Esports Scandal Rocks Vietnamese League of Legends Scene
The regional League of Legends esports scene is currently embroiled in a potentially devastating scandal involving accusations of match-fixing. This unsettling discovery has prompted a temporary halt to the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), including the delay of its playoff and finals stages. Riot Games has initiated an extensive investigation into the matter, drawing all eight participating teams to the VCS broadcast studio for scrutiny.
In a drastic move underscoring the severity of the situation, Riot has temporarily suspended 32 players across all VCS teams. This unprecedented action has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the integrity of competitive esports in the region.
Widespread Investigation
Reports indicate that a staggering 80% of VCS players are currently under investigation for potential involvement in match-fixing activities. The list of suspended players spans the entire league, illustrating the widespread nature of the allegations:
- 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.
Reactions and Implications
The scandal has potential ramifications far beyond the immediate suspensions. The VCS is a prominent player in the global esports landscape, and the integrity of its competitions is paramount to maintaining the reputation of esports as a whole.
Chris Smith, a seasoned esports manager known for his contributions to North American broadcasts, expressed his disbelief and concern regarding the scandal. He fears that it could significantly tarnish the Vietnamese esports community's reputation.
Isaac Cummings Bentley, another respected figure within the esports commentary sphere, highlighted a possible connection between the alleged match-fixing and the financial hardships faced by players. He pointed out that inadequate salaries might compel players to seek alternative revenue streams, thus making them susceptible to the allure of match-fixing.
Speculation is rife about the future of the VCS, with rumors of a potential merger with another regional league akin to the previous amalgamation of the Oceanian League with the North American LCS. Such a move could have profound effects on the competitive landscape of League of Legends esports.
Team Responses and Future Projections
In light of these events, some teams have been proactive in addressing the situation. Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have publicly acknowledged their investigation status and have temporarily ceased competition. Conversely, Cerberus Esports has voiced its belief in the innocence of its players and has committed to cooperating fully with the inquiry.
The predicament has also led to contractual dissolutions, as seen with Team Whales and its parted ways with BeanJ and Gloryy, both of whom seek to clear their names. Amidst the turmoil, there remains uncertainty surrounding the VCS's participation in the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), a crucial event in the League of Legends esports calendar.
League organizers have assured stakeholders and fans that updates regarding the resumption of competition will be forthcoming. Meanwhile, the esports community eagerly awaits further developments, hoping for a swift and just resolution to a controversy that threatens the integrity of the sport.
