Thailand women’s esports star Tokyogurl disqualified from SEA Games, receives lifetime ban

Thailand’s Tokyogurl disqualified from SEA Games for alleged cheating; entire women’s RoV team withdrawn

Thailand’s top women’s esports player, Naphat Warasin, known as Tokyogurl, has been disqualified from the 33rd SEA Games following allegations of cheating during a live Arena of Valor match. Despite Thailand losing 0–3 to Vietnam in the upper bracket final, the incident prompted swift action by officials.

The Thailand Esports Federation (TESF) confirmed that Tokyogurl violated the Esports Technical Manual, which prohibits unauthorised third-party software or modified equipment during competition.

Observers noted suspicious behaviour on broadcast, including a middle-finger gesture made by Tokyogurl, before she was substituted out mid-series.

SEA Games officials launched an immediate investigation, concluding that a serious technical violation had occurred. Reports suggest the use of TeamViewer software may have allowed another person to participate remotely.

Following the ruling, Talon Esports terminated Tokyogurl’s contract, effective December 16, and Garena imposed a lifetime ban from all Realm of Valor competitions.

TESF subsequently withdrew the entire Thai women’s team from the tournament, despite their ongoing lower bracket match against Laos, citing the importance of maintaining national integrity.

Tokyogurl publicly denied the allegations, stating that she played the match herself without any unauthorised software. She explained that nervousness and panic contributed to her on-camera gesture and that she was hospitalised after the game.

Teammates expressed disappointment and regret. Team captain Jomkhon Pumsinil, known as Givemeakiss, said, “We had no idea about the alleged cheating. Our hearts were shattered, and we would like to apologise to the people for the incident.”

Arena of Valor, known in Thailand as Realm of Valor (RoV), is a popular mobile MOBA game recognised as a professional sport by the Thai government. Tokyogurl played the role of “carry,” the primary source of long-range damage, which is a critical position in competitive play.