Facing off against a team considered relatively weak, MGN Blue Esports, reigning champions GAM Esports were expected to secure an easy, even overwhelming victory. However, “life is not a dream” and indeed the VCS is always full of surprises. No one could believe that the champion GAM was defeated by MBE with a score of 2-1. Notably, GAM was even trailing behind MBE, which is the only team so far in VCS Spring 2024 that managed to push GAM to a third game and secure a victory.
While GAM’s defeat was shocking, the reactions from those involved after the match have sparked intense controversy. Specifically, right after GAM’s defeat, former GAM star – AD Carry Slayder immediately made a noteworthy post. He shared a segment from the latest mic check of the yellow-black team players, featuring rookie AD Carry Pyshiro repeatedly echoing a phrase in a manner reminiscent of how Slayder called the team during the team’s participation in Worlds 2023.
Previously, GAM had posted this mic check and many believed that the yellow-black players continuously repeating Slayder’s phrases implied a “mocking” of the 2000-born AD Carry. Naturally, when Slayder posted a screenshot from the clip, it immediately ignited fierce controversy. A section of GAM fans clearly expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that he showed a lack of respect towards his former team and his actions seemed somewhat vindictive.
However, the vast majority of VCS audience opinions suggest that Slayder’s actions are entirely normal. Moreover, some argue that allowing Pyshiro – a young emerging player – to engage in “mocking” behavior towards a veteran who has experienced enough ups and downs in the Vietnamese League of Legends scene like Slayder could make Pyshiro a target for criticism and more scrutiny during games. This means that pressure on the 2003-born player will only increase in future matches.
It can be said that Slayder’s actions are somewhat personal and emotional, but GAM must take responsibility for igniting this fierce response from a former player. And if GAM continues to perform poorly in the future, as they did against MBE, it is not out of the question that they will be mentioned by VCS audiences along with sharp mockery following the recent controversial mic check.