On the opening day of the playoffs VCS Spring 2023, GAM Esports (GAM) faced off against CERBERUS Esports (CES), a strong competitor. However, at this moment, the “God Dog” team has not maintained its previous form. The players of this team have not performed well since the beginning of the season. Therefore, a simple victory for GAM was anticipated.
Although CES unexpectedly took the lead after the first game, with their composure and better performance, GAM completed the comeback. The atmosphere of the viewing party for the GAM – CES match exploded when CES’s Nexus was destroyed in the fourth game. With this victory, GAM advanced to the winners’ finals, while CES will have to wait for the opponent determined after the Team Whales (TW) – SBTC Esports (SE) match.
However, it is noteworthy that ADC Sty1e continues to be the name that faces scrutiny and negative opinions from a segment of VCS fans. Some opinions suggest that Sty1e still does not inspire confidence, especially in game one. Furthermore, GAM’s current playstyle focuses on mid to late-game phases. Therefore, many are concerned that Sty1e losing lane too often will prevent GAM from recovering when the game enters the team fight phase.
Remarkably, this is not the first time GAM’s ADC has been doubted. Since joining GAM, he has received mixed opinions, all stemming from past troubles with Faker. Although Sty1e’s efforts are commendable, and he has proven to be a good fit for GAM, some fans still hold a negative view of him.
However, one fact remains: this Spring, Sty1e is among the top 3 quality ADCs in the VCS. While GAM’s gameplay has never revolved solely around Sty1e, and he does not receive the same protection as Artemis (CES) or Slayder (SE). Not to mention, in head-to-head matchups, apart from Slayder, neither Shogun nor Artemis has ever completely outplayed Sty1e or been more useful than him in team fights.
Perhaps it’s time for VCS fans to take a more positive view of Sty1e and GAM this season. At the 2022 World Championship, it was GAM and Sty1e who achieved the feat of defeating Top Esports – the LPL runner-up at that time. And currently, they have only changed the Support position to Bie. Therefore, there is no reason to lose faith in GAM, especially when MSI 2023 has yet to take place, and all surprises are still ahead.