Entering the decisive match against Fnatic, the reality is that even the most hardcore fans understood that GAM Esports had a very slim chance. But as long as the Nexus hasn’t exploded, anything can happen. Although aware that the current roster is not as powerful as during the 2023 World Championship when they defeated Team Liquid, the VCS audience still hoped GAM would create a miracle. The victory of PSG Talon earlier against FlyQuest only strengthened the belief that GAM could follow in the footsteps of their “brother” from the PCS. Not to mention, the League of Legends community in Vietnam often spreads: “A strong GAM is a GAM that has nothing to lose.”
However, FNC showed why they are the LEC runners-up and even made things difficult for the powerful G2 Esports. What GAM achieved were efforts and explosive moments in game 2. In fact, the combos GAM executed in game 2 were very good, and the representative of VCS even secured the Water Dragon Soul. But FNC’s choice of Ornn was too critical. This champion rendered GAM’s late-game draft strategy ineffective. By the end of the game, EasyLove couldn’t deal damage while the opponents were too comfortable, and GAM faced a heartbreaking defeat.
But in reality, GAM put in their maximum effort, and most importantly, the players fought valiantly until the very end. FNC also had their moments of “heart-stopping”. On his streaming channel, SofM shared a heartfelt comment about GAM’s performance: “Honestly, this season was already good. In Spring, I was caught up in drama, and even when the drama exploded, no one knew who VCS would send to MSI. Let’s aim for the World Championship instead. GAM played their best.”
On forums, the VCS audience in particular and the Esports community in general expressed their regret for GAM but also understood the effort of the players. This defeat was predictable, but the players did not give up because of it. Especially, EasyLove and Emo, who made their MSI debuts, performed well. The Sonic Wave – Resonating Strike combo from Emo and Levi truly electrified the audience.
After all, MSI 2024 has come to an end for GAM. At this point, the players likely need some rest and to prepare for a turbulent mid-season, addressing roster drama and looking ahead to the upcoming Summer Split.