On 16/12, the Thai Esports Federation (TESF) confirmed Warasin, known as Tokyogurl, was disqualified from SEA Games 33 for a serious technical violation during competition. Tokyogurl was found to have violated Article 9.4.3 of the Esports Technical Handbook, which prohibits using unauthorized third-party software or interfering with and modifying competition equipment during the match against Vietnam on 15/12.

TESF views this as a significant lesson in athlete management and commits to tightening fair play standards in the future.

According to Dailynews.co.th, relevant parties announced penalties on 17/12. Garena, the game publisher, banned Tokyogurl from all Arena of Valor tournaments, effective 16/12/2025. Her team, TALON, also confirmed immediate termination of her contract.

The RoV Esports organizing committee imposed the highest disciplinary action, issuing a lifetime ban against Tokyogurl, concluding one of the most serious scandals in Thai esports history.

The cheating scandal involving Naphat Warasin at SEA Games 33 caused a stir. Photo: Thaiger

"From a highly anticipated female player, Tokyogurl now faces the most severe penalty of her career. The incident is considered one of the biggest scandals in Thai esports history, serving as a warning about professional ethics, transparency, and fair play on the international stage," Dailynews.co.th commented.

Regarding the incident, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) stated it would support the Thai Esports Federation (TESF) in considering legal action against Tokyogurl if sufficient evidence of violations beyond the scope of sports is found.

Mr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, confirmed direct discussions with Mr. Santih Lotthong, President of TESF. Initially, TESF will complete its report to the SEA Games Council and the Asian Esports Federation for disciplinary action at the sports level, following proper procedures.

According to Mr. Kongsak, from a legal perspective, authorities must thoroughly investigate whether Tokyogurl's actions violated the law. The Sports Authority of Thailand has instructed TESF to continue monitoring and reporting details. Concurrently, the agency demanded stricter regulations, increased penalties, and enhanced preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

The head of Thai sports emphasized that cheating is unacceptable in any sport. He also praised the Thai referee committee for honestly detecting and reporting the misconduct, despite it involving a host country athlete.

"Thailand has always upheld principles of fairness and transparency when hosting the SEA Games. This incident shows we do not cover up, do not show favoritism, and are ready to impose strict penalties to ensure common SEA Games standards, building trust within the Southeast Asian sports community," Mr. Kongsak stated.

Mr. Santih Lotthong, President of the Thai Esports Federation (TESF) and President of the Asian Esports Federation. Photo: PPTV

Meanwhile, Mr. Santih Lotthong, President of the Thai Esports Federation (TESF) and President of the Asian Esports Federation, stated that organizers detected irregularities when Tokyogurl arrived at the gaming station and independently adjusted device settings before the match. He explained that esports leaves clear technical traces on equipment, allowing all login and setup actions to be tracked. Referees recorded the presence of two accounts logged into the same application and preserved all images and data as evidence.

Mr. Santih also clarified why only Tokyogurl was disciplined, while other team members did not receive individual penalties. The international referee committee determined that the remaining players did not use prohibited software and did not assist in the cheating. However, to demonstrate responsibility and national honor, the entire team collectively decided to withdraw from SEA Games 33.

Regarding Tokyogurl's health after the match, the TESF President said the player was examined by medical staff at the venue and transferred to a hospital on the evening of 15/12. Initial medical conclusions indicated no signs of neurological damage, but rather a digestive issue.

Concerning suspicions of someone else playing on her behalf, Mr. Santih affirmed that TESF has collected full technical evidence and is continuing to trace login history. He stressed that Tokyogurl is permanently banned from the national team, warning that any individuals or clubs involved, if found to have assisted, will also face similar disciplinary action.

"Cheating is unacceptable in any sport. If anyone harms Thai esports, we are compelled to deal with it decisively," Mr. Santih said, adding that TESF consulted the Sports Authority of Thailand to ensure proper handling and accountability.

Hong Duy (according to Daily News, Khaosod)