The integrity of the esports arena has been put to the test following allegations of a match-fixing scandal that has rocked the regional League of Legends scene. The incident centered around the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), a staple in the global esports landscape, has raised questions about the conduct of players and the future framework of regional operations within the esports ecosystem.
Last week, an unsettling pause was imposed on the VCS as investigations into allegations of match-fixing by teams were initiated. This unexpected halt delayed the anticipated playoffs and finals, raising concerns among fans and stakeholders. Riot Games, the publisher behind League of Legends and organizer of the VCS, promptly responded by summoning all eight participating teams to the VCS broadcast studio to undergo a thorough investigation.
In a decisive move to ensure the integrity of the competition, Riot Games announced a temporary suspension of 32 players across all VCS teams. This action underscored the severity of the allegations and the commitment of the organizing body to uphold fair play.
Sweeping Investigations
The scandal has cast a shadow over the VCS, with up to 80% of the league's players now under investigation for involvement in match-fixing. The list of suspended players spans all teams, signifying the depth and breadth of the ongoing probe.
Among the implicated teams and players are the Rainbow Warriors, with members such as Ky Vuong, Hoang Nghia, and Anh Kiet facing suspension. GAM Esports, another prominent team, saw two of its players, Đỗ Đình Sang and Lê Viết Huy, sidelined amid the controversy. The investigation extends across the league, affecting teams like Team Flash, Team Secret, Vikings Esports, Cerberus Esports, MGN Blue Esports, and Team Whales.
The Fallout and Looking Ahead
The scandal has put the esports world on edge, with many concerned about the long-term impact on the VCS's reputation and the broader implications for the esports community. Chris Smith, an esports manager with experience in North American broadcasts, expressed his disbelief and concern over the potential damage to the Vietnamese esports scene. Meanwhile, commentator Isaac Cummings Bentley highlighted the possible connection between financial struggles of players and the temptation of match-fixing, suggesting that inadequate compensation could drive players toward illicit means of supplementing their income.
There is speculation regarding the future structure of the VCS, including talks of a potential merger with another region's series, reminiscent of the merger between the Oceanian League and the NA LCS. Two teams, the Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports, have publicly acknowledged their investigation status and have temporarily withdrawn from competition.
In addition, Team Whales has terminated its agreement with members BeanJ and Gloryy, although both players have expressed their eagerness to clear their names. Cerberus Esports stands by its players, asserting their innocence and pledging cooperation with the investigation.
With the VCS's participation in the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) hanging in the balance, the esports community is eagerly awaiting updates on the resumption of the league and the outcome of the investigations. The organizers have promised timely communication as developments occur.
This scandal represents a pivotal moment for the VCS and the wider esports world. It underscores the importance of maintaining strict ethical standards and the need for continuous vigilance against practices that could undermine the legitimacy and competitive integrity of esports. As the investigations continue, the response from Riot Games, teams, and the community will shape the course of the VCS and serve as a cautionary tale for other competitive leagues worldwide.