Thai e-sports athlete Naphat Warasin, known by her in-game name “Tokyogurl,” has been disqualified from the SEA Games after being found guilty of cheating during the women’s Arena of Valor match against Vietnam.
In an official statement released on December 16, the Thailand Esports Federation (TESF) confirmed that Warasin violated Item 9.4.3 of the Esports Technical Handbook. According to the federation, she was detected using unauthorized third-party software and hardware modifications during Game 1 of the match.
Aside from the cheating offense, Warasin also faced criticism for making a vulgar hand gesture during the livestreamed match.
“After further investigation, conclusive evidence was found, which led to the imposition of a Personal Penalty resulting in her expulsion from the entirety of the esports competition,” TESF stated in its report.
Following the incident, her management agency, Talon TH, announced the termination of her contract. The organization also revealed that Warasin has been banned from participating in all esports competitions under the Sports Authority of Thailand, effective December 16.
Garena ROV Tournament likewise issued a separate statement regarding the incident during the 33rd SEA Games. They imposed an indefinite ban on Warasin from all Arena of Valor tournaments conducted under Garena, also effective December 16.
As a result of the controversy, the entire Thai women’s Arena of Valor delegation has been withdrawn from the competition.
TESF president Santi Lothong issued a public apology in a recorded message, saying, “Please forgive our team for their mistake. My team and I are truly sorry.”
He added, “We love our sport and cannot allow anyone—regardless of who they are—to damage the integrity of esports.”
