The integrity of competitive esports faces a significant challenge as a match-fixing scandal engulfs the regional League of Legends scene, particularly the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS). This development has put the series' playoff and finals on an indefinite hold. Riot Games, the publisher behind League of Legends, has taken the unprecedented step of temporarily suspending 32 players across all eight teams participating in the tournament. This move comes as part of a wider investigation into allegations of match-fixing that appears to involve a staggering 80% of professional players in the VCS.
Comprehensive Investigative Measures
In an effort to address these allegations head-on, Riot Games summoned representatives from all eight VCS teams to the broadcast studio. This drastic measure underscores the seriousness with which the organization views the integrity of its competitions. The temporary suspension of such a significant portion of the league's players is a testament to Riot's commitment to fair play and the overall health of the esports ecosystem.
Suspended Players Across the Board
The list of suspended players encompasses a wide range of roles and 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.
The Repercussions on Esports
The fallout from this scandal touches not only the VCS but also casts a long shadow over the global esports landscape. Chris Smith, a prominent esports manager, expressed his shock and concern regarding the potential damage this controversy could inflict on the reputation of the Vietnamese esports scene. Similarly, Isaac Cummings Bentley, another well-known figure within the esports community, pointed out a possible connection between match-fixing and the financial struggles faced by players. He hypothesized that insufficient salaries might drive some individuals to seek alternative revenue streams, thereby entangling them in unethical practices.
Teams Under Investigation
In light of these allegations, both Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have disclosed that they are under investigation and will temporarily cease competition. Team Whales has terminated its agreement with two of its players, BeanJ and Gloryy, at their request, as they seek to clear their names. Meanwhile, Cerberus Esports stands by its players, firmly believing in their innocence and vowing to collaborate with the investigative committee to vindicate them.
This scandal has fostered an environment of speculation and uncertainty, particularly regarding the VCS's involvement in forthcoming international competitions, such as the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Rumors of a potential merger with another region further complicate matters, drawing parallels to previous consolidations within the esports scene.
The implications of this investigation are far-reaching, threatening not only the immediate future of the VCS but also the integrity of esports as a competitive discipline. As the situation develops, the global community eagerly awaits updates from Riot Games and the league's organizers, hoping for a resolution that maintains the fair play and competitive spirit at the heart of esports.