Entering the crucial match against Movistar R7, GAM Esports was still rated higher. The representatives from the LLA are still just a wildcard region, despite having two somewhat renowned Korean players, Bong and Mireu. In fact, many people believed that GAM would win easily and should start strategizing for their rematch against Golden Guardians.
However, everything went outside the expectations of both the audience and the experts. GAM faced difficulties right from the start of game 1 as R7 pressured every lane. In particular, despite using Lissandra, Kati was continuously exploited, while Wukong in Levi’s hands couldn’t control like Oddie’s Viego. In fact, if Mireu hadn’t made so many mistakes, GAM might have lost even earlier. The only thing the VCS representatives managed was a very hard-fought victory in game 2. That was also GAM’s only victory at MSI 2023 before they were demolished in the decisive game.
Witnessing GAM’s defeat, disappointment was the common emotion among VCS fans. While wildcard teams have greatly strengthened with a wave of foreign players flooding in, it is clear that GAM did not perform as they should have. GAM is not incapable of winning, but time and again, the players kept making mistakes. Not to mention, all of GAM’s strategies seemed to be completely predictable even before the match started.
Witnessing GAM’s defeat, VCS fans even demanded that the team urgently “revamp,” from players to coaches. According to many opinions, throughout MSI 2023, only Kiaya was GAM’s biggest bright spot, followed by Sty1e – a player often criticized but made very few mistakes compared to captain Levi and Kati.
Next, GAM’s coaching staff must certainly bear the most responsibility for this defeat. According to VCS fans, coach Hankay is talented, but compared to coach Ren or former coach JackieWind, he still has a lot to learn. VCS fans believe GAM needs a real overhaul as the Summer 2023 season, 2023 Worlds, and ASIAD are approaching.
– “So sad, so disappointed, now losing to a wildcard.”
– “Which region is the weakest? The answer is VCS.”
– “If possible, replace the entire roster. The most anticipated player performed poorly, Sty1e made few mistakes, and only Kiaya truly gave more than 100% effort.”
– “Still a GAM fan but really sad.”
Across various forums, from fans to KOLs and experts in VCS, there is a common sense of regret. But the reality is that GAM has ended their journey at VCS. And the black and yellow team has a lot to do before the new season begins.
