On April 7, during the final week of the group stage of VCS Spring 2023, all eyes were on the showdown between GAM Esports and SBTC Esports. Once again, GAM secured the victory, although it was quite a hard-fought win. While SE has not yet fallen into a dangerous position, they have shown numerous mistakes.
In reality, both teams maintained a balanced game and had some impressive exchanges. However, both SE and GAM made many mistakes. Ultimately, GAM, with more composure and fewer errors, won after a team fight at the Dragon pit. As for SE, they could only regret having numerous advantages but failing to capitalize on them. Nevertheless, this was still a great match, and if the two teams meet again in the upcoming playoffs, it promises to be another interesting showdown.
However, many VCS fans expressed their dissatisfaction. Across various forums, numerous opinions criticize GAM for maintaining an unbeaten record while suggesting that VCS is declining. The evidence presented is that teams are making many mistakes during matches, including GAM itself. Some even remarked, “GAM currently only wins through team fights,” summarizing GAM’s journey in the VCS Spring 2023 group stage.
Notably, the “template” criticizing VCS has emerged since the early matches when GAM began establishing a winning streak. With both Saigon Buffalo and CERBERUS Esports stumbling, more people have adopted this “template.” In fact, many GAM fans reacted angrily, stating, “When GAM loses, VCS is compared to LPL and LCK, but when GAM wins, the league is said to be declining.”
– Does anyone think VCS is declining? The team with fewer mistakes wins?
– Get ready for “If SE wins, VCS is like LCK, but if GAM wins, VCS is declining.”
– After watching LCK, I switched to VCS.
– This season, GAM only relies on team fights, so if they go to MSI, there’s “no hope”.
Of course, at this point, the most crucial phase of the season has not officially begun. Furthermore, GAM has changed their playstyle compared to the past, which previously relied solely on the laning phase. Their players have also gained experience from the 2022 World Championship. Therefore, it would be premature to assess VCS as declining just based on GAM’s unbeaten streak.