SEA Games: Thai AoV National Team Disqualified After Player Is Accused of Cheating

The Thai player Naphat “Tokyogurl” Warasin has been expelled from the women’s Arena of Valor tournament held as part of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, taking place in Thailand since December 9. Her disqualification was confirmed by the event’s organizing committee, which cited the use of unauthorized software or equipment—a decision that also led to the withdrawal of the Thai national team from the competition. The controversy ultimately resulted in her contract termination with TALON, the organization she had represented for several months.

“TALON agrees with the findings and ruling of the Technical Delegate in the Women's Team AOV esports competition at the 33rd SEA Games on December 15, 2025," TALON explained in a press release. "Esports athlete Ms. Naphat Warasin violated a key rule during the competition and was disqualified from the 33rd SEA Games. The organization has terminated the player's esports athlete status under its sponsorship, effective December 16, 2025.”

According to the official ruling issued by the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, Tokyogurl violated Article 9.4.3 of the esports regulations during the Winner Bracket Final against Vietnam on Monday, December 15, 2025. Following an investigation, officials stated that sufficient evidence had been found to justify her expulsion from the 2025 SEA Games and the subsequent withdrawal of the Thai national team. Though not formally confirmed, several media outlets reported that the issue stemmed from the alleged use of a screen-sharing or external assistance software.

The controversy erupted after Thailand’s 0–3 loss in the Winner Bracket Final, during which Tokyogurl was also caught on camera making an obscene gesture toward the broadcast. The Thai Esports Federation (TESF) later released a statement accepting the disciplinary decision and pledging to strengthen its internal oversight to prevent future incidents.

As a direct consequence of Thailand’s disqualification, Laos automatically advanced to the gold medal match. However, the team eventually fell to Vietnam in the Grand Final by a dominant 4–0 scoreline, while Timor-Leste secured third place and the bronze medal. Arena of Valor, it’s worth recalling, is the international adaptation of Honor of Kings, China’s most popular mobile MOBA.

This controversy unfolded amid an already tense atmosphere at this year’s Southeast Asian Games, following escalating disputes between Cambodia and Thailand. The situation grew so serious that the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia decided to withdraw all its participants at the last minute, stating: “Due to serious concerns and requests from the families of our athletes to have their relatives return home immediately, NOCC must withdraw all of our delegation and arrange for their prompt return to Cambodia for safety reasons.”