Recently, GAM Esports and Team Whales players traveled to South Korea to prepare for the World Championship (Worlds) 2023. With the changes in the new format, GAM and TW will both have to compete from the Play-In stage this year. However, it is noteworthy that this round will only feature one representative from the Major region. The rest will be teams from smaller regions and wildcards.
GAM and TW players have headed to South Korea to prepare for Worlds 2023
After the draw results, GAM is in the same group as LOUD, Movistar R7, and PSG Talon. Ignoring LOUD (which is considered the weakest team in the group), both PSG and R7 have significant history with VCS. Specifically, PSG is always seen as a “close brother” of the VCS region and has publicly supported Vietnamese LoL teams on the international stage numerous times. Meanwhile, R7 is the team that “sowed sorrow” for GAM at MSI 2023. Therefore, many VCS fans hope GAM can face R7 again for revenge. TW faces a tougher challenge as the VCS runner-up, Hoàng Hôn, will be in the same group as a Major region team.
Therefore, recently, famous commentator Hoàng Luân shared his thoughts on GAM’s group at Worlds 2023. Specifically, according to a post on the official VCS social media page, Commentator Hoàng Luân stated that GAM’s group is “as easy as it gets”. According to the commentator, GAM will only face teams from regions considered equal to or lower than VCS.
However, known for his “reverse predictions”, the comments from the famous commentator caused both GAM and VCS fans to “scream in horror”. But if we put aside unrelated factors, GAM’s placement in an easier group might not necessarily be a good thing. Teams that are rated lower often have a more relaxed mindset. Meanwhile, GAM players have often felt heavy pressure every time they step onto the international stage over the past few years.
However, compared to TW’s group, GAM’s group is indeed much “easier”. But that does not mean GAM can be complacent. The lesson from R7 at MSI 2023 still lingers, and the yellow-black players certainly do not want to disappoint VCS fans again.