In the second match of the VCS Spring 2022 playoffs, GAM Esports (GAM) faced off against SBTC Esports (SE). This match was highly anticipated by the Vietnamese League of Legends (LoL) community. The reason is that these two teams have a long-standing rivalry and boast one of the largest fan bases in the VCS region.
And indeed, to be fair, the match somewhat lived up to the fans’ expectations of an exciting showdown. Although the 3-1 score in favor of GAM shows a significant difference, SE proved to be a very tough opponent. In particular, SE almost secured a victory in Game 3 if GAM hadn’t woken up and played focused in the final team fight.
However, it cannot be denied that GAM also revealed quite a few mistakes and shortcomings in this match. This led to two very difficult games for them in Games 2 and 3. If they truly want to compete for the title at VCS Summer 2022 and further achieve good results at the 2022 World Championship (Worlds 2022), GAM needs to address their major flaws as soon as possible.
Slow Start in Each Game
Throughout all four games, SE almost always secured First Blood and had a balanced early game, if not occasionally outperforming GAM. Although the reigning champions of VCS Spring 2022 know how to regain their advantage later, this is clearly not ideal. If they face stronger teams than SE, such as representatives at Worlds 2022 (if GAM qualifies), they will undoubtedly encounter significant difficulties.
GAM’s players have the mindset and experience, but their slow start in each game is always a bad sign. With stronger teams knowing how to snowball even with small advantages, GAM could lose control of the game when facing tougher opponents. To truly make a mark at Worlds 2022, this is the first thing GAM needs to seriously consider and improve.
Sty1e’s Overconfidence
For GAM, their players always need the mindset and demeanor of those who will conquer titles. Therefore, confidence is necessary in every match. Confidence, skill, and focus in each situation can help GAM secure victories against opponents. However, if confidence exceeds control, it can be extremely dangerous.
Among the GAM roster, player Sty1e can be considered the least experienced of the five main members. Sty1e’s skills and mindset are commendable, but sometimes, this player does not provide safety for his team or the fans. As seen in Games 2 and 3 against SE, Sty1e’s misplays and poor positioning put him in dangerous situations and caused GAM considerable difficulties.
Sty1e and the GAM players need to work together to address this weakness. With the current playstyle revolving around the ADC, just one misplay from Sty1e can become an exploitable point for opponents and lead GAM to “regret” it.
Dependence on Levi
Levi is the captain of GAM and is arguably the most experienced player in GAM and the VCS currently. But there is a reality: Levi is shouldering a lot of the operational burden for GAM in the early and mid-game. It is not hard to notice that when Levi plays flexibly and supports all lanes well, GAM operates extremely smoothly. However, when this 1997-born player encounters difficulties, the other positions will also face issues.
Levi still performs very well, but if this player encounters problems, GAM will be in a very passive situation. Other players will have to strive to operate even when Levi has not yet supported. Only in this way can GAM reduce the burden on their captain and allow other positions to showcase their leadership abilities.
Conclusion
Of course, GAM must have recognized many of their issues in the recent match against SE. Fans have every reason to believe that the yellow and black boys will perform better in the upcoming matches, at VCS Summer 2022 and further at Worlds 2022.