In the new format of the World Championship (Worlds) 2023, the representatives from VCS can no longer be optimistic as both teams must compete from the Play-in stage. Although this round doesn’t feature many “heavyweight” names, it shouldn’t be underestimated. For instance, at the Worlds 2022, DRX – the team that later became champions – was the first team in the history of LoL to win the championship after starting from the Play-in stage.
Early in the morning of September 11 (Vietnam time), the results of the Play-in draw for Worlds 2023 were announced. Accordingly, as the champion of VCS Summer 2023, GAM is the number one seed from the region, placed in the same bracket as PSG Talon (PCS), LOUD (CBLOL), and Movistar R7 (R7 – LLA). Meanwhile, Team Whales faces more challenges. In their international debut, they still do not know who their opponents will be because the match between Team BDS (BDS) and Golden Guardians (GG) has not yet taken place.
Right after the draw results were revealed, VCS fans shared numerous opinions regarding the two groups. However, it’s noteworthy that most opinions showed a lack of confidence in the reigning VCS champion. This skepticism stems from the loss to R7 at MSI 2023 earlier this year. Nevertheless, some believe this is the easiest group for GAM to secure a top seed. If they can defeat LOUD and PSG/R7, GAM would only have to face the second-placed team from the other bracket, which could be one of three names: Team Whales, DetonatioN FocusMe, and CBTC Flying Oyster. All three are manageable opponents for GAM, at least better than BDS or GG.
However, VCS fans are quick to point out GAM’s biggest weakness that needs addressing, which is the psychological aspect, exemplified by Kati. VCS has been competing without an audience for a long time due to various reasons. Therefore, facing a stadium full of thousands can understandably cause anxiety. But Kati must realize that this is no longer like his first international appearance back in 2022. If Kati does not overcome his psychological shortcomings, GAM could very well face another “bitter pill”.
The group stage continues to attract attention from LoL fans, both in Vietnam and internationally. Especially, the two VCS teams need to push themselves to regain the trust of their fans, especially after GAM had a forgettable MSI earlier this year.