Two Asian Valorant Pro Caught In Match Fixing, Got 3-Year Ban

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By: Dane Mathews || May 28, 2023

Two Singaporean players have been convicted in a match-fixing case that has sent shockwaves across the esports community. The dispute, which revolved around a VALORANT event during the 2020 Ignition Series, raised questions about the integrity and fairness of competitive gaming. This article delves into the specifics of the conviction, emphasizing the importance of a strong response to combat match-fixing and maintain the legitimacy of esports.

Two Singaporean players have been convicted in a Valorant match-fixing

According to The Straits Times, Malcolm Chung Wai Kiat, 25, and Ryan Tan Shern, 21, were caught up in a match-fixing scam during a professional VALORANT encounter. According to initial allegations, Tan handed monies to Chung, who purposefully lost the match after placing bets on the outcome.

Chung and Tan’s friendship began six years ago while they were both playing Counter-Strike. Tan’s inability to clear a gambling debt of $740 (S$1,000) prepared the path for their involvement in the match-fixing scheme.

Tan solicited a loan of $2,216 (S$3,000) from his brother in order to repay the loan, which he swiftly transferred to Chung. Chung utilized this money to lay five wagers against his own squad during a crucial VALORANT event, the Epulze Royal SEA Cup in September 2020. Chung’s underperformance and exhortation to his teammates to do the same culminated in a heartbreaking loss for RSG Resurgence Esports’ VALORANT team.

The match-fixing charge is particular to a game versus BlackBird Ignis, which RSG Resurgence Esports lost 0-2 to. According to Deputy Public Prosecutor David Menon, the loss was caused by Chung’s premeditated underperformance and manipulation of his teammates. It’s worth noting that BlackBird Ignis included three players from the current IGZIST lineup, who finished ninth in split two of the VALORANT Challengers Japan 2023 tournament.

The match-fixing event was brought to the attention of authorities in June 2021, following allegations of foul play, when the COO of Resurgence submitted a police report. Chung and Tan were both charged with corruption on August 5. Tan entered a guilty plea on January 5, and Chung was found guilty on May 26.

The sentence is proportionate to the gravity of the offense. Tan will go through a minimum of six months of reformative training aimed to rehabilitate addicts. Chung, on the other hand, was sentenced to four months in prison. These penalties are intended to deter future match-fixing and to emphasize the harshness of the consequences.

How Riot Games Responded to The Incident

Surprisingly, Riot Games, the company behind VALORANT, has not imposed any public bans against convicted gamers. However, it’s worth noting that neither Tan nor Chung has competed professionally in over a year, which could have an influence on their careers and reputations in the gaming world.

The recent conviction of these Singaporeans involved in the match-fixing incident serves as a stark reminder of the significance of esports integrity and fair play. It draws attention to the critical issue of match-fixing in the gaming sector, urging continued efforts to combat such illegal acts.

By enforcing severe sanctions and encouraging vigilance among esports organizations, tournament organizers, and gaming communities, the future of esports as a fair and transparent competitive scene may be secured.

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