VCS match-fixing scandal explained: Vietnam’s pro LoL league in peril

League of Legends has had its fair share of pro play match-fixing scandals, but Vietnam’s pro league, the VCS, has been hit by one big enough to put the entire region’s scene in jeopardy. Here’s what you need to know about the VCS match-fixing scandal.

The VCS has long been one of the strongest dark horse regions at international League of Legends events, with a select few Vietnamese players and teams making their mark and upsetting brackets for years. Many were looking forward to seeing their best team at MSI 2024.

However, these players aren’t paid like they’re playing in a major region, with many players allegedly resorting to alternate methods of gaining income, like purposely fixing matches and cashing in on the bets.

And, while this isn’t the first betting scandal to hit the VCS, this one is so widespread and all-encompassing within the league that it could end up sinking the entire region’s pro scene. Here’s everything we know about the VCS match-fixing scandal.

Why did the VCS shut down?

The initial shutdown was on March 18, 2024, as VCS organizers caught wind of a possible issue with match-fixing within the league.

The shutdown was intended to determine which, if any, players or coaches were involved in purposely influencing the result of games. At the time of the shutdown, it was determined that the standings as of Week 7’s end would decide which teams qualified for Playoffs.

There wasn’t an update until over a week later when at least one player from every team in the league was suspended, and the VCS had this to say of the situation:

“Based on the initial results, we had 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 able to participate in any Riot Games Esports activities, including official tournaments or those organized by third parties.”

Which players were suspended in VCS scandal?

In total, 32 players and coaches were 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 were permanently suspended or had administrative action taken against them past the investigation.

The list of 32 players displays who was innocent in this investigation and, for the players who have received bans, how long those bans will be upheld.

Here’s a full list of the players and coaches involved at the time of writing, separated into the teams they represent in the league.

GAM Esports

• Đỗ ‘Blazes’ Đình Sang (Mid Laner) [Innocent]
• Lê ‘Pyshiro’ Viết Huy (ADC) [18 Months]

Team Whales

• Quách ‘Qiang’ Khánh Hoàng (Jungler) [3 Years]
• Hoàng ‘Eddie’ Công Nghĩa (ADC) [2 Years]

Vikings Esports

• Ngô ‘Kratos’ Đức Khánh (Top Laner) [8 Months]
• Lương ‘Gury’ Hải Long (Jungler) [Innocent]
• Võ ‘Kairi’ Văn Phi (Support) [8 Months]
• Nguyễn ‘Bunn’ Vũ Khang Nguyên (Support Sub) [8 Months]

Team Secret

• Quách ‘Qiang’ Khánh Hoàng (Jungler) [29 Months]
• Hoàng ‘Eddie’ Công Nghĩa (ADC) [8 Months]

MGN Blue Esports

• Võ ‘Ryuk’ Hoàng Lê Khang (Top Laner) [18 Months]
• Đào ‘Rigel’ Văn Tuấn (Top Lane Sub) [Innocent]
• Nguyễn ‘Sorn’ Minh Hào (Jungle) [36 Months]
• Bùi ‘Froggy’ Văn Minh Hải (Mid Lane) [36 Months]
• Tiêu ‘Zodiac’ Quốc Lương (Support) [18 Months]

Team Flash

• Lê ‘Dzung’ Minh Dũng (Manager) [3 Years]
• Đinh ‘Marcus’ Bùi Quốc Cường (Top Laner) [2 Years]
• Lê ‘Draktharr’ Ngọc Toàn (Jungler) [Innocent]
• Nguyễn ‘Jane’ Hoàng Khánh (Mid Laner) [15 Months]
• Lương ‘Puddin’ Thành Tài (ADC) [6 Months]

Cerberus Esports

• Nguyễn ‘Pun’ Đăng Khoa (Top Laner) [Innocent]
• Trần ‘Ikigai’ Bảo Quang (Jungler) [26 Months]
• Nguyễn ‘Richard I’ Hoàng Phú (Mid Laner) [Innocent]
• Nguyễn ‘Slowz’ Huy Hùng [Innocent]

Rainbow Warriors (Org Banned)

• Lê Anh Tiến (Rainbow Warriors Founder) [3 Years]
• Nguyễn ‘HinieeeC’ Hoàng Nghĩa (Manager) [Permanent Ban]
• Nguyễn ‘Raze’ Kỳ Vương (Coach) [Permanent Ban]
• Nguyễn ‘Yuki’ Anh Kiệt (Top Laner) [Permanent Ban]
• Nguyễn ‘2T’ Trọng Trí (Top Laner) [Permanent Ban]
• Nguyễn ‘Spot’ Phan Đình Khôi (Jungler) [Permanent Ban]
• Nguyễn ‘Hyo’ Trung Hiếu’Trung Hiếu (Jungler) [1 Year]
• Nguyễn ‘Artifact’ Văn Hậu (Mid Laner) [3 Years]
• Vũ ‘K1ller’ Quốc Hưng (ADC) [18 Months]

At the time of writing, it isn’t yet clear when the VCS Summer Split will start, and rosters for most teams haven’t been finalized. As of now, the league and its future is still steeped in uncertainty.