Before the start of VCS Spring 2024, GAM Esports was not rated highly like in previous seasons. The reason lies in the fact that this team has parted ways with many key players during the off-season transfer period, from the coaching staff to the players. But aside from Coach Archie, who is familiar with the “GAM culture” and has built his reputation in the coaching position, the remaining players leave much to be desired. They include Blazes (Mid Lane), Pyshiro (ADC), and Elio (Support). The only two unchanged positions are Levi and Kiaya – the familiar top lane duo of GAM.
However, contrary to all predictions, GAM has achieved a perfect record since the start of VCS Spring. But there is one thing even more surprising: among the 3 opponents GAM has defeated so far, there is Team Whales – the runner-up of last season’s VCS and currently GAM’s “arch-rival”. TW is considered the number one candidate for the championship, after GAM was thought to have lost some strength due to significant roster changes. The other two teams are MGN Box Esports and Team Flash – names that are predicted to potentially become the “dark horse” of the tournament.
Thus, among the 4 strong teams rated highly before the tournament, GAM has defeated the first name, while Vikings Esports and Team Secret have yet to face the reigning champion. However, both TS and VKE have shown certain issues and it will be difficult to predict if they can win against GAM at this time. Especially with names like Hasmed (TS) and Kratos (VKE) who have both been defeated by Kiaya – GAM’s most important player at present.
But from here, another issue needs to be considered: after 3 matches in the group stage, with the overwhelming victory over TW, VCS fans are worried that “old history” will repeat itself with GAM. Perhaps many still remember, GAM has had several unbeaten records in the past, the most recent being at VCS Spring 2023. At that time, the two teams considered capable of competing with GAM, SBTC Esports and Team Whales were both “helpless” in stopping the champions. GAM even “crushed” SE twice, just in the playoffs.
The results at MSI 2023 probably do not need to be mentioned again as it was a disappointing failure for the yellow-black squad. One of the reasons given is that GAM did not play particularly well, but the opponents began to have issues when facing them. TW, with extremely high form in the Play-In of the 2023 Worlds, also fell 0-3 to the VCS champions.
Moreover, in previous years, GAM had some of the best players in VCS, so their victories were not particularly surprising. This season, GAM has undergone significant changes, yet they continue to win. Therefore, concerns about the fact that not only GAM but also VCS are still “treading water” are entirely reasonable. In fact, judging by how TW lost, no one thinks there is another team that can stop GAM, at least in Spring 2024.
Of course, GAM maintaining an unbeaten streak also comes from the good performances of the yellow-black players. But the fact that the other teams in the VCS have not shown much progress is also a concerning issue. Especially when the hopes of VCS fans for better results on the international stage for Vietnamese League of Legends teams are gradually fading.