In the match on the afternoon of March 12th as part of the SEA Games 31 League of Legends qualifiers finals, GAM Esports excellently defeated Saigon Buffalo with a score of 3-1. With this victory, GAM officially becomes the representative of Vietnam in the upcoming SEA Games 31 to be held in Hanoi.
We had the opportunity to conduct an interview with the GAM team to hear the whole team share their feelings and thoughts about the journey so far and the responsibility of representing the colors of Vietnam at the upcoming SEA Games 31.
Interviewer: Hello GAM Esports team. First of all, on behalf of the readers, we would like to congratulate the whole team on the achievement of securing the spot to represent Vietnam at the upcoming SEA Games 31. Can you share your feelings with the readers right now?
GAM: First of all, the whole team would like to say hello to the readers of GameK. At this moment, we are very proud to wear the uniform of the Vietnamese national team participating in SEA Games 31.
Mr. TK Nguyen – CEO of NRG Asia – the parent company of GAM Esports: With everything that has happened over the past two years, NRG Asia and GAM want to bring something exciting to GAM fans, the esports community, and Vietnamese gamers in general!
These guys, who started as gaming enthusiasts playing in ordinary internet cafes, are now representing Vietnam as members of the national team at SEA Games 31 – one of the most important stages of esports in Vietnam, how amazing is that?! I have seen and admire GAM’s extraordinary efforts; the team members have worked tirelessly over the years and earned the position to represent the colors of our country. These athletes are proof of those who have big dreams and the courage to pursue their passions to turn them into reality.
Interviewer: In the recent finals against Saigon Buffalo, you showcased a devastating performance. However, the match still extended to game 4. Did the difficulties presented by SGB and their comeback in game 2 catch the team off guard?
GAM: SGB’s performance in the first two games was quite good, so we faced many challenges. However, this did not cause the team to panic or have mental issues during the competition.
Interviewer: Looking back at the SEA Games 31 journey, there were times when GAM made fans doubt your motivation, especially after the loss to SBTC Esports. How did you feel and what were your thoughts after losing to a team you had never lost to before, and twice at that (in round 2 and in the tie-break)?
GAM: We have never felt inferior about ourselves or had negative thoughts after losing to SBTC. Losing to SBTC twice was a valuable experience we needed to perform better in the playoffs. For us, the concept of defeat never exists. Victory helps GAM move forward, and defeat helps GAM learn to come back stronger.
Interviewer: Did the team anticipate being chosen by SE in the semifinals? And with SE being called SEA Games Esports at the time, having defeated GAM twice, did the team feel any psychological pressure?
GAM: We anticipated that SE would choose GAM in the semifinals because they had a good head-to-head mentality against GAM. Our team is completely confident that we can win against SE.
Interviewer: At this moment, one goal has been achieved. However, as some information has long indicated, the team that qualifies for SEA Games 31 will not be able to participate in MSI. Does this affect GAM’s motivation in VCS Spring 2022?
GAM: The goal set by the team before the season was to win every tournament that GAM participates in, so not being able to attend MSI does not affect GAM’s motivation in VCS Spring 2022. We will do our best to bring home the VCS trophy for the 6th time for GAM.
Interviewer: If you win VCS Spring 2022, will the team feel regret if you have to forgo the MSI spot? Moreover, according to many opinions from the VCS community, if not GAM, it will be difficult for Vietnam to go far at MSI?
GAM: Representing Vietnam at SEA Games 31 is a huge honor for us, so we do not feel regret if we win VCS but do not attend MSI.
Interviewer: So, in your opinion, who do you think will be strong enough to compete against GAM in the VCS Spring 2022 finals? Is it the recent loser SGB, CES, or SE?
GAM: We think that the opponent in the VCS Spring 2022 finals, if GAM can make it to the finals, will be SGB.
Interviewer: According to fans, if GAM goes to the SEA Games, the gold medal for Vietnam in League of Legends is almost guaranteed. Does this create pressure for the team? And in GAM’s view, do the opponents in Southeast Asia have the strength to compete for medals with Vietnam, especially in League of Legends? Which country do you think is the most formidable?
GAM: In sports, nothing can be predicted. We still have to practice hard to show good performance at SEA Games 31. As for the opponents, I think every country is the same for us. We need to focus on competing our best to bring home the gold medal for the Vietnamese national team.
Mr. JackieWind – Coach of GAM: SEA Games 31 is the most important tournament for us this year because we will not only participate as GAM members but also as members of the Vietnamese national team. We will do our utmost to achieve the gold medal goal at SEA Games 31.
Interviewer: Finally, can the GAM team send a message to the readers expressing their determination to bring glory to the nation and pride in representing the colors of Vietnam?
GAM: At SEA Games 31, we will definitely do our best to bring the gold medal home for the Vietnamese nation!
Thank you GAM for collaborating with GameK on this interview. Congratulations once again to the whole team, and we wish GAM to realize their wish for a gold medal in League of Legends at the upcoming SEA Games 31, bringing glory to Vietnamese League of Legends.