Currently, VCS Spring 2022 has passed the halfway mark. Meanwhile, the SEA Games 31 qualifiers for League of Legends have also concluded. As a result, GAM Esports will represent Vietnam at the upcoming SEA Games 31. However, even now, it’s still unclear when EGO – the jungler who significantly contributed to the championship victory of VCS for the first time since the establishment of CERBERUS Esports – will make his return.
Recently, there have been reports about a Korean YouTuber specializing in jungling joining CES soon. Assuming this player will only join after the Spring 2022 season ends, this adds to the uncertainty surrounding EGO’s future at CES. Phuc1 is performing exceptionally well, and according to many opinions from the League of Legends community, if this YouTuber is indeed utilized in competitions, CES will likely “Thank you EGO” after the Spring 2022 season concludes. So if he leaves CES, what new direction could EGO consider?
LPL – Opportunity Almost “Zero”
Previously, EGO has expressed his intention to “follow in SofM’s footsteps” and join LPL. However, at this moment, it can be said that the opportunity for “SofM’s junior” has nearly vanished. Not to mention skill level or language barriers, EGO has had a prolonged period without competitive play (and this may extend further), making it uncertain whether he could even adapt back in VCS.
Moreover, there has been no case where a Vietnamese player immediately secured a main spot upon joining a League of Legends tournament in China. If there were, it would only be with smaller teams that have little chance of competing for titles. Thus, it does not guarantee EGO would become a prominent name while also losing opportunities to participate in international tournaments.
Looking back to the past, when SofM joined Snake Esports, he was somewhat recognized by LPL experts. Superstar Clearlove introduced SofM to SS after witnessing “Mập mạp” dominating the Korean rank. In contrast, EGO has not had any opportunities on the international stage. In ranks, this player only achieved Diamond level in Korea and has not impressed like SofM in his matches. Not to mention, SofM has confirmed that achieving Challenger rank in Korea is only sufficient to be considered for LDL, let alone LPL.
Furthermore, in LPL, teams place significant importance on reputation and image. With unprofessional behaviors like the recent drama with Zeros, EGO would struggle to maintain a position in LPL if he continues to exhibit such impulsive moments.
Returning to “Old Home” Team Flash?
In the early transfer window of the 2022 season, TF surprised everyone by reacquiring Slayder after his time at Team Secret and his intention to go abroad. However, clearly, “one swallow” Slayder does not make a spring. FL is currently struggling in competitions, having only secured early wins instead of waiting until the last matches of the group stage to “pop off”.
Returning to TF, EGO would almost certainly secure a main spot. TF is not an unknown name in VCS, having completely dominated the 2020 season. However, to regain their former glory, TF now needs a lot, from coaching staff to players. But undoubtedly, EGO would have more opportunities to play regularly, thus creating a launching pad for his future paths.
Or an unexpected direction like… GAM perhaps?
If he leaves CES and still aims for a team that can compete for titles, seemingly impossible options should also be considered by EGO, and GAM could be one of them. Currently, GAM has TomRio – a substitute for Levi. One year younger than EGO, but the issue is that TomRio has yet to prove himself in VCS. In contrast, EGO’s talent is undeniable. If GAM considers “releasing” TomRio similar to the case of 2T, then EGO might be a better option for Levi’s substitute (and could potentially inherit Levi’s position in the future).
Moreover, GAM is also a prime example of a professional League of Legends team in VCS nowadays. Their players have also been involved in some drama, like in the case of Sty1e. However, currently, the AD Carry born in 2002 is an irreplaceable pillar of GAM. He even “pushed” Divkid to the bench despite previous doubts about him.
Joining GAM would definitely bring pressure to EGO, but he would also have the opportunity to correct mistakes and prove himself like Sty1e once did. If EGO truly joins GAM, it would be a blockbuster move in the VCS community. However, if this happens, EGO would have to utilize all his abilities to compete for a position with Levi – a very challenging task for this young jungler.
But for now, EGO and CES have not made any moves regarding the future of the 2002-born player. Perhaps, VCS fans will have to wait until the first round of matches for CES or even until the end of the season to find out where the player considered “Levi’s nemesis” will go.