On the match day of June 29, during the VCS Hoàng Hôn 2023, GAM Esports faced off against Team Flash (TF) – a familiar opponent that had completely lost to the reigning champions in VCS Spring 2023 previously. Currently, GAM is considered to be much stronger with the addition of ADC Slayder. Additionally, TF is also a former team that won the VCS 2020 alongside Slayder.
However, on a day when almost every position of GAM performed below expectations with puzzling displays, it was no surprise that TF emerged victorious. Kudos must be given to the efforts of the TF players, especially considering that at the beginning of VCS Spring 2023, they finished in 6th place overall and managed to secure only one win against GAM.
For GAM, it has been a long time since they were defeated in a group stage match of the VCS. The last time they lost in a VCS group stage match was during VCS Summer 2022. Notably, that can be seen as the worst performing tournament for GAM in over a year, excluding VCS Winter. Prior to that, in VCS Spring 2022, GAM had established an undefeated record throughout the tournament.
Interestingly, in VCS Summer 2022, GAM only lost to teams considered to be on par with them (Saigon Buffalo, SBTC Esports, and CERBERUS Esports), while against TF now, GAM has lost to a team in the lower ranks of the standings. Many VCS fans and even GAM supporters reacted quite positively, if not secretly pleased, with the defeat of the reigning champions.
The reason is that GAM is too strong in the domestic league but has not been able to perform well internationally. In the VCS, fans have often remarked that teams tend to ‘lose to GAM’ despite having many advantages. GAM’s defeat this time not only makes the tournament more exciting but also allows GAM players to realize they must truly put in effort and address their weaknesses. Every team is determined, and GAM can no longer be complacent.
As for GAM, this is only their second match in VCS Hoàng Hôn 2023. Of course, after this match, GAM may very well remain undefeated again. But if GAM can play even better, improve, and make a mark on the international stage, TF will certainly deserve the first credit for defeating the reigning VCS champions.