Riot Games Suspends VCS Players Amid Match-Fixing Scandal
In an unprecedented turn of events, the regional League of Legends esports scene, particularly the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), finds itself embroiled in a match-fixing scandal that has reverberated across the esports world. Last week, the VCS was abruptly put on hold as investigations into allegations of match-fixing among the teams began, leading to a delay in playoffs and finals—a development that has stunned fans and players alike.
Riot Games Steps In
In response to the burgeoning scandal, Riot Games, the organizer of the VCS, undertook decisive action by calling all eight teams participating in the tournament to the VCS broadcast studio for a thorough investigation. The outcome was staggering: Riot Games announced the temporary suspension of 32 players from across all VCS teams, signaling the severity of the issue at hand.
Widespread Implications
The scope of these investigations is vast, with up to 80% of VCS players currently under scrutiny for involvement in match-fixing. This development underscores the gravity of the situation and its potential implications for the integrity of competitive gaming. The suspended players are:
- **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.
The Repercussions
The allegations have dealt a significant blow to the reputation of the VCS, a key player in the global esports arena. Esports manager Chris Smith expressed his disbelief over the scandal, noting that it could severely damage the standing of the Vietnamese esports scene. Isaac Cummings Bentley, a seasoned commentator, pointed to financial struggles among players as a likely factor contributing to the situation. He advocated for ensuring players’ salaries are sufficient to dissuade them from seeking financial gain through illicit means such as match-fixing.
In light of these developments, there is speculation about the potential merger of the VCS with another region, in a move reminiscent of the amalgamation of the Oceanian League with the North American LCS. Teams such as Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have disclosed that they are under investigation and have halted their participation in competitions for the time being. Meanwhile, Team Whales terminated its contracts with players BeanJ and Gloryy, who have expressed eagerness to clear their names. Cerberus Esports has voiced confidence in the innocence of their players, pledging cooperation with the investigative committee.
The unfolding scandal has also cast uncertainty on the VCS's participation in the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), though league organizers have promised updates regarding the resumption of the competition.
The implications of this scandal are profound, not only for the VCS but for the broader esports ecosystem. With a significant portion of professional players embroiled in these investigations, the integrity of competitive esports is at stake. As the esports community awaits further developments, one thing is clear: the resolution of this scandal will be critical in shaping the future of the VCS and ensuring the continued growth and credibility of esports worldwide.
