The esports world is reeling after a high-profile cheating scandal at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games led to the disqualification of a top Thai player and the subsequent withdrawal of Thailand’s entire women’s Arena of Valor (RoV) team.
The controversy centers on Warasin Naraphat, known professionally as Tokyogurl. During a high-stakes upper bracket final against Vietnam on December 15, officials and viewers noted highly suspicious behavior. Despite the alleged use of unauthorized assistance, the Thai team suffered a crushing 0–3 defeat. Shortly after the match, the Thailand Esports Federation (TESF) confirmed that Naraphat had been disqualified for a “serious technical violation.”
Remote Access and Middle Fingers
While the TESF did not initially name the specific software, reports suggest that the player may have utilized TeamViewer, a remote access program. This has led to allegations of “ghosting,” where a different, highly skilled player may have been controlling Naraphat’s character remotely from another location.
Adding to the drama, Naraphat was caught on the live broadcast making a middle-finger gesture toward the camera before being substituted mid-series. While she later claimed the gesture was an inside joke intended to de-stress a teammate, the optics fueled public backlash.
A Team’s Sacrifice
The fallout was swift and severe. Despite still being in contention for a medal, the TESF took the unprecedented step of withdrawing the entire women’s team from the tournament on December 16. In an official statement, the federation emphasized that “fair play is paramount,” choosing to uphold the integrity of Thai sportsmanship over the pursuit of a podium finish.
The professional consequences for Naraphat were immediate. Her esports organization, Talon, announced the termination of her contract effective immediately, citing a zero-tolerance policy regarding competitive integrity.
Denials and Defense
Despite the evidence cited by officials, Naraphat has taken to social media to deny the allegations. She claims she played the match herself and that her erratic behavior was due to a sudden panic attack and physical illness, which she says required hospitalization following the game.
The “Tokyogurl” incident joins a growing list of scandals shaking the competitive gaming industry in 2025. As esports continues to push for Olympic-level recognition, this scandal serves as a stark reminder of the technological challenges organizers face in ensuring a level playing field on the digital stage.