Right after the LPL Spring 2024 finals between Top Esports and Bilibili Gaming ended, the draw for the Play-In stage of MSI 2024 took place immediately. If no unexpected issues arise in the coming week, GAM Esports will participate in the tournament in Chengdu as the VCS champion. However, due to recent changes in the tournament format, VCS will only have one spot and may have to face formidable names from LCK (T1) or LPL (TES).
The draw has placed the representative of VCS in Group B of the MSI 2024 Play-In stage. GAM’s opponent will be Fnatic – a team that previously faced GAM in the Swiss Stage of Worlds 2023. In that match, GAM was completely crushed by FNC. However, GAM still performed well afterward and can be said to have left the tournament with their heads held high after defeating Team Liquid. This season, GAM’s journey will be much tougher as among the three representatives in Group B, only the team from CBLOL (yet to be determined) is the most evenly matched with GAM.
However, for VCS fans, this is a season full of changes. In reality, the current GAM lineup, even with Blazes and Pyshiro, cannot be considered their strongest roster in recent seasons. Previously, GAM always had three very strong side players, possessing both skill and experience. Currently, only Kiaya and Levi hold these qualities. Therefore, a “best-case scenario” that fans envision is that GAM could challenge FNC, even seeking at least one win against both FNC and TES. Afterward, they will surpass the representative from CBLOL and strive to put on a show in a loser’s bracket final with 200% effort.
Of course, this will only happen if the GAM players truly give their all. In crucial matches, to win, a team needs to have the right timing, advantageous conditions, and teamwork. But before hoping for the opponent to make mistakes, VCS players must rely on their own abilities first.