From the thrilling winners bracket final of VCS to the exceptionally swift grand final of GAM
Just a few days ago, Vikings Esports and GAM Esports delivered perhaps the most exciting winners bracket final in the history of League of Legends in Vietnam. Both teams exchanged blows in different ways, aligning with their respective strategies. While GAM capitalized on the individual talents of each player and the mistakes of their opponents, VKE focused on a macro-oriented playstyle reminiscent of the LCK. From these contrasting playstyles, both GAM and VKE provided an emotionally charged winners bracket final for VCS fans. At the same time, it made the audience believe that these were the two most deserving teams to advance to this year’s Worlds.
However, the grand final of VCS Summer 2024 was completely the opposite as GAM displayed an overwhelming performance, even excelling in macro play and no longer waiting for VKE to make mistakes. GAM even dominated even when the opponent was playing at their maximum ping possible. Kati’s farm stats were still good, Shogun shone, but GAM did not wait for VKE to slip up to exploit. They played better, and all three games concluded very swiftly, following the formula of Levi – Kiaya outperforming their two opponents, while Kati – Shogun – Bie could not compensate for the significant disadvantage against their adversaries.
Is GAM’s formula too easy to “read”?
GAM’s championship formula, which they have consistently applied against VKE since Spring 2024, is to leverage the synergy and talent of Levi – Kiaya, thoroughly exploiting the opponent’s Jungle – Top lane. Even when the opponents have above-average top laners (Team Whales, Team Secret), this formula still applies. The simple reason is that Kiaya can be said to outclass all other top laners in VCS. Meanwhile, Levi knows how to enable Kiaya to achieve this regardless of who the opponent is.
However, it is clear that GAM’s formula is simple and only works if VCS teams lack the ability to counter it, even after fully “reading” GAM’s strategy. VKE attempted to counter by focusing on the other lanes. They had some success in the winners bracket final, but GAM adapted well with just a few changes: Emo and EasyLove tried to play their roles effectively to give Levi more time to “care for” Kiaya. Thus, VKE’s plan failed.
But on the world stage, teams are too familiar with this formula from GAM, and countering it becomes relatively easy when top global top laners know how to handle teams with significant lane disparities like GAM. Notably, GAM has executed this approach multiple times in the past, and even Movistar R7 has previously defeated the VCS champion by completely neutralizing the Levi – Kiaya combo. Not to mention, top-tier teams always have quality Top – Jungle duos (Kiin – Canyon, 369 – Tian, Bin – Wei/Xun). Teams from the LCK and LPL, as well as PSG Talon with the formidable duo of Azhi – JunJia, are also worth considering.
GAM may still achieve victories or surprising moments. However, it is certain that GAM’s opponents in the play-in stage of Worlds 2024, and even in the group stage, will study GAM very carefully. The strengths and weaknesses of the VCS champion’s playstyle will be scrutinized thoroughly. After all, there are only 2 spots for the group stage of Worlds 2024, and no team wants to miss out.
Conclusion
GAM has rightfully claimed the title of VCS Summer 2024 champion, and there is no debate about that. However, they may need to lessen their reliance on Kiaya – Levi, especially with quality players like Emo or soon-to-be Neo around. Worlds 2024 will not be like VCS, and teams may perform better than VKE in making GAM pay if they continue with their familiar winning formula after so many seasons.