Entering the match against Fnatic, this was undoubtedly the best opportunity for GAM Esports to seek a victory. Although FNC is still the number 2 seed from LEC, if GAM plays focused, they could definitely cause an upset. However, in the end, the result was as many predicted: GAM lost with a score of 0-2, and they will have to face another strong opponent, Team Liquid, a team that even made T1 of Faker sweat to barely overcome on their opening day in the Swiss round.
Moreover, GAM’s loss to FNC is even more regrettable, as the VCS representative lost all their advantages, from champion picks to teamfight execution. Watching GAM play, no one could recognize this was the team representing VCS – a region famous for its continuous fighting style. Even when FNC was playing poorly, GAM still allowed their opponents to win by showcasing their skills. Not to mention the disjointedness in every position of GAM’s players.
And in GAM’s dark picture, even among the team’s fans, supporters have lost their calm. In particular, the two names mentioned the most are captain Levi and ADC Slayder.
In the match against Gen.G, Levi’s hesitation while trying to steal the Red Buff can be understood as he was not supported by his teammates, while Peanut – Chovy and Delight were ready for a counterattack. But moving into the match against FNC, the use of the champion Sejuani saw Levi only executed a few good engages. Furthermore, he seemed almost powerless against the movements of FNC’s players and failed to control vision.
But if Levi’s performance is declining due to age, Slayder once again frustrated GAM fans. No one could understand what the ADC, considered the top 1 in VCS, was thinking during the situation in the Bot Lane after GAM had taken down Trymbi and had a push against the turret. This is not the first time Slayder has disappointed at Worlds 2023. GAM’s first match in the Play-In stage is another example of Slayder’s inconsistent performance. Notably, he was once seen as the “dream ADC” that GAM needed to buy to replace Sty1e.
Of course, when a team loses, the blame lies with the entire unit. However, there are certainly individuals whose mistakes are the fatal blows that lead to the team’s collapse. Slayder and Levi in particular, as well as all members of GAM, need to regain their focus if they do not want to end the Swiss round with an embarrassing 0-3 record.