In recent developments that have left the regional League of Legends esports community in shock, a purported match-fixing scandal has emerged, putting the integrity of the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS) in jeopardy. The event has shed light on serious issues within the esports world and has sparked an array of reactions from various stakeholders.
Last week, the competitive scene was brought to a sudden halt when Riot Games, the organizer of the VCS, initiated an investigation into alleged match-fixing activities involving the teams. The playoffs and finals were subsequently delayed, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the tournament’s conclusion. Riot Games compelled all eight participating teams to report to the VCS broadcast studio for a comprehensive investigation, leading to the temporary suspension of 32 players across these teams.
An Unprecedented Scale of Investigation
The scope of the scandal is remarkable, with up to 80% of VCS players currently under investigation for their involvement in match-fixing. The updated 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 the Esports Community
The severity of this scandal has the potential to tarnish the reputation of the VCS, which is considered a vital player in the global esports arena. Industry professionals, including Esports manager Chris Smith and commentator Isaac Cummings Bentley, have voiced their concerns and insights. Smith expressed his shock at the developments, worried about the adverse impact on the Vietnamese esports scene's reputation. On the other hand, Bentley highlighted the likely connection between the match-fixing and the financial hardships faced by the players, suggesting that inadequate salaries might be driving them towards such unethical actions.
The scandal has prompted discussions about potential significant changes within the esports structure, including a proposed merger of the VCS with another region. This idea mirrors the previous merger of the Oceanian League with the North American LCS, signaling a potentially radical realignment provoked by these allegations.
Teams such as Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have publicly stated their cooperation with the ongoing investigation, even going as far as pausing their competition. Meanwhile, Team Whales and Cerberus Esports have taken divergent paths in response to the accusations against their players, with the former terminating its agreement with the implicated members and the latter asserting their players' innocence.
The unfolding situation casts a cloud of uncertainty over the VCS's participation in the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), leaving fans and stakeholders in suspense about the future of the league and its players.
As the esports community reels from the implications of this scandal, the focus shifts to the measures that Riot Games and the broader industry will adopt to address the underlying issues. The situation underscores the need for stronger oversight, player support, and preventive mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of esports competitions. With the investigation still ongoing, the esports world waits with bated breath for updates on the resumption of the VCS competition and the long-term repercussions of this unprecedented scandal.