The regional League of Legends esports scene is currently under a cloud of controversy as allegations of match-fixing have emerged, shaking the foundation of competitive integrity within the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS). This scandal has not only delayed the playoffs and finals, but it has also led to an unprecedented investigation by Riot Games, resulting in the temporary suspension of 32 players across all VCS teams.
Detailed Investigation Underway
Riot Games took swift action last week, halting the VCS to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. All eight teams participating in the tournament were summoned to the VCS broadcast studio, where it was revealed that a staggering 80 percent of players are under scrutiny for match-fixing. This wide-reaching investigation has led to the suspension of notable players from prestigious teams including Rainbow Warriors, GAM Esports, Team Flash, Team Secret, Vikings Esports, Cerberus Esports, MGN Blue Esports, and Team Whales.
List of Suspended Players
Among the suspended are noteworthy names such as Ky Vuong ("Raze") and Hoang Nghia ("HinieeeC") from Rainbow Warriors, Đỗ Đình Sang ("Blazes") from GAM Esports, and Lê Minh Dũng ("Dzung") from Team Flash. Team Secret, Vikings Esports, Cerberus Esports, and MGN Blue Esports have also seen their players suspended. This unprecedented action by Riot Games underscores the severity of the situation and their commitment to maintaining a fair competitive environment.
Impact on the Esports Reputation and Future Concerns
The VCS holds a significant position within the global esports landscape, and this scandal brings to light several broader issues within the industry. Esports managers such as Chris Smith and commentators like Isaac Cummings Bentley have expressed their shock and concern over the revelations. Smith worries about the potential long-lasting damage to the reputation of the Vietnamese esports scene, while Bentley highlights the financial struggles faced by players as a possible motive for engaging in match-fixing.
The scandal has sparked discussions about possible changes to the structure of the VCS, including a potential merger with another region, a move reminiscent of the merger between the Oceanian League and the NA LCS. This development, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the VCS's participation in upcoming events like the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), has left the community anxious for updates.
Team Reactions and Next Steps
In response to these events, several teams have publicly acknowledged their situation. Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have stated they are cooperating with the investigation, while Team Whales has terminated its agreement with BeanJ and Gloryy at their request. Cerberus Esports has voiced its belief in the innocence of its players and is prepared to collaborate closely with the investigation committee.
The broad spectrum of responses from various teams reflects the complexity of the situation and the differing impacts on each organization. The immediate future of the VCS remains uncertain as the esports community awaits further updates about the resumption of the competition and the potential involvement of the VCS in the MSI.
Conclusion
This match-fixing scandal represents a critical juncture for the VCS and the broader League of Legends esports scene. With a significant portion of the professional player base under investigation, the integrity of the competition is at stake. The ongoing investigation by Riot Games is a pivotal effort to uphold the fairness and credibility of esports. The resolution of this scandal and the steps taken to prevent future occurrences will undoubtedly have lasting implications for the VCS and the global esports community. As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on Riot Games and the VCS organization to navigate this challenging period and restore trust in the competitive integrity of the league.