After a somewhat acceptable 2023 Worlds, GAM Esports is, of course, looking towards the new season with hopes for greater success. Not only do they aim to defend their domestic title, but GAM also needs to prove they are worthy of being the “flagship” of the VCS. Naturally, other teams will also make changes and upgrades to compete with the black and yellow squad. Notably, Team Whales is among the challengers, having performed impressively at the 2023 Worlds.
However, as the end-of-season transfer market just opened, GAM has already bid farewell to several names, from their coaching staff (Coach Rei, Coach HanKay) to player positions (Zin, playcool, Slayder). Notably, Slayder’s position currently has few replacements. After unexpectedly leaving GAM, Slayder hinted at more internal issues within the GAM organization, stating that the team did not build a playstyle suitable for the 2000-born marksman.
Recently, just when fans thought GAM would continue to build a strong team, rumors surfaced: Kati is also set to leave GAM to join Vikings Gaming. For those who may not know, Vikings Gaming recently acquired the roster of Saigon Buffalo and their spot in the VCS for 2024. Moreover, there are reports that Vikings Gaming will retain Shogun and Gury. Therefore, if Kati joins Vikings Gaming, this team will have three very strong players in their positions within the VCS. Additionally, Vikings is a net cafe system in which SofM has also invested.
However, this raises a concern: Apart from Top Lane, Jungle, and Support, GAM may be preparing to part ways with another top-tier player in their position. With TW certainly making efforts to retain Gloryy, and considering other players like Artifact, Yado, or even Froggy have dropped in form, if Kati leaves, GAM will struggle to find a suitable replacement.
However, all of this remains speculation, and neither GAM nor Kati has made any official statements. Nevertheless, it is clear that the VCS is preparing for significant upheaval and changes, and it could be that GAM is a team at risk of disbanding most of the roster that has brought glory in recent years.