The Comparison Between Emo and Kati from the VCS Community
After the conclusion of the VCS Summer 2024, many social media forums saw numerous fans assert that Emo has surpassed Kati, even more than the most decorated Mid Laner in the VCS currently. The reasoning behind this assertion stems from GAM Esports defeating Vikings Esports in the finals. Another piece of evidence supporting this view is that Kati and his teammates from VKE ended their Worlds 2024 run after two consecutive losses in the Play-In Stage without winning a single game.
Meanwhile, Emo and GAM smoothly overcame their opponents and even defeated MAD Lions KOI, the team that quickly eliminated VKE in just two games. Because of this, many VCS fans dismissed Kati’s efforts and concluded that Emo is the true best Mid Laner in the VCS.
Coach Archie Concludes the Debate Among VCS Fans
However, the recent results of GAM at Worlds 2024 did not disappoint many fans. Given the tumultuous situation in the VCS last year, GAM has made significant efforts. Yet, Coach Archie is the one who has concluded the debate regarding the comparison between Emo and Kati. In a recent statement on his stream, Coach Archie admitted: “Part of the reason is that both Emo, EasyLove, and Elio faced some psychological issues. Therefore, the choice of Fighters for Levi and Kiaya was to “carry” most of the damage.”
Emo and Kati Are Actually Very Similar
Emo’s issues are actually very similar to Kati’s during his painful defeat against Movistar R7 at MSI 2023. The nature of MSI and Worlds is not the same, as one tournament has a shorter duration, and opponents sometimes apply much stronger pressure to achieve quick victories. Especially teams that adopt the Western League of Legends playstyle are known for their odd bans and picks, and their gameplay is very… “unlike anyone else.” In that tournament, it was understandable that Kati struggled, as he had only three BO1 games at Worlds 2022 as his prior experience.
Emo is similar. In decisive moments, Emo’s weaknesses also became apparent: his mindset was not strong enough, and a limited champion pool contributed to GAM’s struggles. And these are exactly Kati’s weaknesses, especially when he no longer had strong teammates like Kiaya or Levi around him.
In reality, Emo’s current position is exactly what Kati once achieved at GAM. But in critical moments, Emo can only rely on two senior teammates from GAM, Levi and Kiaya. Even more so, he was given his preferred champion, and until now, the choice of Akali has left fans confused and continuously questioning the GAM players.
Kati’s departure was to prove that he could perform well without Levi or Kiaya. However, this is why Kati’s failure at Worlds 2024, or previously at the VCS against GAM, has led the VCS audience to have a somewhat subjective view of him. Meanwhile, Emo may indeed have talent, but importantly, he is playing alongside the strongest Top and Jungle duo in the VCS and among the top in the APAC region right now. Therefore, all comparisons will be somewhat unequal, if not unfair to Kati.
Comparing players, especially between a veteran like Kati who has established his talent and a player like Emo who was almost unknown just six months ago, is quite unequal. Moreover, in some future, GAM will certainly not have Levi, as this player is already 27 years old. And perhaps by then, fans can only hope that Emo does not encounter the same situation as Kati did.