Arena of Valor player disqualified for cheating at SEA Games

An Arena of Valor player has been disqualified from the Southeast Asian Games tournament for cheating. 

Thai player Naphat "Tokyogurl" Warasin was removed from the Arena of Valor tournmaent at the 33rd SEA Games on December 15th, now confirmed by the event's organizing committee. 

According to event orgnanizers, Tokyogurl was caught using "unauthorized software or equipment," getting the entire team disqualified from the prestigious competition. 

In response to the accusations and disqualification, TALON Esports terminated Tokyogurl's contract. 

“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.”

Arena of Valor cheater caught at SEA Games

Tokyogurl and the rest of the Thailand team made it to the Finals against Vietnam on Monday, December 15th. Unfortunately, it was during that match that Tokyogurl was caught violating Article 9.4.3, which is believed to be due to use of screen-sharing. 

Screen sharing is when a player uses external sources to gain unfair knowledge about the opposing team's strategy, position, and other in-game details. This gives them an advantage they shouldn't have. It's a blatant form of cheating in esports. 

On top of screen sharing, Tokyogurl was caught flipping off the broadcast during the 0-3 loss during the Finals. Yes, despite cheating quite aggressively, Tokyogurl's team was completely wiped.  With Thailand booted from the tournament, Laos was advanced to the Grand Finals against Vietnam. The two fought for the gold model, but Vietnam won with a 4-0 scoreline. This proved the country's dominance in Arena of Valor with two complete sweeps in a row.