The Vietnamese Championship Series (VCS), a prominent tournament in the regional League of Legends esports circuit, has been thrust into the spotlight following allegations of match-fixing that have prompted an investigation by Riot Games. The unfolding scandal has delayed the playoffs and final rounds of the competition, casting a shadow over the integrity of esports in the region.
At the heart of the investigation is an unprecedented move by Riot Games, which has temporarily suspended 32 players across all eight teams participating in the VCS. This dramatic action was taken after all teams were summoned to the VCS broadcast studio for an in-depth investigation into the allegations.
Sweeping Suspensions
The scale of the investigation is vast, with up to 80% of VCS players under scrutiny for match-fixing. Those momentarily removed from play include:
- 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 and Reactions
The scandal threatens not only the VCS's standing in the global esports community but also the reputations of the teams and players involved. Esports manager Chris Smith expressed shock at the allegations, emphasizing the potential for significant damage to the Vietnamese esports scene. Meanwhile, commentator Isaac Cummings Bentley pointed to financial difficulties faced by players as a possible contributing factor, suggesting that inadequate salaries might push players towards unethical means of supplementing their income.
The fallout from the investigation has prompted speculation about the future structure of the VCS, including a potential merger with another region, similar to the previous amalgamation of the Oceanian League with the NA LCS. The precedent for such a move raises questions about the viability of maintaining the VCS as an independent entity.
Teams' Stances and the Road Ahead
In the wake of the controversy, teams have taken varying stances. The Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports acknowledged the investigation's impact on their operations, while Team Whales dissolved its agreements with players BeanJ and Gloryy, who have expressed a desire to clear their names. On the other hand, Cerberus Esports has vocally supported their players, asserting their innocence and committing to cooperate with the investigation.
The scandal has cast a pall over the VCS's participation in the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), with uncertainty looming over the league's ability to field a competitive team. Despite the turmoil, the league's organizers have promised prompt updates on the resumption of the competition.
This scandal in the VCS serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the burgeoning esports industry, highlighting the necessity of robust mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of competitions. As the investigation unfolds, the global esports community will be watching closely, hopeful for resolutions that can restore trust and confidence in the cherished institution of competitive gaming.