Previously, when still not directly managed by Riot, tournaments in smaller regions like VCS were always prioritized for broadcasting. When selling broadcasting rights for tournaments like the LCK or LPL, LCS…, Riot always required broadcasting channels not to overlap with the local domestic tournaments in smaller regions. This was seen as a move by Riot to help the League of Legends (LoL) scene in smaller regions spread more easily to the public, especially professional tournaments.
However, since officially coming under Riot’s management, this privilege for the VCS region is no longer valid. LCK tournaments still take place normally on YouTube during the same time frame as VCS matches. This has led to an unavoidable situation: whenever VCS matches coincide with “highlight” matches in the LCK (usually on weekends), the viewership for VCS tournaments noticeably drops.
For this reason, the recent incidents during the VCS Hoàng Hôn matches between Team Flash – CERBERUS Esports, MGN Box Esports – Team Whales have raised suspicions among viewers. For the TF – CES match, there was also a match between T1 and KT Rolster in the LCK Summer 2023. In terms of appeal, it’s unnecessary to say which match would attract more attention. Therefore, even though the VCS organizers announced a technical issue, many viewers still believe this was actually a “trick” to avoid the LCK.
In reality, these are just suspicions from VCS fans. In organizing professional tournaments, experiencing issues before a match is completely normal, and many matches across various tournaments have not been able to occur as originally scheduled. Therefore, some opinions suggest that this was simply a technical issue, and VCS viewers should not overthink it.
Currently, the VCS Hoàng Hôn 2023 has completed its opening week of matches. This will be an important tournament, helping players secure spots for the 2023 World Championship and further serve as a training ground for chosen players for the ASIAD. Certainly, no one wants to have a decline in performance, especially when the ASIAD will be a responsibility to represent the national League of Legends scene.