Thus, the match between GAM Esports and Fnatic unfolded as many League of Legends fans anticipated before the debut of both teams at MSI 2024. With a somewhat patched-together lineup, featuring players making their debut at an international level like GAM was completely defeated by FNC. However, the match also highlighted the critical weaknesses of the reigning VCS champions. This is an urgent area for improvement, albeit a difficult one, if GAM hopes to advance past the Play-In stage this year.
Still Too Dependent on Kiaya – Levi’s Performance
It is a fact that GAM, both currently and in recent years, has relied too much on the performance of Levi and Kiaya. These two experienced players, who possess excellent skills, are the mainstays of GAM. However, being too rigid in certain strategies is something to avoid, especially in tournaments that are not overly lengthy, like MSI or the World Championship. And GAM, after many years, whether or not they have a “dream team,” still only relies on Kiaya and Levi.
Of course, with a GAM that is too patched together, this is understandable. Not to mention, Emo and EasyLove have shown that they are not truly ready for a tournament like MSI 2024. However, GAM probably needs to take bolder risks. For example, allocating enough resources for Emo, ready to compensate for his mistakes, or focusing on EasyLove. Who knows, bold changes might help GAM “make a mark”?
Decent Drafting but Operational Issues Abound
As SofM himself pointed out during GAM’s drafting phase, this lineup had good picks in both games. But fundamentally, GAM did not execute their champions correctly. This leans toward skill factors of both themselves and their opponents, but clearly, with a FNC that also made some mistakes in both games, GAM’s inability to play correctly with their champions can only be blamed on themselves.
However, GAM’s drafting was only at a decent level and their defeat was largely due to individual skill and team coordination. The “crazy play” (as Levi himself admitted in the MSI 2024 teaser clip) clearly does not help if from the start, the opponent has superior skills and plays far more scientifically.
Psychological Issues
The final and most critical factor, which has persisted since the time of Kati and even before, is the psychological aspect. While Emo and EasyLove are new names, they did not play like a “nothing to lose” team but rather like a team “so afraid of losing that they cannot control their mistakes.”
Even EasyLove, a former GAM player and AD carry who has battled in the VCS for many years, ended up being the least effective and made the most mistakes in both games. The psychological issue has previously caused GAM to suffer a devastating defeat at MSI 2023, even against wildcard teams like Movistar R7. And certainly, no one wants these mistakes to repeat this year, even if GAM does not have the strongest lineup.