Match-Fixing Scandal Rocks Vietnam Championship Series (VCS) Esports

In an unprecedented turn of events, the regional League of Legends esports scene, particularly the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), has come under scrutiny due to a supposed match-fixing scandal. This development has left the esports community in disbelief and raised concerns about the future of the VCS and its reputation on the global stage.

Just last week, the VCS saw an abrupt pause in its schedule as investigations were launched into allegations of match-fixing among its teams. This delay has affected the playoffs and finals, creating a cloud of uncertainty over the series. Riot Games, the organization behind League of Legends and the VCS, took an extraordinary step by summoning all eight teams involved in the tournament to the VCS broadcast studio for a thorough investigation.

As a result of the initial findings, an astounding 32 players across all participating teams have been temporarily suspended. This figure represents up to 80% of all professional players in the VCS, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Players Suspended in the Wake of Scandal

The list of suspended players is extensive:

  • 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 scandal has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the VCS, a cornerstone of the global esports landscape. Esports managers and commentators within the community have expressed their shock and concern. Chris Smith, an esports manager well-known in North American broadcasts, voiced his disbelief and worry about the potential lasting damage to the Vietnamese esports scene's reputation. Isaac Cummings Bentley, another prominent figure in esports commentary, pointed to financial struggles faced by players as a likely catalyst for match-fixing. Bentley highlighted the desperation that can arise when players' salaries do not meet their basic needs, driving them towards unethical measures to supplement their income.

The scandal has prompted discussions about the future structure of the VCS, including speculation about a potential merger with another esports region, drawing parallels to the merger between the Oceanian League and the NA LCS. The unfolding situation also casts doubt on the VCS's participation in the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational (MSI).

In responses to the investigations, teams have been proactive. Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have publicly acknowledged being under investigation and have ceased competition for the time being. Team Whales went as far as ending its agreement with members BeanJ and Gloryy, who have expressed their intent to prove their innocence. Cerberus Esports, on the other hand, stands by its players, believing in their innocence and committing to collaborate with the investigation committee to prove it.

The league has assured the public that it will provide updates on the resumption of the competition and its future actions regarding the scandal. However, the esports community remains on edge as it watches one of its premier leagues navigate through this unprecedented challenge.

As the VCS grapples with these serious allegations, the global esports ecosystem watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only addresses the current scandal but also fortifies the integrity of the sport. The outcome of this investigation could very well shape the future of League of Legends esports, particularly in the VCS region, and influence how professional esports leagues around the world tackle the menace of match-fixing.