerhouse. He wasn't just a player; he was a personality. The babybaychallenge went viral on Twitter and YouTube. It was a joke pose he did, and suddenly everyone from fans to other pros was doing it.

This popularity helped bury the old search results for "Babybay cheating CSGO". He became the "King of Smeag"—a term he coined for aggressive, confident play. He helped promote the league just by being himself.

Valorant: The Final Redemption?

When Valorant dropped (Project A), many former Overwatch and CS players migrated. Babybay joined FaZe Clan, a massive org.

Here is where the stats and ranking mattered more than his past. In the VCT (Valorant Champions Tour), he proved he didn't need a cheat to dominate. His Jett plays were insane. He could defeat top teams purely on game sense and raw aim.

However, the shadow of his past sometimes resurfaced. Whenever he hit a suspicious shot, chat would spam "VAC" or "Check his PC." But by then, he had proven himself on LAN. The competitive drive was real.

Comparing His Eras

Why Do Players Cheat? (And How to Do It Right)

Why did he do it?

• The struggle to reach the top is real. In the niche world of semi-pro gaming, one loss can mean you get kick-ed from a team. The pressure leads to bad decisions.
• Some players turn to match-fixing (throwing games for money), like the infamous iBUYPOWER scandal. Others, like Babybay, turn to software to get an edge.

Here is my take: Cheating in official matches or tournament play is wrong. It ruins the integrity of the esports coverage featuring news and the game itself. However, using cheats in HvH (Hack vs Hack) servers or for learning game mechanics is a different story.

If you are interested in how cheats actually work—how an aimbot locks on or how visuals work—don't use detected public garbage that gets you banned like Babybay in 2014. I recommend you check out the private cheat VRedux for CS2. It allows you to explore the game's limits safely on secured servers without ruining your main account's reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Was Babybay banned by Valve (VAC)?

Yes, he has a VAC ban on record from his CS days, in addition to the ESEA ban. This is why he couldn't compete in Valve-sponsored Majors, forcing his switch to other titles.

Did Babybay cheat in Valorant?

No. In Valorant, he played under strict scrutiny. Riot Games' Vanguard is tough, and playing for FaZe meant he was watched closely. He relied on his talent and experience.

What was the "Babybay challenge"?

It was a viral trend where people copied his signature pose—arms crossed, looking cool. It helped solidify his brand beyond just being a "former cheater."

Does the community forgive him?

Mostly, yes. While some purists say a cheater is prone to repeat offenses, his long, clean career in OWL and VCT has earned him redemption.

Conclusion

The story of Babybay CS:GO cheating is a lesson for every gamer. It shows that a ban is a serious defeat, but it doesn't have to be the end if you are willing to work hard and change. Andrej Francisty went from a disgraced Tier 3 player to a top level esports celebrity.

He didn't let the got banned label define him forever. He pivoted, grinded, and built a legitimate career.

However, not everyone gets that lucky. If you mess with Valve or ESEA protections without the right tools, you will lose your account. Crucial advice: play fair in competitive, but if you want to have fun and dominate in casual or community servers, make sure you are using high-quality software like VRedux to avoid the "Babybay treatment."

Keep an eye on the schedule for upcoming matches, watch the pros, and learn from their mistakes. Whether you accuse him or love him, you have to respect the hustle.