Christopher Pike
Allegations of match throwing have hit esports.
Match throwing allegations in popular esport Rocket League threatens to shatter the credibility of the esport, just weeks after being formally recognised as an official sporting code in New Zealand.
The allegations follow a poor performance on Sunday from clear favourites Esper in the Let’s Play Live Rocket League Oceanic Championship, who despite an early 2-0 lead in the series, fell to a reverse sweep by rivals Fury.
Esper made a number of uncharacteristically rookie mistakes during the final match of the series, including failing to contest two kickoffs and an own goal from captain Aiden ‘delusioN’ Hendry — mistakes that would send their opponents into the playoffs of the Let’s Play Live Rocket League Oceanic Championship.
Spectators were quick to point out this didn’t seem to be just an off day in the Esper camp: even the match commentators drew attention to the unusually poor play, but fell short of calling it a potential throw.
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A potential throw would have devastating repercussions on the group standings, with rivals Renegades set to go through on aggregate if Esper didn’t win the series 3-0 or 3-1.
This led to many skeptics in the esports community accusing Esper of throwing out of spite, ensuring they lost the final game in the series to ensure Renegades didn’t progress out of the groups.
Context is:
-Esper needed a 3-1 or 3-0 to go through.
-They went 2-0 up.
-Fury came back to 2-2 so Esper was out.
-Esper wins Game 5 and Renegades go through.
-Fury wins Game 5 they go through.
-Esper proceeds to throw including 2 kickoff whiffs and a very deliberate own goal.— Layla (@LaylaBRLN) April 5, 2020
League managers Let’s Play Live are yet to make a decision regarding the alleged throw but have announced they would be investigating the situation.
Head of platform and leagues at LPL, Amy Potter, said any kind of match manipulation wouldn’t be tolerated in the LPL league.
“LPL takes the integrity of matches extremely seriously, and any sort of intentional match throwing is unacceptable in our leagues.”
Shortly after the game, Team Esper posted an announcement to Twitter that they would be letting go of their roster following the result and thanking them for their hard work during the season.
A huge thanks to our Rocket League players for their hard work this season.
Our time with them has drawn to a close, and we wish them all the best in the future.
Hope to return shortly! pic.twitter.com/7zPIlrZrY1
— Team Esper (@TeamEsper) April 5, 2020
The esports community has since erupted in discussion as to what to do with those found to be involved, with some high-profile members calling for a ban to make an example for other players considering it in the future. Captain of FC Barcelona’s Rocket League squad Aldin “Ronaky” Hodzic was one player calling for a ban.
.@RLEsports in my opinion as a pro player, and for almost everyone in the community. I would like to see @SSteveRL @dellfyre and @Frenzyy_RL banned. This is disrespectful towards the scene, the community and the game.
1/2
— Ronaky (@RonakyRL) April 5, 2020
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