Thai eSports player Warasin Naraphat, known by her in-game moniker “Tokyogurl,” has been formally removed from the 33rd Southeast Asian Games following a serious cheating incident during an Arena of Valor competition against Vietnam. The decision came after investigations revealed she violated technical rules and engaged in inappropriate conduct.
The Thai Electronic Sports Federation (TESF) confirmed Tokyogurl’s expulsion from the national team after discovering she used a prohibited mobile application during the match. This application reportedly allowed a third party to play on her behalf, while she merely simulated active gameplay for the cameras. Tokyogurl herself admitted to these actions. Despite this illicit attempt to gain an advantage, the Thai Arena of Valor women’s team ultimately lost the match to their Vietnamese counterparts with a decisive score of 3-0 on December 15, the date the incident occurred.
Further compounding the issue, Tokyogurl also drew public criticism for an inappropriate gesture made during the live broadcast of the match. She was seen raising her middle finger vertically towards the camera, an act that intensified public backlash against her.
A swift investigation was initiated by the SEA Games technical committee shortly after the incident, with findings promptly reported to the organizers. This inquiry brought Tokyogurl’s deceptive practices to light, leading to her immediate and severe punishment: removal from the ongoing 33rd SEA Games. Her teammates reportedly voiced their dismay and frustration regarding her unacceptable behavior on social media.
In the wake of the scandal, and just hours after the fraud came to light, the Thai Electronic Sports Federation (TESF) took further drastic action, opting to withdraw its entire women’s Arena of Valor team from all remaining disciplines at the SEA Games. Concurrently, Talon, Tokyogurl’s professional eSports team, also announced the immediate termination of her contract, effective ahead of its original expiry date.
