LPL AFK scandal breaks out! NIP wins the do-or-die match, the entire Vietnamese team loses connection, and the audience erupts in boos

Hello to all LPL viewers and League of Legends summoners, this is Tianxia Game Report.

Before the official launch of the S15 World Championship, the recent matches of the ASI Asia Showdown have attracted extensive attention, and yesterday was the third day of the event, featuring several surprising storylines.

Editor

Among these, the match between NIP and the Vietnamese team MVKE caused huge controversy due to instances of AFK behavior.

LPL AFK scandal erupts, NIP narrowly claims victory

Yesterday’s matches gave LPL fans a rollercoaster experience: right off the bat, JDG, the highest-ranked LPL team, was swept by GAM, becoming a source of shame for the region. Later, a major AFK controversy erupted during the NIP versus another Vietnamese team’s match.

Later on, when LPL’s morale was quite low, WBG suddenly exploded with a 2-0 sweep over DK, giving the region a much-needed boost.

Among these three incidents, the most controversial was undoubtedly the second match between NIP and MVKE.

Although NIP won the match, viewers accused them of an unearned victory because MVKE’s entire team disconnected during the third game.

At that moment, NIP was economically behind but chose to five-man rush Baron. MVKE came to defend, with Volibear leading the charge, combining Bard’s and Jhin’s ultimates to try to stop NIP and initiate a team fight. However, when Volibear approached NIP, MVKE suddenly lost connection entirely, which directly impacted the match’s progress, allowing NIP to narrowly secure the win.

No time rewind possible, match continues

From the situation, MVKE’s full disconnection froze the game state; Volibear triggered the disconnect recall mechanic but was caught and killed by NIP, while the flank by Twisted Fate was also eliminated. After NIP secured two kills, the game was paused and referred to the referees.

Because this Asia Showdown is held online, the most accurate time rewind ruling was impossible, so the referees ultimately decided to let the match continue.

Some fans found in the event’s rules that if one side experiences network instability and time rewind cannot be performed, the match must proceed.

After the match resumed, NIP chose to continue attacking Baron, a decision that sparked strong dissatisfaction among viewers.

Given the circumstances, the two kills NIP gained were basically due to the opponents’ disconnection, as Jhin’s ultimate was never fired during the AFK, and teammates had no follow-up. This meant NIP benefited from the opponents’ disconnection, yet after resuming, they still pressed on with Baron, completely turning the tide.

Audience boos erupt, Vietnamese team seen as victims

With this comeback, NIP smoothly won the match but faced heavy criticism afterward, with viewers accusing them of unsportsmanlike conduct. Many also condemned the organizers, labeling the ruling unfair and calling for a rematch.

The controversy arose because some fans believed NIP did nothing wrong, as they were not responsible for the Vietnamese team’s disconnection, and it’s natural for a team to pursue victory in a match.

In this incident, the Vietnamese team is undoubtedly the victim, but in my opinion, NIP is also a hidden victim.

Once the Vietnamese team disconnected, no matter what NIP did or the final outcome, they would be criticized. Without an official rematch, if NIP lost, they’d be harshly blamed; if they didn’t contest Baron and lost, they’d be criticized; if they fought Baron and won, as happened, they still got blasted by the audience.

Currently, the general consensus is that NIP’s best move would have been to avoid Baron, having already secured two kills, and wait for the opponents to revive before continuing, which is considered more reasonable. However, this might only reduce criticism somewhat, as some backlash would likely remain.