After defeating Saigon Buffalo in the final match of the SEA Games 31 qualifiers, GAM Esports has decided to forgo MSI 2022 to focus on representing the national team. Naturally, participating in the SEA Games 31 and wearing the national colors is something every player aspires to. However, this has opened up opportunities for the remaining teams to compete on the international stage.
With the easing of travel restrictions in Vietnam and MSI 2022 being held in South Korea, these are indeed positive signs for VCS to make a comeback in the international League of Legends tournament after two years of absence.
Looking at the situation of the teams as the VCS Spring 2022 season approaches the end of the first round of the group stage, it can be seen that CES and SGB are closely trailing GAM, who remain unbeaten with a 6-match winning streak. If both “Divine Canine” and “Buffalo Herd” maintain their performance, they are likely to be the two teams with the best chances of attending MSI 2022.
After convincingly winning the VCS Winter 2021, MSI 2022 is clearly a great opportunity for CES to participate in a major international tournament for the first time. Despite facing many challenges recently due to EGO’s absence, “Divine Canine” has still maintained a position in the top tier. Currently, CES is gradually stabilizing with Phuc1 performing exceptionally well. Therefore, if the team has a full roster in the second round, they will be a strong contender for the VCS championship as well as a spot at MSI 2022.
Although CES has never appeared in international tournaments, this team has individuals with experience such as RonOP (who participated in the 2018 Asian Games, 2018 MSI) and Hieu3 (Worlds 2019). Coupled with the combination of players who are reaching their peak and full of ambition like Yado and Artemis, it’s clear that CES has enough potential and strength to make an impact for VCS against representatives from other regions.
Meanwhile, Saigon Buffalo has also participated in both Worlds and MSI, but that was with the predecessor teams (Young Generation and Phong Vũ Buffalo). The current young roster is a blank slate on the international stage. This is what Coach Ren needs time to communicate to his players. However, with 3 seasons of experience in VCS and having reached 2 finals, Hasmed and BeanJ are fully capable of facing greater challenges.
After several missed opportunities to attend Worlds and MSI, VCS will truly be in the spotlight at the upcoming MSI 2022. Therefore, this is both an opportunity and a challenge for CES, SGB, or any other Vietnamese League of Legends team before millions of viewers from the international League of Legends community.