The regional League of Legends eSports scene is currently embroiled in a match-fixing scandal that has sent shockwaves throughout the community. Last week, the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), a pivotal tournament in the eSports landscape, had to be postponed. This decision was made in order to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of match-fixing by several participating teams, thus delaying the much-anticipated playoffs and finals.
In an unprecedented move, Riot Games summoned representatives from all eight teams involved in the tournament to the VCS broadcast studio for a meticulous examination. As a result of these initial findings, Riot Games announced the temporary suspension of 32 players across all VCS teams, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Extensive Scope of Investigation
Currently, up to 80% of VCS players are under investigation for their involvement in match-fixing activities. This extensive probe underscores the significant implications for the integrity of eSports in the region and potentially worldwide.
The list of suspended players is as follows:
- Rainbow Warriors: Ky Vuong / Raze, Hoang Nghia / HinieeeC, Trung Hieu / Hyo, Anh Kiet / Yuki, Dinh Khoi / Spot, Van Hau / Artifact, Quoc Hung / K1ller, and Trong Tri / 2T.
- GAM Esports: Đỗ Đình Sang / Blazes and Lê Viết Huy / Pyshiro.
- Team Flash: Lê Minh Dũng / Dzung, Đinh Bùi Quốc Cường / Marcus, Lê Ngọc Toàn / Draktharr, Nguyễn Hoàng Khánh / Jane, and Lương Thành Tài / Puddin.
- Team Secret: Hoàng Công Nghĩa / Eddie and Quách Khánh Hoàng / Qiang.
- Vikings Esports: Lương Hải Long / Gury, Nguyễn Vũ Khang Nguyên / Bunn, Võ Văn Phi / Kairi, and Ngô Đức Khánh / Kratos.
- Cerberus Esports: Nguyễn Đăng Khoa / Pun, Trần Bảo Quang / Ikigai, Nguyễn Hoàng Phú / Richard I, and Nguyễn Huy Hùng / Slowz.
- MGN Blue Esports: Nguyễn Minh Hào / Sorn, Bùi Văn Minh Hải / Froggy, Võ Hoàng Lê Khang / Ryuk, Đào Văn Tuấn / Rigel, and Tiêu Quốc Lương / Zodiac.
- Team Whales: Trần Văn Chính / BeanJ and Lê Ngọc Vinh / Gloryy.
Repercussions on eSports Reputation
The VCS is considered a cornerstone of the worldwide eSports ecosystem, and this scandal poses a serious threat not only to its reputation but to the integrity of eSports competitions globally. Prominent eSports manager Chris Smith expressed his astonishment at the unfolding events, indicating the potential for long-term damage to the Vietnamese eSports scene. Similarly, Isaac Cummings Bentley, who has provided commentary for countless games alongside Smith, pointed to financial struggles faced by players as a likely catalyst for their involvement in match-fixing. He argued that insufficient salaries might drive players toward unethical means of supplementing their income, a scenario often observed in leagues where financial rewards fail to meet basic needs.
There is now considerable speculation regarding the future of the VCS, including rumors of a potential merger with another region. This would not be without precedent; Riot previously merged the Oceanian League with the NA LCS, indicating that structural changes are a possible recourse in times of crisis.
Among the teams under scrutiny, Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have publicly acknowledged their ongoing investigations and have temporarilly halted all competition activities. Meanwhile, Team Whales has terminated its contract with players BeanJ and Gloryy, who expressed a desire to clear their names independently. Cerberus Esports stands by their players, firmly believing in their innocence and pledging cooperation with the investigative authorities to demonstrate this.
The future of the VCS's participation in upcoming international competitions, such as the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), remains uncertain amid these developments. However, the league's organizers have promised to keep the community informed about when and how the competition will resume.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges facing the eSports industry, particularly regarding the integrity of its competitions. As the investigation continues, the eSports community awaits with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that will restore faith in the beloved sport.