The first “quake” of Worlds 2024 that “helps” VCS benefit
At Worlds 2024, right from the opening day, teams from smaller regions or wildcard groups have shown that they are not easy opponents and are no longer just “practice dummies” for Major teams to “test champions, test skills.” In fact, the powerful PSG Talon from the Minors group almost had to “suffer” against PaiN Gaming.
Perhaps, except for Vikings Esports who faced an overly strong opponent, and GAM Esports who faced a very weak Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS Gaming, both PNG and Movistar R7 left a strong impression. In fact, R7 even created the first “quake” of Worlds 2024 when recently, in the last match of the first round of the Play-In Stage of Worlds 2024, the team from LLA defeated 100 Thieves – a name from the Major group LCS.
Notably, R7’s victory accidentally helped VCS “benefit”. This will turn R7 into an opponent for GAM in one of the four matches competing for a spot in the Swiss round. The LLA representative is no stranger to GAM, having lost to R7 at last year’s Worlds. Additionally, if GAM can overcome R7, in the event that VKE also surpasses PNG, SofM’s team will face R7 in the losers’ bracket. And VKE can learn from GAM’s formula so that VCS can have both representatives at the Main Event of a Worlds for the first time since VCS started receiving two slots for this tournament from Riot.
A bright “door” for VCS at Worlds 2024 but cannot be complacent
VCS fans are also very excited about the prospect of both VCS representatives making it to the Swiss round of Worlds 2024. However, R7’s victory over 100T also shows that they have strength and are genuinely making an effort. Therefore, GAM players (and possibly later VKE) cannot afford to be complacent. A single misstep could cause the VCS representatives to “suffer,” as 100T just “set an example.”
But anyway, R7 has brought good news to VCS, and this could be a good morale boost for players from both GAM and VKE to strive harder in their journey. Because the opportunity cannot be better, and it is crucial that they seize it immediately.