League of Legends has witnessed its fair share of pro play match-fixing scandals, but Vietnam’s professional league, the VCS, has been shaken by one significant enough to jeopardize the entire region’s scene. Here’s what you need to know about the VCS match-fixing scandal.
The VCS has long been considered one of the strongest dark horse regions in international League of Legends events, with select Vietnamese players and teams consistently making their mark and upsetting brackets for years. Many were eagerly anticipating seeing their best team at MSI 2024.
However, these players aren’t compensated as well as those in major regions, leading many to allegedly resort to alternative methods of earning income, such as deliberately fixing matches and profiting from bets.
While the VCS has experienced previous betting scandals, this one is so widespread and pervasive within the league that it could potentially sink the entire region’s professional scene. Here’s everything we know about the VCS match-fixing scandal.
WHY WAS THE VCS SHUT DOWN?
The initial shutdown occurred on March 18, 2024, as VCS organizers became aware of possible match-fixing issues within the league.
The shutdown aimed to investigate whether any players or coaches were involved in deliberately influencing game results. At the time of the shutdown, it was decided that the standings as of the end of Week 7 would determine which teams qualified for the Playoffs.
There was no update until over a week later when at least one player from each team in the league was suspended. The VCS issued the following statement regarding the situation:
“Based on the initial findings, we have decided to temporarily suspend all competition activities of the following individuals and will continue to analyze additional data. During the suspension, these individuals will not be permitted to participate in any Riot Games Esports activities, including official tournaments or those organized by third parties.”
WHICH PLAYERS WERE SUSPENDED IN THE VCS SCANDAL?
BeanJ, one of the players suspended in this scandal, has represented Vietnam at both MSI and Worlds in the past.
In total, 32 players and coaches have been suspended for their involvement in match-fixing within the VCS. However, it’s important to note that not all of these League pros and coaches are permanently suspended or will face administrative action beyond the investigation.
This list of 32 players consists of those currently under investigation, meaning they must be cleared of suspicion before returning to professional play. Some players implicated in this scandal may have the opportunity to return to the league.
Below is a comprehensive list of the players and coaches involved at the time of writing, categorized by the teams they represent in the league:
GAM ESPORTS
- Đỗ ‘Blazes’ Đình Sang (Mid Laner)
- Lê ‘Pyshiro’ Viết Huy (ADC)
TEAM FLASH
- Lê ‘Dzung’ Minh Dũng (Manager)
- Đinh ‘Marcus’ Bùi Quốc Cường (Top Laner)
- Lê ‘Draktharr’ Ngọc Toàn (Jungler)
- Nguyễn ‘Jane’ Hoàng Khánh (Mid Laner)
- Lương ‘Puddin’ Thành Tài (ADC)
TEAM SECRET
- Quách ‘Qiang’ Khánh Hoàng (Jungler)
- Hoàng ‘Eddie’ Công Nghĩa (ADC)
VIKINGS ESPORTS
- Ngô ‘Kratos’ Đức Khánh (Top Laner)
- Lương ‘Gury’ Hải Long (Jungler)
- Võ ‘Kairi’ Văn Phi (Support)
- Nguyễn ‘Bunn’ Vũ Khang Nguyên (Support Sub)
CERBERUS ESPORTS
- Nguyễn ‘Pun’ Đăng Khoa (Top Laner)
- Trần ‘Ikigai’ Bảo Quang (Jungler)
- Nguyễn ‘Richard I’ Hoàng Phú (Mid Laner)
- Nguyễn ‘Slowz’ Huy Hùng
MGN BLUE ESPORTS
- Võ ‘Ryuk’ Hoàng Lê Khang (Top Laner)
- Đào ‘Rigel’ Văn Tuấn (Top Lane Sub)
- Nguyễn ‘Sorn’ Minh Hào (Jungle)
- Bùi ‘Froggy’ Văn Minh Hải (Mid Lane)
- Tiêu ‘Zodiac’ Quốc Lương (Support)
TEAM WHALES
- Trần ‘BeanJ’ Văn Chính (Jungler)
- Lê ‘Gloryy’ Ngọc Vinh (Mid Laner)
RAINBOW WARRIORS
- Nguyễn ‘HinieeeC’ Hoàng Nghĩa (Manager)
- Nguyễn ‘Raze’ Kỳ Vương (Coach)
- Nguyễn ‘Yuki’ Anh Kiệt (Top Laner)
- Nguyễn ‘2T’ Trọng Trí (Top Laner)
- Nguyễn ‘Spot’ Phan Đình Khôi (Jungler)
- Nguyễn ‘Hyo’ Trung Hiếu (Jungler)
- Nguyễn ‘Artifact’ Văn Hậu (Mid Laner)
- Vũ ‘K1ller’ Quốc Hưng (ADC)
WHEN WILL THE VCS RETURN?
There is currently no information available regarding the resumption of regular VCS operations. While the regular season has concluded, and a Playoff bracket has been laid out, the significant number of players involved in this scandal raises questions about which teams can field a complete roster.
With every team having at least two players suspended in connection with this incident, no team currently has a full roster available.
Moreover, with MSI scheduled to start in May, these teams have limited time to resolve their issues if they intend to field a team capable of representing the region at MSI.
Nonetheless, Ban ‘ChisinX’ Chee, the product manager for both the PCS and VCS, has reassured fans that launching the Playoffs is a “top priority” for the league and its organizers.
