The competitive world of esports is currently teetering on the brink of a significant moral and ethical dilemma, as a scandal involving match-fixing allegations has deeply impacted the regional League of Legends esports scene, particularly within the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS). This scandal not only raises questions about the integrity of esports competitions but also casts a long shadow over the future of numerous professional players and teams involved.
Last week, the VCS—an essential cog in the global esports machinery—was abruptly put on pause. This decision was made to facilitate an investigation into allegations of match-fixing that implicated teams within the league, consequently delaying the highly anticipated playoffs and finals. In an unprecedented move, Riot Games, the publisher behind League of Legends and the overseer of its esports ventures, summoned representatives from all eight teams participating in the tournament to the VCS broadcast studio for a thorough investigation into these allegations.
Widespread Suspensions
As a result of initial findings, Riot Games has temporarily suspended a staggering 32 players across all VCS teams. This decision highlights the severe nature of the allegations and underscores the commitment to maintaining the integrity of esports competitions. The suspensions touch nearly every team in the league:
- 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.
These suspensions suggest that up to 80% of VCS players are embroiled in the investigation, casting a vast shadow over the entire league.
Ripple Effects on the Esports Landscape
The implications of such a widespread scandal are monumental, not only for the Vietnamese esports scene but for the global community at large. Esports managers and commentators have weighed in on the issue, expressing both disbelief and concern for the ramifications. Chris Smith, a well-known figure in North American esports broadcasts, shared his dismay at the situation, emphasizing the potential damage to the reputation of the Vietnamese esports scene. Isaac Cummings Bentley, another esteemed voice in the esports community, pointed to financial struggles as a likely motivator behind the alleged match-fixing, suggesting that inadequate salaries could drive players to seek alternative sources of income.
The talk of the potential merger of the VCS with another region, echoing the precedent set by the merger of the Oceanian League with the NA LCS, reflects the gravity of the situation. Moreover, teams such as Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have publicly acknowledged their involvement in the investigation, agreeing to suspend competition temporarily. Meanwhile, Team Whales has terminated its agreement with players BeanJ and Gloryy, who have expressed their eagerness to prove their innocence. Conversely, Cerberus Esports has stood by its players, asserting their belief in their innocence and their intention to cooperate with the investigation.
The uncertainty surrounding the VCS's participation in upcoming international events, such as the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), underscores the broader implications of the scandal. The esports community and Riot Games are now faced with the challenge of navigating these troubled waters, ensuring the integrity of the sport while dealing with the fallout of these allegations.
As the investigation unfolds, the esports world awaits further updates on the resumption of competition and the future of the VCS. This scandal has indeed marked a pivotal moment in esports, one that will undoubtedly shape discussions around integrity, fairness, and the financial stability of players in the industry for years to come.