In the lower bracket final of the playoffs VCS Spring 2024, GAM Esports faced off against a strong opponent, Team Secret. While Vikings Esports had some patchwork and not all players had established their names, and Team Whales lacked a worthy replacement for BeanJ – Gloryy, TS appeared stronger. They simply rotated positions and brought XuHao and Palette back. However, TS could do nothing against the might of the reigning champion VCS. In fact, they suffered a clean sweep, losing 0-3 and had to accept the third place finish once again this Spring.
With GAM’s victory, they have made it to the finals for the 10th time in the team’s history as well as in VCS, solidifying their chance to defend their title, seek a spot at MSI 2024, and reinforce their status as the most successful team in VCS. In the finals, they will once again face SofM and Vikings Esports. However, it is VKE that may have to worry after witnessing GAM’s annihilation of TS.
Previously, VKE had done a great job of countering Kiaya and completely dominated Kati over the Mid Lane. Countering Kiaya was crucial when facing him, as Fireblade – a player previously unknown until the VCS Spring 2024 playoffs – took on this important role. Before joining VKE, he only participated in minor leagues, not VCS B. Thus, countering Kiaya was VKE’s top priority.
However, in the match against TS, another issue emerged: if Kiaya is “shut down,” they still have Emo, who is gradually acclimating and integrating well with his teammates. Emo’s Akali and Neeko caused trouble for Aress (a highly-rated Mid Laner) and the entire TS team. Emo’s impressive displays on Akali may pose difficulties for Kati. If Kati cannot provide support to the sidelanes, Fireblade’s ability to contain Kiaya will be very challenging, nearly impossible.
Moreover, to outplay Kiaya, they must concentrate all their efforts to gank him thoroughly from start to finish, causing Sang “little” to be “out” of team fights early. But with a seasoned player like Kiaya, he will surely know how to position himself best for both himself and his team.
In the finals, once again Fireblade must face the top-tier Top Laner in VCS, and SofM must once again find a way to counter “little Sang.” Whether VKE can find the answer may very well determine the outcome of the match.