The acquisition of GAM Esports by NRG is still fresh and is regarded as one of the most significant ownership transfers in the history of Vietnamese esports. However, before any official announcement hits the press, most gamers only received this news in the form of rumors, without the opportunity to delve deeper into the story behind this “deal of the decade.”
Today, we will have a brief exchange with an “insider,” specifically Mr. Hoàng Phúc Thông – one of the key figures who played a consulting role in the ownership transfer of GAM Esports.
Interviewer: First of all, could you introduce yourself a bit and share your role in NRG’s acquisition of GAM Esports?
– Hello, I am Hoàng Phúc Thông, former Owner of Percent Esports (now Burst The Sky). Currently, I have officially withdrawn from NRG and am only behind the scenes as a consulting role. Before that, I acted as a broker and helped plan the development of NRG ASIA.
Interviewer: It’s known that NRG’s acquisition of GAM wasn’t a one-day affair, but rather a lengthy negotiation process. What led you to become part of this transfer?
– After selling Percent Esports, I always believed that we needed a major player to enter the Vietnamese market to help VCS and Vietnamese esports develop. During a visit to Skylight Nha Trang, I met and spoke with Mr. TK Nguyễn. I realized he was the person who could help change Vietnamese esports, and so we sat down together. After many negotiations, agreements, and planning, this deal was finally completed.
Interviewer: According to GameK, the value of the acquisition of GAM by NRG ASIA is up to 300,000 USD (about 7 billion VND). Is this information accurate?
– I must keep the details of this confidential as it is something I committed to in the contract. I can only say that this is the largest deal in VCS history so far.
Interviewer: In your opinion, compared to the two North American organizations, Lowkey Esports acquiring FFQ or Team Secret acquiring Lowkey, is there any difference in NRG’s acquisition of GAM?
– There is a significant difference. Those organizations have a different strategy regarding esports compared to NRG. Why does NRG have such high value? Because they own all the world champion teams in other games, mainly FPS titles.
Moreover, it’s about the personnel and operational team. With NRG, I am ready to stand behind and ensure they always have the best working team, with extensive esports experience in the Vietnamese market.
And the reason for choosing to acquire GAM instead of another team is due to GAM’s history. The name GAM in the Vietnamese League of Legends scene is similar to Manchester United in football. Therefore, NRG hopes to inherit that history and help it reach new heights.
Interviewer: With the change of ownership and the promise of significant investment, NRG’s goal for GAM next season surely won’t stop at winning the domestic championship?
– Absolutely. In fact, NRG’s goal in acquiring GAM is to win the world championship. It sounds ambitious, but we can actually achieve it. We must set high goals and dream big to succeed. If we don’t win this season, we will aim for the next one, and the one after that.
I believe that GAM’s current roster still has the strength to win two more seasons, especially when many teams are starting to show signs of financial strain and personnel issues.
Interviewer: With such directions, NRG must be making some high-quality personnel additions?
– Currently, I cannot share any information on that.
The most exciting part is waiting for Riot to have transfer rules allowing player movement between regions, as well as franchising tournaments like LCK, LPL, LCS… then Vietnam will have a chance to compete on par with other regions in the world. In general, everyone just has to wait.
Interviewer: If the new VCS regulations permit, is NRG ready to activate major foreign player signings?
– As mentioned, it is very likely that there will be, but it may be in the coaching staff rather than players. I believe Vietnam doesn’t need more foreign players; instead, we should think about how to export talent to weaker markets like Oceania or other Asian countries. I always believe that if Vietnamese players are skilled enough, they can compete closely with those from China and Korea without the need for foreign players.
What we lack is a strong determination and a strong belief in success. International players are guaranteed a career after retirement, and Vietnam should have the same. At that point, the skill level of Vietnam will not be too far behind the top countries.
Interviewer: If NRG brings so much potential to Vietnamese esports, why did you personally choose to step back? Do you have plans after laying the groundwork for NRG in the Vietnamese market?
– Actually, the initial plan was for me to stay at NRG to develop the organization. However, I have my own entertainment company and am preparing to launch a “super rookie” singer along with a “blockbuster” product in the market next month, so I need to withdraw from NRG to focus on this project. My wish is to connect the esports and entertainment industries. I will lead in the entertainment sector serving the GenZ generation in the coming years.
As for NRG, I am confident that with substantial investment and a solid ecosystem backing, the idea of Vietnamese esports being on par with the world is achievable!
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights about the ownership transfer of GAM. We all hope that the ambitions that NRG has set will become a reality in the near future. Once again, thank you and wish you success with your upcoming plans!