The regional League of Legends esports scene is currently embroiled in what could be one of the most significant match-fixing scandals to date. Last week, the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), a pivotal tournament in the global esports arena, was abruptly put on pause. The reason? A comprehensive investigation into several teams for allegations of match-fixing, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the playoffs and finals.
In an unprecedented move, Riot Games, the organizer behind VCS, summoned representatives from all eight teams participating in the tournament to the VCS broadcast studio. Following this gathering, a shocking announcement was made: 32 players across all teams were temporarily suspended. This decision marks a stark moment in the competition's history, underscoring the severity of the situation.
A Vast Investigation Underway
Remarkably, up to 80% of VCS players are now under scrutiny for their involvement in match-fixing, a figure that highlights the depth of the issue within the league. The list of suspended players spans across the entire league, touching nearly every team involved in the competition:
- 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).
The Implications for Esports
The ramifications of this scandal extend far beyond the temporary suspension of players. Esports managers and commentators alike have voiced their concerns and disbelief over the unfolding events. Chris Smith, a notable figure in the North American esports scene, expressed his astonishment and worry about the long-term impact this could have on the reputation of Vietnamese esports. Meanwhile, Isaac Cummings Bentley, another respected voice in the community, speculated on a potential link between the match-fixing allegations and the financial hardships faced by players. He suggested that inadequate salaries might be driving players towards unethical means to supplement their income, emphasizing the issue is not isolated to VCS but prevalent in various esports leagues worldwide where financial support for players is lacking.
There's also speculation about the future structure of the VCS. Discussions about a possible merger with another regional league have surfaced, reminiscent of the merger between the Oceanian League and the NA LCS. Such a move could drastically alter the landscape of competitive League of Legends, potentially leaving the VCS as a significantly different entity.
Response to the scandal has varied across teams. Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports, in statements released on Reddit, confirmed that they are under investigation and will cease competition for the time being. Team Whales went a step further by terminating its agreement with BeanJ and Gloryy, who have both expressed their commitment to proving their innocence. Cerberus Esports, on the other hand, steadfastly supports its players, firmly believing in their innocence and pledging cooperation with the investigative committee.
As the esports community reels from this scandal, the future involvement of the VCS in upcoming international competitions, such as the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), remains uncertain. Organizers have assured that updates on the resumption of the competition will be provided, but the cloud of doubt and speculation continues to hang over the league. The next steps taken by Riot Games, the teams, and the players themselves will be crucial in determining not only the outcome of this investigation but also the long-term integrity and reputation of the VCS and esports at large.