As we know, GAM Esports’ upcoming opponent in the Swiss round of the World Championship (Worlds) 2023 is Dplus KIA. This is a formidable name boasting 3 World Champions in its roster. Notably, they are a team from LCK – a region known for its extremely cautious and disciplined playstyle. Therefore, despite being the fourth seed, DK is definitely not a team that GAM can easily overcome like Team Liquid.
However, with their current performance at Worlds 2023, GAM deserves the praise and respect from their opponents. As mentioned, GAM possesses an “aura of defeating World Champions.” Therefore, DK, with 3 players who have been crowned at this tournament, may also have a certain degree of caution. Moreover, GAM is in a “nothing to lose” position while a loss and elimination would result in DK achieving their worst-ever record at Worlds.
Recently, Deft expressed his respect for GAM with a statement about his upcoming opponent: “When we played against teams from VCS in previous years, I felt they didn’t play many champion variations. Back then, just being cautious about their performance in team fights was enough. This year, the biggest change is that they grasp the meta better and use champions that fit much better, so we really have to prepare thoroughly.”
For those who may not know, Deft has quite a history with GAM. GAM and Deft’s DRX were in the same group at Worlds 2022, and GAM’s elimination of Top Esports was a crucial factor that helped DRX advance and eventually win the championship. As for Deft’s comments, even at Worlds 2023, despite being in a “cornered” position, GAM has made very precise choices and no longer makes picks focused solely on team fighting or just “playing it as it comes.”
Facing off at Worlds 2023, once again, GAM holds the fate of Deft and his teammates in their hands. If they surpass GAM, DK may not necessarily achieve good results at Worlds 2023, but if they lose to GAM, Deft will finish the season in utter disappointment.