As we know, in recent days, the VCS organizers and Riot have been under a lot of pressure in dealing with the allegations of corruption surrounding VCS. Up to this point, VCS viewers can identify several factors: first, this allegation is very significant and will affect all teams in the VCS, completely changing the face of professional League of Legends in Vietnam. Next, regardless of which names are revealed, it will provoke strong reactions from the VCS community. More importantly, the community is also concerned: after this allegation, what will the VCS organizers and Riot do to prevent similar cases in the future.
The issue with young players
As seen, this incident is particularly serious in that it will impact all teams and, of course, in the ongoing youth rejuvenation of the teams, there may be young players involved. These individuals are the future of VCS and are now becoming the main suspects in an allegation that should never exist in any competition, let alone in professional Esports.
It cannot be said that these young players (if any) have low incomes forcing them to take risks. However, it is clear that the lack of strict management from the coaching staff and team owners, combined with poor life skills and self-control, is a major issue. Moreover, in this allegation, there are many rumors that a coach is directly involved in the corruption. Thus, it is entirely understandable for players to also participate in cheating.
The coaching staff and team owners must take primary responsibility
The punishments from the VCS organizers and Riot will address the current case, but the future issues are what truly matters. In addition to discovering and developing young talents through gaming skills, perhaps Riot must implement strict regulations requiring teams to ensure life skills education for all team members, starting from the coaching staff. Those in the roles of teachers and mentors must self-improve. Because young players, being first-time entrants into professional League of Legends, can only look to them as role models.
If we look at the LCK region, there have hardly been any recorded incidents similar to what VCS is currently facing. Players from the Korean League of Legends, regardless of the circumstances, always prioritize professionalism to the maximum. Of course, they may still have their dark sides. But at the very least, when becoming a professional player, young stars are all aware of what they need to do.
For example, take Gumayusi, who is known for making some very “shocking” statements. However, those were merely words based on his own ability and confidence, with no elements of reckless talk like in the case of Zeros. Or a young player from VCS who recently joined DRX Challengers – LazyFeel. There is almost no information about him published, and he himself does not engage much on social media. According to some information, DRX manages LazyFeel quite strictly, making it difficult for him to access bad habits or media tricks.
All parties need to cooperate
Faced with huge profits, while having the power to decide issues, few can muster the courage to refuse. However, VCS is striving for a professional environment, and to resolve this issue, it requires not only the tournament organizers or Riot but also every individual player and all involved parties to come together. Even the families of the players play a crucial role.
This current allegation in VCS also reveals many issues that the tournament still has, starting from management and educating those responsible for coaching, and then to the players. In any field, if the teacher cannot maintain their integrity, it will be challenging to train professional players who compete honestly in all circumstances.