In recent days, as MSI 2023 has concluded, the attention of the League of Legends community in Asia is turning to ASIAD. In Vietnam alone, the VCS has never seen a transfer season as active as this one. So far, the first “big transfer” has been confirmed with Slayder officially joining GAM Esports (GAM) starting from Summer 2023.
In just over a day, VIRESA (Vietnam Electronic Sports and Entertainment Association) announced three names that will be part of the Vietnam League of Legends (LoL) team participating in the upcoming ASIAD. They are: SofM (Head Coach), Levi (Jungle), and Slayder (ADC). In reality, these were all hints that had been leaked beforehand or accurately predicted by VCS fans. The only thing is that many viewers are beginning to realize: the Vietnam League of Legends team at ASIAD could be a “GAM Esports (GAM) expansion”.
In fact, this assessment has a solid basis as the Top Lane position is almost certainly going to Kiaya. Currently in VCS, it is very hard to find a Top Laner of the caliber of the 2001-born player. Even in international competitions, Kiaya has performed very well at the recent MSI 2023. The Mid Lane position of Kati could also be a topic of debate. But clearly, compared to Dia1 or Froggy, Kati is still a much more reliable name.
Thus, the final position (which may not have GAM personnel) can only be Support. However, apart from Zin (currently with GAM), the only other plausible candidates are Bie and Taki. And based on performance and showing in Spring 2023, it is clear that Bie outperforms Taki. Bie is also a former GAM player. With the Vietnam League of Legends team possibly being a “GAM expansion”, VCS fans have expressed certain concerns.
Accordingly, GAM recently faced defeat at MSI 2023 and clearly, at that tournament, aside from Sty1e and Kati, Levi did not perform well either. Coupled with Kati often being under pressure on the international stage, these could be obstacles for the Vietnam League of Legends team. Not to mention, Slayder has never competed internationally. And it is not excluded that he might feel “overwhelmed”, especially when Slayder will represent the colors of Vietnam.
Of course, all predictions are currently just theoretical. SofM and his players will certainly do their best. And if they try hard, the Vietnam League of Legends team can absolutely aim for titles at the upcoming ASIAD.