It can be said that the VCS region has never attracted as much attention as it does right now. At the 2023 World Championship, which gathers the top teams from around the world, the two VCS representatives, despite heading in opposite directions, still draw significant attention. Among them, Team Whales has truly become an interesting phenomenon. Not once, but twice, the team known as “Whales” has made comebacks against teams rated much stronger to ultimately claim victory.
However, South Korean media recently reported that the achievements of TW and the journey of both teams at the World Championship 2023 were nearly shattered. Specifically, the specialized site Fomosof LCK indicated that due to the ASIAD schedule overlapping, VCS players faced significant difficulties in obtaining visas to South Korea to participate in the ASIAD. Both Team Whales and GAM Esports contributed three members each to the ASIAD roster. South Korean media explained that “there was almost no time if the players had to return to Vietnam and start applying for visas to Korea.”
According to Fomos, VCS players were contacted by KeSPA, and with assistance from Riot Korea as well as the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Tourism, the VCS teams were able to prepare all necessary documents in time to apply for visas to attend Worlds 2023. In an interview with Fomos,Levi himself admitted: “Usually, obtaining a visa can be very challenging. But this time, it went quite smoothly. I would like to thank the authorities that helped make the VCS visa process easier.”
Visa issues have always posed significant challenges for Vietnamese LoL teams, especially during and after the pandemic. Teams like Team Flash and GAM have previously missed out on Worlds and MSI due to these issues. However, if what Fomosrevealed is true, the VCS has been quite fortunate and fortunate before being able to make a significant impact at Worlds 2023 as they currently are.