The Vietnam Championship Series (VCS) is a professional League of Legends esports league run by Riot Games and VNG Games, a subsidiary of VNG Corporation since 2022 after Garena stopped publishing League of Legends and its major competitions in Vietnam. From 2013 to 2017, the VCS was a tier below Garena Premier League (GPL). In 2018, the VCS broke away from the GPL and became a separate tier one league. In 2025, the VCS will return to being a tier two league, being below the upcoming League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP). The Vietnamese teams had the opportunity to participate directly in international events of League of Legends organized by Riot Games before then.

History

2012–2013

Before changing the name to the Vietnam Championship Series tournament that once named the Glorious Arena. Over 4 seasons from mid 2012 to the end of 2013 the tournament saw the dominance of Saigon Jokers with 3 times of champion and once champion of Full Louis. By the end of 2013, it was changed to Vietnam Championship Series.

2013–2015

The first tournament was held in 2013 with the name Vietnam Championship Series without qualifying, the participating teams were invited by Vietnam Esports and the total prize value of the first tournament was VND 200,000,000. From the third season, the tournament starts with qualifiers and names are also changed to Vietnam Championship Series (VCS A) to distinguish them from the qualifying tournament of Vietnam Championship Series B (VCS B). In 2014, sponsored by Dell, the name of the prize was named Dell Championship Serie A (DCS A).

In 2015, the number of teams participating in VCS A was increased to 16 teams, playing in a round robin format with two turns (first and second round) scoring according to the Bo1 format. The team with the most points will be crowned champion. Saigon Fantastic Five has won the VCS A championship in spring 2015 and then the GPL spring 2015, becoming the first Vietnamese team to win the GPL.

2016

In 2016, VCS A made a big step when the tournament was officially part of the Riot Games tournament system, marking the official VCS A step up professionally. The organizing committee reduced the number of participating teams to 10, in return it will give 2 million VND / month to the coaches and athletes. The tournament format also changes accordingly: 10 rounds of 2 rounds count Bo1 points, 4 teams with the highest score will participate in play-offs to find champions. VCS A was also renamed Coca-Cola Championship Series (CCCS) under the sponsorship of Coca-Cola. By the summer of 2016, the Coca-Cola Championship Series was renamed the MountainDew Championship Series (MDCS) under the sponsorship of the Mountain Dew drinking water label.

2017

The number of teams participating in the competition continues to be reduced to 8, in return for the coach and athletes' salary increased to 3 million VND / month. The format of the tournament is also changed: 8 rounds of 2 rounds count Bo3 points, 4 teams with the highest score will participate in play-offs to find the champion.

2018

Riot Games directly participated in the tour operation, the tournament returned with the name Vietnam Championship Series, the total prize pool increased to 1 billion VND 200 million, the salary of coach and athletes increased to VND 4 million / month . In addition, VCS matches are held at GG Stadium - 6th Floor, Crescent Mall, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City built by Riot Games, instead of being organized online as before. Teams not based in Ho Chi Minh City will be supported by the organizers during the VCS Spring 2018. On 21 February 2018, VCS separated from GPL. This is a result based on the fact that in recent years VCS has always been the dominant force of the GPL. Especially at the two spring and summer events in 2017. Impressive competitions at MSI 2017 and World Championship 2017. Riot Games believes that this is a very appropriate time to get Vietnam away from the GPL to become a separate area. Changes in Vietnam's participatory international tournaments are as follows:

  • Vietnam (VCS) will be grouped with Turkey (TCL) and CIS (LCL) at Rift Rivals.
  • MSI: Will be expanded into a tournament for 14 teams.
  • World Championship: Definitely get a boot round.

VCS Championship team Spring Spring 2018 will increase to 100 million VND, bringing the total value to 500 million VND will be separated from GPL's reward Spring 2018 (The expected prize that the Vietnamese champion team attends GPL Spring). However, this only applies to Spring, and from Summer onwards Vietnam will no longer relate to the GPL tournament.

2024 - Match fixing scandal and final tier 1 season

On 15 March 2024, the Spring 2024 season of VCS was suspended due to "unexpected reasons that could affect the matches". By this point the season was in its final week, with 6 matches to be played when the season was suspended. On 18 March, the matches played on 14 March, one day before the suspension, were ruled null and void. All 8 teams in the VCS were put under investigation, with 32 players suspended indefinitely. Rainbow Warriors, one of the teams present, had all of their players suspended with people saying that they were Match fixing. The playoffs went ahead in April with the remaining Group stage games not played. On 3 June, before the Summer split, 29 of the 32 players were officially suspended. Rainbow Warriors were banned from the VCS and future Riot competitions and their spot was revoked in addition.

On 11 June 2024 Riot announced "LoL Esports: Building Towards A Brighter Future", which overhauled the League of Legends Esports ecosystem. The VCS was to no longer be a league that qualified squads for the League of Legends World Championship, as instead an Asia-Pacific league would take its place. VCS would once again become a second tier, echoing the GPL days before 2018. The plans were as follows:

  • New International Tournament: First split with "Fearless Draft" drafting system
  • Three seasons, with Regional Championship after third season
  • League of Legends World Championship: Decrease to 17 teams
  • MSI: Decrease to 10 teams
  • Asia-Pacific League: 8 teams, 4 in partnership with Riot Games (Other 4 can relegate)

With 2024 Summer being the last season of VCS in Tier 1, GAM Esports won the title and, along with Vikings Esports, enter 2024 League of Legends World Championship, with GAM making Swiss Stage. In addition, GAM are guaranteed "guest" spot in new Pacific league (League of Legends Championship Pacific [LCP]). However, should they get partnership with Riot Games, Vikings Esports will join the LCP.

The "LOL - VCS Winter" is an exhilarating esports tournament that showcases the best League of Legends teams from the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS). This highly anticipated event brings together top-tier professional players who compete for glory, fame, and a substantial prize pool.

The tournament takes place during the winter season, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the matches. It serves as a platform for teams to demonstrate their skills, strategies, and teamwork in the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, League of Legends.

The "LOL - VCS Winter" features a round-robin format, where teams face off against each other in a series of matches. The competition is fierce as teams battle it out in a bid to secure a spot in the playoffs. The playoffs stage is where the intensity reaches its peak, with nail-biting matches and high-stakes gameplay.

Fans and spectators can expect to witness thrilling moments, jaw-dropping plays, and strategic maneuvers as the teams vie for dominance. The tournament showcases the pinnacle of League of Legends gameplay, with players exhibiting exceptional mechanical skills, game knowledge, and teamwork.

The "LOL - VCS Winter" is not only a platform for teams to showcase their talent but also an opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the electrifying world of esports. Viewers can tune in to live streams or attend the event in person to experience the adrenaline rush of the matches and cheer for their favorite teams.

With a dedicated and passionate fanbase, the "LOL - VCS Winter" creates an electric atmosphere, with fans chanting, cheering, and supporting their teams throughout the tournament. The event also attracts the attention of esports enthusiasts from around the world, further solidifying its status as a premier esports tournament.

In addition to the thrilling gameplay, the "LOL - VCS Winter" offers a visually stunning production, with state-of-the-art stage setups, professional casters, and expert analysis. The tournament provides a comprehensive viewing experience, ensuring that fans are fully engaged and entertained.

Overall, the "LOL - VCS Winter" is a must-watch esports tournament for League of Legends enthusiasts and esports fans alike. It combines the excitement of competitive gaming with the thrill of winter competition, creating an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators.