The regional League of Legends esports scene has been rocked by a significant match-fixing scandal, casting a shadow over the integrity of the competition. Last week, the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), a linchpin in the global esports ecosystem, was abruptly halted to facilitate a thorough investigation into allegations of match-fixing among its teams. This unexpected move has delayed the highly anticipated playoffs and finals, triggering a wave of concern across the esports community.
Riot Games, the organizer behind VCS, took an unprecedented step by summoning representatives from all eight tournament teams to the VCS broadcast studio for an in-depth investigation. As a result of preliminary findings, a staggering 32 players from across all teams have been temporarily suspended, indicating the severity of the situation.
Widespread Investigations
Shockingly, up to 80% of VCS players are currently under scrutiny for potential involvement in match-fixing activities. The provisional suspension list encompasses players from various teams, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue:
- 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.
- And others from Vikings Esports, Cerberus Esports, MGN Blue Esports, and Team Whales, underscoring the extensive ramifications of the scandal.
The ongoing investigations and subsequent suspensions have raised concerns not only about the immediate future of the VCS but also about the broader implications for the reputation and integrity of esports as a whole.
Community Reaction and Consequences
Esports managers and commentators have been vocal about their shock and concern regarding the scandal. Chris Smith, a noted figure in the NA broadcasts, expressed disbelief and worry that the Vietnamese esports scene could suffer long-term damage to its credibility. Isaac Cummings Bentley, who has lent his voice to many games alongside Smith, pointed to a probable connection between the match-fixing allegations and the financial struggles faced by players. Bentley suggested that inadequate salaries might compel players to seek alternative revenue streams, a situation common in less lucrative esports leagues.
Speculation about the scandal's impact on the VCS is rife, with discussions ranging from the potential influx of replacement players to the possibility of merging the VCS with another region. The latter would not be without precedent, recalling the merger of the Oceanian League with the NA LCS. The gravity of the situation is further compounded by the uncertainty regarding the VCS's participation in the upcoming MSI, a prestigious international tournament, casting doubts over the region's representation on the global stage.
In light of these developments, Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have publicly acknowledged their ongoing investigations, opting to cease competition for the time being. Team Whales took the additional step of terminating its agreements with BeanJ and Gloryy, both of whom have expressed a keen interest in clearing their names. Cerberus Esports, meanwhile, stands by its players, professing their innocence and pledging cooperation with the investigatory body to verify their claims.
The organizers of the VCS remain committed to transparency, promising updates on the resumption of the competition as the investigation proceeds. However, the esports community is left to ponder the long-term implications of these events, not just for the players and teams involved, but for the integrity and perception of esports worldwide.
As the situation unfolds, the esports world watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that maintains the competitive spirit and integrity of the sport. The scandal underscores the ongoing challenges faced by esports in establishing robust mechanisms to safeguard against unethical conduct, ensuring that the journey from niche entertainment to mainstream sporting competition continues unimpeded.