As of now, aside from CBLOL, all teams eligible for MSI 2024 have been fully revealed. At the first major international tournament of the League of Legends scene in 2024, many new formats will be implemented. Among these, the most noteworthy is Riot’s decision to place teams from major regions into the Play-In stage. This is primarily to increase the excitement of this round. Additionally, Riot wants only truly quality names to qualify for the group stage. Of course, this has both advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages, as mentioned above, will enhance competition and quality for both the Play-In and group stages. However, for teams from smaller regions, the chances of making it to the Main Event of MSI become slightly slimmer as they now have to compete against the runners-up from the four major regions. This is the case for GAM Esports as they face off against Fnatic and Top Esports. However, just because their opponents are formidable does not mean GAM lacks the opportunity to “make something happen.”
The Desire to Shine from Young Players
Perhaps the roster GAM brings to MSI 2024 will be the weakest lineup they have put forward for an international tournament in recent years. However, this does not mean GAM can be underestimated as Emo has shown that he possesses quite solid skills. Of course, facing an experienced player like Humanoid will still be a tremendous challenge. But remember, Kati, in his first appearance at the World Championship, managed to shut down a renowned player like Knight. Therefore, there is ample reason to believe Emo will bring surprises.
Young players can only shine if they have veteran mentors, in this case, Levi and Kiaya. In the VCS Spring playoffs, Levi and Kiaya helped Emo maximize his potential. If they can replicate this, GAM could definitely create surprises against incredibly strong opponents.
Opponents Have Also Weakened
This season, specifically after the LPL Spring 2024 finals, it is clear how much trouble TES is facing. Despite adding 369 and Meiko, the crucial position of Creme has been performing too “cute” in the match against BLG. In the opening game, if Creme had handled Azir more effectively, TES might have secured a victory. No one understands why TES, despite having many advantages, continues to make mistakes, with Creme being largely accountable for Azir, a champion crucial in team fights.
Of course, both FNC and even TES are still very strong teams. TES is the team that has turned JD Gaming into former champions even before MSI 2024 has begun. However, VCS always knows how to create surprises. At Worlds 2023, GAM defeated TL. The current lineup may find it hard to win, but who knows, when GAM is underestimated, they might still “make something happen.”
Nothing to Lose
GAM making it to MSI 2024 is already a tremendous effort from this team, as well as the VCS organizers and Riot. In a season filled with upheaval, GAM perhaps does not have high expectations for the upcoming international tournament. Moreover, whether they qualify for the group stage or not, VCS will still have two spots at the 2024 Worlds Play-In Stage. Therefore, the mindset of GAM players can be completely relaxed and not burdened by the pressure like in previous years.
VCS fans also understand: GAM is currently the weakest GAM in at least the last three years. Thus, no one will place excessive expectations or criticisms on the players. For VCS fans right now, perhaps just seeing GAM play with 200% effort, giving their all until the last moment is already a very valuable contribution to Vietnamese League of Legends amid the doubts and negative shadows that are still looming now.