GAM Continues to Struggle
Recently, in the elimination bracket match against DCG, GAM suffered another defeat despite fiercely pushing the series to a fifth game. Of course, GAM isn’t viewed as strongly as in previous seasons, but this loss hits VCS fans hard. However, the defeat also reveals GAM’s biggest issue: they lack a true leader to fill Levi’s role.
GAM in Levi’s Shadow
It must be emphasized that GAM’s disappointing performances are not new this season; similar issues appeared last season when Levi was still active. However, there is a clear fact: last year, GAM lost because CFO was simply on another level. Against weaker teams, GAM always knew how to secure wins or at least keep games under control, even when behind.
The key factor that kept GAM players motivated and focused was Levi’s presence. Levi’s performance last year wasn’t always flawless, but he always shined at crucial moments. In fact, GAM—not any other team—made it to the final match to contest an MSI spot against CFO, forcing the PCS representative to a full five-game series to win.
In the match against DCG, GAM held some early advantages in almost all five games, especially the first two. Yet, lacking a true in-game leader to command during critical moments, GAM made mistakes that cost them the games. In such moments, missing a leader like Levi was a huge loss for GAM.
Earlier, when GAM first emerged, they soared under captain Optimus. After Optimus stepped down, Levi took over. Now, with “Anh Khánh” gone, “Em Sang” has yet to fill the veteran’s shoes. Of course, missing MSI 2026 doesn’t end GAM’s chances; they still have the World Championship at the end of the year. However, with this core problem unresolved, it will likely be difficult for GAM to progress further than they currently have.