The competitive realm of League of Legends in Vietnam has been marred by a scandal of significant proportions, casting a shadow over the integrity of the game and its athletes in the region. The Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), a cornerstone of the Southeast Asian esports scene, has been abruptly halted due to allegations of match-fixing, disrupting the playoff schedule and casting uncertainty on the finals.
In an unprecedented move, Riot Games summoned representatives from all eight VCS teams to the series' broadcast studio to commence a thorough investigation into the claims. The outcome was shocking: a temporary suspension was levied against 32 players across the league, showcasing the gravity of the situation.
Widespread Investigations
The scope of the ongoing investigations is staggering, with reports suggesting that up to 80% of VCS players are being scrutinized for potential involvement in match-fixing activities. The list of suspended players spans across the league, affecting teams to varying degrees:
- 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.
- And others, touching nearly every corner of the league.
The impact of this scandal goes beyond the immediate suspensions and investigations. There's mounting concern regarding how this situation could tarnish the reputation of Vietnamese esports, which has been gaining international recognition in recent years.
Community and Industry Reactions
The esports community and industry insiders have expressed both shock and concern over the developments. Esports manager Chris Smith voiced his disbelief, emphasizing the potential reputational damage this scandal could inflict on the Vietnamese esports scene. Meanwhile, Isaac Cummings Bentley highlighted a possible link between the match-fixing and the financial struggles faced by players, suggesting that inadequate salaries could push players toward unethical sources of income.
Speculation is rife about the future of VCS, with discussions around a possible merger with another regional league, a move reminiscent of the amalgamation of the Oceanian League with the NA LCS. Teams including Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have publicly acknowledged their involvement in the investigation, with the latter ceasing competition temporarily.
Moreover, the ripple effects of this scandal have led to personal decisions within teams, notably Team Whales, which parted ways with players BeanJ and Gloryy upon their request — both of whom are eager to prove their innocence.
Looking Forward
The question looming over the VCS and its stakeholders is how to restore trust and integrity within the league. Cerberus Esports stands by their players, planning to collaborate with investigative bodies to demonstrate their innocence. However, the broader implications of the scandal raise concerns about the competitive landscape of the VCS moving forward, particularly regarding its participation in upcoming international events like the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI).
As the investigation continues, the esport's governing bodies, teams, and the wider community are left to ponder the measures needed to prevent such incidents in the future. The scandal emphasizes the importance of transparency, fair play, and adequate support for professional gamers, ensuring that esports remain a competitive and, most importantly, clean sport.
With the VCS at a pivotal moment, the forthcoming decisions by Riot Games and other stakeholders will be crucial in shaping the future of League of Legends in Vietnam. As the esports world watches closely, there's hope that the resolution of this scandal will lead to a stronger, more resilient VCS, capable of not just overcoming this challenge but thriving beyond it.