In Counter-Strike, it’s common for skin traders to lend high-tier weapon skins to professional players, allowing them to showcase exclusive, eye-catching skins during live broadcasts – provided they are returned afterward.
Norwegian professional Counter-Strike 2 player Joakim "jkaem" Myrbostad has been publicly accused of misappropriating over $10,000 worth of in-game skins from a trader known as "erlsan". This debt reportedly originates from loans provided during the Paris Major tournament. Specifically, jkaem is now accused of having gambled away the skins borrowed from erlsan without returning them. According to erlsan, jkaem later pledged to "upgrade" the skins as compensation. Despite these assurances, after two years, erlsan claims to have received only $1,000 of the $11,000 total debt as of March 15, 2025.
Trader Goes Public After Long Wait
Frustrated by the prolonged delay and perceived excuses, erlsan took to social media platform X to voice his grievances:
In march 2023 i lent out skins to @jkaem to play with during the Paris major (now worth 11k usd). Months later he had gambled my skins away. After a year of excuses, lies and deceits i have no choice left but to go public with this. 1/5 pic.twitter.com/8wSlwiRDuE
— Magnus (@erlsan) March 26, 2025
The public disclosure prompted jkaem to issue a statement, acknowledging his misconduct:
Hey.I don't have any excuses. I fucked up bad and there is more than one case. I will pay back everything to everyone I owe money/skins. I was an idiot honestly. I take full responsibility and I own my mistakes. (1/4)
— jkaem (@jkaem) March 26, 2025
BC.Game Responds As Jkaem Vows to Repay Debts
In response to the controversy, jkaem mentioned that his team, BC.Game, is stepping in to help resolve the situation:
"Together with the BC team we are sitting down and taking this very serious. They want to help me fix the damage I have caused to everyone involved. I am being honest and open with them about my issues and how we have ended here."
BC.Game, a prominent cryptocurrency i-Gaming platform, has faced its own set of controversies. In late 2024, the company was involved in legal disputes initiated by some players alleging platform misconduct. The organization denied these claims and stated that they remained committed to transparency and compliance.
Statement from BC Game Esports. pic.twitter.com/ewFIzSqzw6
— BC.Game Esports (@BCGameEsports) March 26, 2025
The incident with jkaem has sparked broader discussions within the esports and skin trading communities. Notably, Danish skin trader zipeL has spoken out, stating that there are more victims, and that jkaem needs professional help for his gambling addiction.
By tangled up in a lot more i am referring to vicious lending cycles. It is actually very interesting that this has not come to light before as this is not an isolated case, clearly.
— zipeL (@zipelCS) March 26, 2025
This situation highlights the risks associated with the informal practice of skin lending in the esports industry and raises concerns about the responsibilities of professional players and the platforms that support them.