According to the latest announcement from the VCS organizers and Riot, the playoffs of VCS Spring 2024 will proceed as planned to ensure the first phase of the season concludes as fully as possible. Of course, in the current context, this is a move showing the effort of Riot and the VCS organizers. However, among the 4 teams participating in the playoffs (GAM Esports, Team Secret, Team Whales, and Vikings Esports), there is not a single team that has not suffered losses following the announcement of additional investigations by the VCS organizers. Therefore, the teams must urgently find players to prepare for the important phase ahead.
But in such a situation, not every name is suitable as teams must also consider the further issue of MSI 2024. Many players currently in free agency have been mentioned by the community in recent days. However, the teams themselves must conduct their own analyses.
Team Secret – Slayder, Skewed
With 2 vacant positions for ADC (Eddie) and Jungle (Qiang), Team Secret will certainly need replacements. Of course, the first important thing is that the replacements must be skilled, and even have an understanding of the “Hidden Secret”. Among the names being frequently mentioned, perhaps Slayder and Skewed are the most suitable options if TS wants to find someone capable of helping the team get through this playoff stage and finish the season positively.
Both Slayder and Skewed are former stars of TS. While Slayder was seen as a key factor in TS’s rise in 2021, Skewed also had a year with TS and was tested during the SEA Games 31 qualifiers. Although he didn’t make a significant impression while being a substitute for Penguin and later Qiang, Skewed at least understands TS’s culture. Slayder and Skewed will ensure that TS still has capable names to compete in the upcoming VCS Spring 2024 playoffs. Especially since Slayder is still diligently climbing ranks and likely looks forward to the opportunity to face his former team GAM after the noisy breakup at the end of 2023.
Team Whales – Position Swap, Killerqueen
A bittersweet truth is that among the current 4 teams, TW is the only team with an excess of ADCs, while GAM and TS have lost their main ADCs. In fact, apart from Sparda as Top Lane, the other 5 clean players of TW are all ADCs or Supports. Of course, the positions of Artemis and Sparda are non-negotiable. Therefore, TW must consider position swap options, or even call back their former players.
Among them, if playing as a Mid Support, CBL is the most suitable to temporarily fill Gloryy’s position. TW will likely play with a strategy of funneling resources for Sparda and Artemis completely. Therefore, the Jungle, Mid, and Support need to be tanky, “buffing”. In that case, CBL would be extremely fitting.
Additionally, TW can still consider the option of Killerqueen. The former TW star frequently climbs ranks and can be said to not be out of the meta. Not to mention, Killerqueen was once a very promising player in the VCS. If the old team encounters difficulties, “The Assassin” could completely consider the option of returning to support the place that helped him rise to fame.
Vikings Esports – SofM, Coated
Although acquiring a competition spot from Saigon Buffalo, VKE is not without “old acquaintances”. First, there is Coated – an experienced Top Laner who is currently a free agent after leaving VKE when the team officially participated in the VCS. Coated would be a good, viable option for VKE, especially since their goal at the moment has likely been achieved, which is to reach the top 4 in their debut season of VCS.
In the Jungle position, of course, VKE is also looking for players. However, fans are very eager to see SofM “put his keyboard into play”. If this scenario actually happens, it is entirely feasible. SofM is still young and likely keeps up with the frequent changes in League of Legends. While skills may fade, the leadership ability of SofM will greatly benefit VKE in the upcoming phase.
GAM Esports – Tlong
With Bigkoro promoted to ADC, GAM only faces issues in the Mid Lane position left by Blazes. In reality, GAM still has a backup Mid Laner in Emo. However, the black-yellow team needs to consider further scenarios: that is to win glory to qualify for MSI 2024 (in case VCS is not cut off by Riot this year). At that time, Tlong may fit GAM better than Emo.
Those who follow GAM LIFE will not be surprised as GAM always engages in team-building activities, including sessions with psychological experts… And this is exactly what Tlong needs. His weaknesses lie in teamwork and the psychological burdens from his internship at Fredit BRION. Therefore, GAM’s methods “outside of League of Legends” could truly help unlock his personal issues. If GAM can indeed consider and address Tlong’s situation, the black-yellow team could possess a highly potential Mid Laner of the VCS in the future.