As we step into April, there are only a few days left until the VCS Spring 2024 officially enters the playoffs stage. This can be described as the most special playoffs in the highest League of Legends tournament in Vietnam. The teams will compete under the even more scrutinizing eyes of the audience. At the same time, the League of Legends community and the Esports scene in Vietnam, as well as globally, will be eagerly waiting to see the final names in the decision of the VCS and Riot organizers.
However, in reality, despite causing the Vietnamese League of Legends scene to falter, with teams having to enter the playoffs amidst many suspicions and losses, in some aspects, this major scandal in the VCS can be viewed positively. These are commendable points amidst the gloomy atmosphere shrouding the Vietnamese League of Legends scene.
A major scandal that will help “clean up” the Vietnamese League of Legends
With such a large number of individuals involved, it can be understood that negativity has not just emerged in the VCS this Spring. In fact, it can be said that it has been a system that has existed for a long time. Last Summer, SBTC Esports faced penalties that nearly affected the entire roster due to a scandal. Thus, it is almost certain that even if the two incidents are unrelated, the percentage that the VCS has had past negativity is very high.
Therefore, the VCS needs a strong and heavy-handed punishment to become cleaner, fostering a healthy competitive environment in the spirit of sports. Thus, while certain names will inevitably face penalties, which will be a loss for the teams, it is certain that if the Vietnamese League of Legends can be “cleaned up”, the audience and perhaps the team leaders themselves will accept it.
Providing audiences with the opportunity to witness dream matchups
When SofM became the first Vietnamese player to step into a finals match of a World Championship, he became a legend of the VCS. In the Vietnamese League of Legends scene, although he mainly plays and shines at home, Levi is also considered another legend of the VCS. He is a symbol of loyalty and superior talent compared to players in the region. One has achieved world-class status, while the other has dominated the VCS with GAM. Both players are in the Jungle position, further fueling the VCS audience’s anticipation for a showdown between SofM and Levi.
With up to 32 individuals under additional investigation across the 8 teams, the lack of players is understandable. According to the latest information, Bigkoro has returned. And even more surprisingly and eagerly awaited: SofM has also returned in the VKE jersey. Additionally, according to some circulating information, Optimus is also making a comeback (potentially in the GAM jersey). Thus, VCS audiences may witness the legendary AD Carry of Phong Vu Buffalo, the duo of GIGABYTE Marines reuniting, and especially the “dream matchup” between Levi and SofM.
Warning current and future players and teams
A sports environment, whether traditional or Esports, needs healthy playing fields to allow those with real talent to showcase themselves. However, it would be meaningless if those performances turned out to be orchestrated. Not to mention, in the cases of SBTC Esports or this current scandal, there are many very young players with bright futures ahead. This, as mentioned, is extremely dangerous, not only for the present but also for the future of the Vietnamese League of Legends scene.
Young players who “get their hands dirty” mean that those who bear the titles of elder brothers and mentors must take the largest share of responsibility. Therefore, this VCS scandal will serve as a deterrent to anyone still active in the professional League of Legends scene. At the same time, it also serves as a lesson for future generations if they intend to venture into a professional player career.
Affirming Riot’s determination and influence
Since officially taking over, re-releasing League of Legends, and restarting the VCS tournament, Riot has been making the final decisions. It can be said that for the Vietnamese League of Legends audience, Riot’s influence on the Vietnamese League of Legends scene, especially the VCS, has not yet been significant. Not to mention, the audience continuously reminds about a well-prepared venue for the VCS that still remains a plan, despite the time that has passed. And that is Riot’s responsibility.
Riot’s strong actions not only help create a healthy competitive environment in the VCS but also affirm Riot’s influence on the Vietnamese League of Legends scene as well as regions often considered “underdeveloped” or small in general. At the same time, it also helps the audience understand what Riot can do once it directly manages the VCS.