As reported in recent days, the VCS is currently embroiled in what is perhaps the largest negative scandal to date. Numerous suspicions have arisen surrounding the incident, implicating many teams and players. However, amidst the debates, there may only be a conclusion once the VCS organizers and Riot announce the investigation results, leading us to ask: Why do players choose to “get involved” despite having a bright future, good income, and reputation in the Vietnamese League of Legends scene?
Lack of guidance from family and teams
Becoming a professional player at a very young age, it can be said that most players are almost entirely lacking in essential soft skills as well as guidance and support from their families during critical stages. Meanwhile, those who teach and guide the players are often strangers and may only be a few years older than them. These individuals may have extensive experience in the Vietnamese League of Legends scene, but in terms of life experience and the influence to guide the players, it may not be guaranteed.
Moreover, some coaches are even suspected of being directly involved in negative scandals. And the reality has shown, when a coach is mentioned, almost the entire Vietnamese League of Legends community believes that the players of that team are also implicated, even without a final investigation result. This highlights the importance of a professional coaching staff in guiding players. Because, once they become professional players, the coaching staff and teammates are the individuals that players interact with and learn from the most.
The temptations of large rewards
When holding large sums of money, the common psychology of many people, especially young individuals who lack life experience, is that the excitement is completely normal. However, it is this feeling and the realization that having more money can solve many problems that are significant factors pushing players down the wrong path. Of course, even ordinary people find it hard to resist temptation, let alone young players.
Certainly, there will be many opinions stating that players’ incomes are not small. However, if players are approached with offers that surpass their salaries, what would happen is a question no one can answer. For example, a few years ago, Levi admitted that he was tempted to “sell” Dragon buffs for hundreds of millions. That amount is not small, and without the professional spirit and determination like Levi, it seems few young players could resist.
Better to shine for a moment than to fade away
Everyone knows that being a League of Legends player in Vietnam, as well as an Esports player in general, can yield higher incomes than many other professions. However, the career lifespan is incredibly short. Even on average from 17 to 26, many players may not even reach that age. And when they have to end their careers for various reasons, many players will find themselves in a state of uncertainty, not knowing what to do since their youth was dedicated to Esports. Not to mention, the feeling of having everything and then losing it all is something few can endure.
Furthermore, in the VCS, not every team has abundant resources or is backed by corporations familiar with investing in professional Esports. Therefore, the benefits for players sometimes may not compare to their peers in more prestigious teams. And when given the autonomy to make decisions regarding a large sum of money, players (especially younger ones) may not keep the necessary cool-headedness to weigh the potential consequences they might face.