Vietnamese Esports Scene Rocked by Match-Fixing Scandal
The Vietnamese esports scene is currently embroiled in a scandal that could severely impact the credibility and the future of the region's League of Legends competition. Last week, the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), the pinnacle of Vietnamese League of Legends, was abruptly put on hold. The reason? An extensive investigation into allegations of match-fixing involving several teams, which has delayed the progression of playoffs and finals, leaving the tournament in limbo.
Riot Games, the developer behind League of Legends and organizer of the VCS, took unprecedented action. The company called all eight teams participating in the tournament to the VCS broadcast studio for a thorough investigation. This resulted in the temporary suspension of 32 players from across the tournament's rosters, casting a long shadow over the integrity of the competition.
### Widespread Suspensions
Reports indicate that up to 80% of VCS players are under scrutiny for match-fixing. The list of suspended players encompasses a wide range of teams:
- **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 sheer volume of suspensions has sent shockwaves through the League of Legends community and has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the VCS and its ability to recover from such a damning scandal.
### The Impact on the Esports Ecosystem
The VCS plays a significant role in the global esports ecosystem, acting as a feeder and competitor on the world stage. Esports managers and commentators, notably Chris Smith and Isaac Cummings Bentley, expressed their concerns and insights regarding the scandal. Smith, a familiar face in North American broadcasts, lamented the potential long-term damage this controversy could inflict on the Vietnamese esports scene. Meanwhile, Bentley highlighted the financial struggles faced by many players, suggesting that insufficient salaries could be a compelling factor driving them towards unethical behavior like match-fixing.
Speculation is rife about the future of the VCS, including potential mergers with other regions, similar to the previous integration of the Oceanian League with the North American LCS. The debate also extends to the very fabric of competitive integrity, questioning whether a substantial portion of the league could be replaced without compromising the quality and competitive balance of the tournament.
As the investigation unfolds, some teams have openly acknowledged their involvement in the probe. Both Rainbow Warriors and MGN Blue Esports have announced a temporary cessation of their competitive activities, while Team Whales has parted ways with players BeanJ and Gloryy, who are keen to clear their names. Cerberus Esports, on the other hand, stands firm in the innocence of their players, pledging cooperation with the investigation to prove their players are not complicit in any wrongdoing.
The unfolding situation has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the VCS's participation in upcoming international competitions, such as the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). The league's organizers have promised updates regarding the resumption of the competition, but the path forward remains unclear.
This scandal highlights the perpetual battle against corruption that plagues not just esports but sports worldwide. The implications for the VCS, its teams, and players are severe, but the response from Riot Games and the broader community will be crucial in navigating the crisis and restoring credibility to Vietnamese esports.
