Match-fixing Scandal Throws VCS into Disarray, Tournament Paused

Match-fixing Scandal Throws VCS into Disarray, Tournament Paused

Foo Zen-Wen

28 Feb, 2024, 17:16

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Last updated: 10 Apr, 2025, 08:03

According to an official announcement through Facebook, the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS) Spring Split has been temporarily paused following ‘anomalous data’ that has occurred over the games recorded thus far.

Behind the scenes, League of Legends analyst Molecule has revealed that the reason for it is match-fixing. 32 players within the 40-player league have been placed onto the list with suspicions of match-fixing. While not all have been confirmed, all 32 are currently on either under investigation or officially banned.

“If you’re wondering why. The average VCS salary for the year is half of a random 4am sleepless forest bet on 5th league Arabian women’s handball.”

A commenter within the replies stated that the financial rewards from match-fixing (even with the potential repercussions) was far preferable to playing within their current toxic environment where not only are the players underpaid, but also have a portion of their salary ‘eaten’ by their manager.

32 Players Caught

32 players across all 8 teams have been brought under suspicion of engaging in match-fixing. As a result of such a wide-spread allegation, the VCS organizer has decided to postpone the conclusion of the VCS 2024 Spring Tournament to ‘allow for additional time to review and identify’ the data.

Afterwards, they aimed make decisions based on the issues regulations – basically decide how much punishment each of the players deserves.

Match-fixing Scandal Throws VCS into Disarray, Tournament Paused
Credit: VCS Official Post

The VCS organizer has also stated that during the duration of these investigations, these 32 individuals will not be able to participate in any Riot Games Esports activities, including official or third-party tournaments.

It remains to be seen what the final judgement will be for these 32 players. However, it is unlikely that most of them will ever return to the VCS stage.

Moreover, this scandal was so widespread in its effect that it may spell the end for the VCS league temporarily, with allegations of extremely low pay, poor working conditions, and management stealing portions of players’ salaries coming from the other side.

Credit: VCS // LoLEsports


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