In recent days, instead of the thrilling final matches of the group stage of the VCS Spring 2024, the League of Legends community in Vietnam is going through a tense phase. Questions are being raised by both the audience and notable figures in VCS. At the same time, announcements from VCS organizers and Riot have made many believe that there has indeed been negative conduct, and this time it has a significant impact, not just confined to one team like SBTC Esports last year. Recently, all remaining matches of the VCS Spring 2024 group stage have been canceled.
It can be said that VCS has never witnessed a similar incident in its history, although negative scandals have not been absent in the past. Notable cases include SE last year or even further back, the player PHT from OverPowers Esports. But setting aside which names will be exposed, what futures await VCS once the tournament organizers and Riot clarify everything?
Riot will impose heavy penalties on VCS and there may be no Summer 2024 tournament
Many viewers may already know about the LDL – the second largest League of Legends tournament in China. This tournament is for the youth teams of those participating in the LPL. However, the quality of this tournament is also quite impressive and has previously produced many talents for League of Legends in China. That was in the past. Currently, the LDL is indefinitely suspended after a series of negative dramas were exposed, leading to many teams and players being brought to light.
The case of LDL may also apply to VCS. This would be a significant setback for the already struggling League of Legends scene. Riot’s withdrawal of Korean rank accounts has caused VCS representatives countless difficulties. Now, if any issues arise that prevent tournaments from proceeding as usual, it would be even more serious. In fact, the existence of the tournament could be threatened. If teams and players cannot compete, they will soon have to find alternative paths. Sponsors themselves will not be able to accept investing in a project that is not operational, especially if the reason for this stagnation is due to cheating or dishonesty in competition.
The credibility of VCS on the international stage is seriously threatened
Since 2017, VCS has always made an impression as a fiercely competitive region, regardless of who the opponent is. From Phong Vũ Buffalo, GAM Esports to Lowkey Esports, Team Whales, all have left some impression whenever they participated in the international arena. The enthusiasm of VCS fans is also highly regarded. Notably, at the recent 2023 World Championship, Riot even had to create a separate statistic for the viewership of the 2023 World Championship finals for VCS.
However, if this negative incident truly occurs, the impression of VCS will significantly decrease. Of course, no one will generalize, but no one can prevent extreme opinions whenever mentioning Vietnam’s League of Legends among international friends. Clearly, this is a very unfavorable factor, which could turn the Vietnamese League of Legends tournament into a target for ridicule. Moreover, it may lead international investors and foreign Esports entities to be more cautious when considering collaborations with VCS teams.
Dissolving the tournament to start anew
This is the least likely scenario, but teams will definitely have to consider handling options once negative cases (if any) are exposed. In fact, there may be teams that suffer significant losses in their main roster. This is something that clearly no one wants, but if necessary to cleanse VCS, teams may have to accept it.
The dissolution of the tournament seems nearly impossible. However, a drastic overhaul in teams is entirely feasible. Perhaps, VCS Spring 2024 will be a milestone, leading towards a fully “restarted” Summer tournament after this drama.
Conclusion
Reforms and changes could certainly occur once VCS organizers and Riot announce the final investigation results. Turbulence is awaiting the League of Legends community in Vietnam, all because of individuals or groups who could not resist the temptation of material goods.