The regional League of Legends esports scene has recently been rocked by a purported match-fixing scandal, casting a shadow over the integrity of competitive play. Last week, the unfolding controversy forced a temporary halt to the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), delaying the much-anticipated playoffs and finals as investigations commenced.
Riot Games, the developer behind League of Legends and organizer of the VCS, summoned representatives from all eight teams participating in the tournament to the VCS broadcast studio for a thorough investigation. Subsequently, the company announced the temporary suspension of 32 players across the participating teams, marking a dramatic turn of events in the league's history.
Detailed Suspensions and Investigations
An astonishing 80% of VCS players are currently under investigation for match-fixing. The following is an updated list of suspended players, detailed by their team affiliation:
- 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 the Esports Landscape
The VCS occupies a significant place in the global esports ecosystem, contributing outstanding talent and thrilling competition. The current scandal poses a substantial threat to its esteemed reputation. Renowned esports manager Chris Smith expressed his shock at the development, highlighting concerns about the potential long-lasting damage to the Vietnamese esports scene.
Isaac Cummings Bentley, a prominent commentator alongside Smith, pointed out a likely connection between match-fixing activities and the financial difficulties faced by players. He suggested that players might turn to match-fixing as a side income when their salaries fall short of covering basic needs. This issue, according to Bentley, is prevalent in leagues where the financial compensation is insufficient, putting the integrity of competitive sports at risk.
Amidst the turmoil, there is speculation about the future of the VCS. Discussions of a potential merger with another region have surfaced, drawing parallels to the past integration of the Oceanian League with the NA LCS. Such a move could have far-reaching implications for the structure and competitive dynamics of regional esports leagues.
Team and Player Reactions
In light of the investigation, Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports publicly disclosed their involvement in the inquiry, agreeing to a temporary halt in competition. Team Whales have terminated their agreements with players BeanJ and Gloryy, who, in turn, have expressed their eagerness to clear their names. Cerberus Esports stands by their players, confidently stating their belief in their innocence and their commitment to cooperating with the investigating body.
The scandal has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the VCS's participation in upcoming international events, notably the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). The league organizers have promised to keep fans and stakeholders informed about the resumption of play and any changes to team compositions or the league's structure.
In the face of adversity, the global League of Legends community watches closely, hoping for a fair resolution and a return to the integrity and competitive spirit that define esports at its best. The next steps taken by Riot Games and the VCS will be crucial in safeguarding the future of the Vietnamese esports scene and its standing on the world stage.