With a record of 6-1 and firmly at the top of the VCS Spring 2021 standings, GAM Esports is proving that they are still a top contender for the Spring championship, despite parting ways with two key players, Nguyễn “Slay” Ngọc Hùng in the Support position and Lê “Dia1” Phú Quý in the Mid lane.
Before the second phase, let’s meet Coach “JackieWind” Phan Huy Phong – one of the youngest faces on the coaching bench of GAM specifically and VCS Spring 2021 in general, to hear his insights about GAM as well as his observations on VCS Spring 2021 this year and GAM’s goals in the intense second phase.
PV: First of all, hello Coach JackieWind and congratulations to you and the entire GAM Esports team after a very successful first phase with a record of 6-1. After a transfer season full of changes with the departure of key players Slay and Dia1, GAM has still achieved almost overwhelming victories. So, can you share how you managed to integrate the old core players (Levi, Kiaya, EasyLove) with the new, relatively young talents (Bie, Style, Kati) to help GAM soar as they are now?
JackieWind: Hello to all readers of GameK. I would also like to thank the fans who have always supported the team up to this moment. To harmonize the old players (Levi, Kiaya, EasyLove) with 3 new players, we have practiced and discussed the team’s playstyle a lot during scrims before the season.
Additionally, the team frequently participates in sports activities such as badminton and football to bond better.
PV: As a “young” coach in VCS, what advantages and challenges do you feel you have compared to more experienced coaches?
JackieWind: The main challenge is that most veteran coaches come from a professional player background, while I do not, so I faced quite a few difficulties initially in adapting to the Esports environment.
As for the advantage, I believe I have many years of experience in traditional sports and how to build a professional and cohesive team.
PV: Currently, GAM is regarded as a top contender for the championship, and if all procedural issues go smoothly, they could compete fairly with other regions at the upcoming MSI. During training, there have been many rumors that GAM trains with some foreign teams. Is this true, sir? And if so, how promising do you think the results are?
JackieWind: Currently, GAM is training with several teams from Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand, and the results are very promising.
PV: VCS Spring 2021 is a season full of surprises, not only with personnel changes but also with top teams that were highly rated at the beginning of the season (SBTC Esports, Team Flash) underperforming. How do you evaluate the general level of VCS currently? Is the gap between the top teams and the bottom half of the standings gradually narrowing?
JackieWind: I think the overall level of the teams in VCS is quite balanced and the tournament is highly competitive, especially as teams are fighting for playoff spots. However, I believe that if we compare the top 4 teams in VCS with the teams in 7th and 8th place, the gap is still quite large.
PV: Some teams are currently succeeding based on young but disciplined players. What are your thoughts on the youth training system of the teams in VCS? Does GAM plan to follow this model?
JackieWind: The use of young players in the lineup brings a fresh breeze to VCS, which is very good for the region. However, young players often lack stability and consistency when competing in a tournament lasting 3 months in VCS. Therefore, currently, I and GAM are trying to mix young players with more experienced players in the lineup.
I believe this is better than using a completely young lineup or the opposite.
PV: Currently, although VCS has “produced” a well-known SofM in one of the toughest regions in the world, LPL, other players face significant difficulties when going abroad. In your opinion, what is the biggest obstacle, and what do VCS players need to do to affirm their level on the international stage?
JackieWind: In my personal opinion, young players in VCS can sometimes be quite shy in communication and not truly strict with themselves.
Moreover, it’s important to note that the achievements of VCS teams on the international stage in recent years have not really impressed scouts from larger regions around the world.
PV: Can you share GAM’s goals for this year? First is VCS Spring and further down the line is MSI 2021 (if VCS has a favorable chance to participate)?
JackieWind: Currently, the team’s goal is to win the VCS Spring championship, and if we successfully participate in MSI, the team’s goal is to reach the MSI group stage.
Thank you, Huy Phong, for these insightful shares. I wish Huy Phong and the GAM Esports team much success in the long journey ahead.