SHG Might Not Be an “Easy” Opponent for GAM at the 2024 Worlds
Following Vikings Esports, the next day of the Play-In Worlds 2024 will mark the debut of GAM Esports – the number one seed of Vietnam in the biggest international League of Legends arena this year. GAM’s opponent in their opening match is Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS Gaming – the LJL representative that surprised many by defeating several much stronger teams to qualify for this event. Notably, the SHG lineup features veteran Evi – a name well-known to the VCS audience as well as the global League of Legends community.
Therefore, even though their opponent is just an LJL representative, GAM is predicted to have a challenging time overcoming this match. Especially for those who followed how PaiN Gaming made PSG Talon struggle in the match on September 25, there are even more reasons to be concerned for GAM.
In fact, a former GAM member, analyst Molecule, even predicted that SHG has a higher win probability than the VCS champion: “GAM – SHG is a difficult match to predict, this meta suits SHG and Evi will have an advantage even when facing Kiaya – Levi. Perhaps Wukong will be a good choice for Levi to 1v9? I estimate the match will be 55 – 45 with 55% in favor of SHG. For the other match, I predict 100T will win, but Summit will outperform Sniper.”
The Community Also Weighs in on GAM’s Chances in the 2024 Worlds Debut
According to many opinions, based on the two matches on the opening day of the 2024 Worlds, the current meta may revolve around the strength of the Mid Lane and Jungle, with excellent performances from players like Fresskowy – Elyoya or Maple. Even VKE, the team that lost, suffered due to MAD’s effective strategy to neutralize Kati early. Therefore, viewers believe that Levi may need to roam to the Mid Lane more instead of focusing on Kiaya as usual.
GAM’s match will be extremely challenging. But there are still grounds for the VCS representative to achieve victory, especially as the players are likely aware of the expectations and hopes from their home audience.