LCP 2025 Finals Weekend: Historic boost for Vietnamese esports

The Season Finals of the LCP 2025 wrapped at Tien Son Sports Center with memorable moments and major milestones. Home team Team Secret Whales (TSW) electrified the crowd by eliminating Taiwan’s PSG Talon in the losers’ bracket final, before losing to CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO) in the grand final.

Beyond competition, the two-day festival blended entertainment and technology, drawing about 5,000 fans and underscoring Vietnam's capability, and ambition, to stage international-standard esports events.

The audience cheer for TSW at the LCP 2025 Grand Final. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

On Sept. 20–21, Tien Son truly became a furnace, lit by thousands of passionate supporters. Organizers zoned the stands by ticket tier, managed crowd flows for smooth movement, handed out clappers, and maintained tight security throughout.

Despite daily schedules stretching 8–9 hours, from booth openings to post-match pressers, fans stayed immersed in a festival that fused sport, entertainment, and tech. Nonstop cheers and pro-grade lighting and sound delivered a spectacle comparable to top international tournaments.

Venue choice also mattered. Iconic arenas often define great events, and for Vietnamese esports, Tien Son now holds that role. Longtime fans still recall the Di Tim Huyen Thoai Dong Nam A event in September 2012 and the 2016 GPL Summer, when Saigon Jokers lifted national spirits with dramatic wins over Singaporean and Thai teams, right at Tien Son.

It’s no wonder phrases like "Tien Son Sanctuary" or "Tien Son Wins" (a playful nod to TSW) trended before the event, as fans hoped the arena’s aura would fuel the home side against Taiwan’s best.

Fans tensely watch the grand final match between TSW and CFO. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Proving international event capacity

Prior to LCP, Vietnam had hosted various LoL tournaments such as VCS, GPL, or MSI. Yet none matched the scale of this Finals Weekend. VCS and GPL were largely domestic or Southeast Asian in scope, while MSI 2019 only brought the initial and group stages to Vietnam.

Having LCP choose Da Nang as the place to host completes the regional calendar, marking the first time Vietnamese organizations like FPT and VNGGames collaborated to meet the strict organizational standards set by Riot Games.

Though only two matches were held onsite, the complexity of an international event—combining entertainment, technology, and sport—posed nontrivial challenges. The operations team, however, coordinated quite smoothly, serving both in-venue and online audiences while creating a comfortable competitive environment for the players.

Two fans bought official items at the event booths. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

"Vietnam hosting an international-scale LoL event like LCP is a 'golden' opportunity for us to showcase our organizing capabilities and the passion of our fan community. The seamless coordination across stakeholders turned that expectation into reality. The success of LCP 2025 is an important stepping stone to hosting large tournaments for other esports titles," said Ngo Manh Cuong, CEO of FPT Online.

More than 200 staff across content, media, logistics, and security overcame language, cultural, and workflow differences to deliver a polished experience—from match coverage to lively press conferences, sharp analyst desks, and a standout cosplay final.

Launchpad for new talents

TSW's run, representing Vietnam at LCP Finals and Worlds, surprised many who had tabbed GAM Esports as favorites, but it injected optimism about a new wave of stars. Against international mainstays like Maple, Karsa, and JunJia, TSW played fearlessly. Their aggressive, distinctly Vietnamese style impressed global viewers and signaled a rising generation.

TSW defeated PSG 3-1 in the Bracket Final. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Though they failed to keep the trophy in Vietnam, TSW's performance drew praise, and their composure after the grand final resonated. "I think if we had executed better in that pivotal moment, the match could have swung the other way... That was the decisive situation of the match," admitted Hizto, the 2007-born jungler. Beyond in-game growth, international media exposure will be invaluable for young players.

Vietnam has produced global-level talents before, SOFM starred in the LPL (Suning, Snake, Weibo) and Levi tested the North American scene, but consistent breakthroughs on the biggest stages have been elusive. LCP was designed to change that: to raise competitiveness and serve as a springboard for prospects to catch the eye of elite teams.

Early signs are promising. After lifting the title, CFO's HongQ reportedly drew interest from multiple LPL organizations, evidence that LCP can open real pathways for Vietnamese players to take the next step in their careers.