The competitive integrity of the Vietnamese Championship Series (VCS), a cornerstone of the regional League of Legends esports ecosystem, is under unprecedented scrutiny. A sweeping investigation into alleged match-fixing activities has led to the postponement of the league's playoffs and finals, casting a shadow over the future of numerous professional players and teams involved.
In an extraordinary move, Riot Games, the publisher behind League of Legends, summoned representatives from all eight VCS teams to the VCS broadcast studio. The purpose: to initiate a comprehensive probe into the allegations that have jolted the community. As a result of this ongoing investigation, an astonishing 32 players have been subjected to temporary suspension, putting their careers on hold.
Extent of the Allegations
The gravity of the situation is highlighted by the fact that up to 80% of VCS pro players are now under the magnifying glass for potential involvement in match-fixing. The following is an updated roster of the suspended individuals across the implicated teams:
- Rainbow Warriors: Ky Vuong (Raze), Hoang Nghia (HinieeeC), Trung Hieu (Hyo), Anh Kiet (Yuki), Dinh Khoi (Spot), Van Hau (Artifact), Quoc Hung (K1ller), Trong Tri (2T).
- GAM Esports: Đỗ Đình Sang (Blazes), Lê Viết Huy (Pyshiro).
- Team Flash: Lê Minh Dũng (Dzung), Đinh Bùi Quốc Cường (Marcus), Lê Ngọc Toàn (Draktharr), Nguyễn Hoàng Khánh (Jane), Lương Thành Tài (Puddin).
- Team Secret: Hoàng Công Nghĩa (Eddie), Quách Khánh Hoàng (Qiang).
- Vikings Esports: Lương Hải Long (Gury), Nguyễn Vũ Khang Nguyên (Bunn), Võ Văn Phi (Kairi), Ngô Đức Khánh (Kratos).
- Cerberus Esports: Nguyễn Đăng Khoa (Pun), Trần Bảo Quang (Ikigai), Nguyễn Hoàng Phú (Richard I), 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), Tiêu Quốc Lương (Zodiac).
- Team Whales: Trần Văn Chính (BeanJ), Lê Ngọc Vinh (Gloryy).
Repercussions and Community Reaction
The ripples of this scandal reach far beyond the immediate suspensions. The VCS plays a pivotal role in shaping the global esports narrative, and this incident has sparked a mix of disbelief and concern among industry insiders. Esports manager Chris Smith and renowned commentator Isaac Cummings Bentley both expressed their shock, connecting this devastating blow not just to the integrity of the sport but also to the underlying socio-economic struggles faced by players. With salaries that hardly meet basic living standards, some athletes may feel compelled to seek alternative income streams, even if it means compromising the competition's integrity.
This scandal raises questions about the sustainability of competitive gaming ecosystems where financial compensation does not align with the demands and expectations placed on professional athletes. It also opens up debates on potential structural changes within the League of Legends competitive scene, with discussions ranging from the introduction of replacement players to the conceivable merger of the VCS with another region, reminiscent of the Oceanian League's amalgamation into the North American LCS.
As the fallout continues, several teams have openly acknowledged their involvement in the investigations. Both Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have paused their competitive engagements, while Team Whales has parted ways with two of its members, BeanJ and Gloryy, who have expressed their eagerness to clear their names. Cerberus Esports stands by its players, asserting their innocence and committing to cooperate with the investigatory proceedings.
The overarching uncertainty now looms over the VCS's participation in the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), a marquee event in the League of Legends calendar. Organizers have promised timely updates regarding the continuation of the competition, leaving fans and stakeholders in a suspenseful wait for clarity.
This scandal does more than just disrupt a gaming league; it shakes the foundation of trust and integrity that the esports industry is built upon. The unfolding events in Vietnam may well become a watershed moment, prompting a reevaluation of player welfare, competition structures, and preventive measures against corruption in esports worldwide.