VKE Ends Their 2024 Worlds Journey in the Most Disastrous Way
Compared to GAM Esports, Vikings Esports entered this international arena with relatively low expectations and pressure. Despite having the familiar trio of Kati – Shogun – Bie, Gury – Nanaue are still very young names and even in domestic competitions, they have shown several issues. However, many fans still hoped for VKE, believing that SofM’s ability to read opponents from the coaching bench could lead to surprises. This opportunity became clearer when, despite being dropped to the losers’ bracket, VKE’s two opponents were only wildcard teams: PaiN Gaming and subsequently Movistar R7.
However, everything crumbled, and VKE exited the tournament after just 2 losses. While the loss to MAD Lions KOI can be understood as they are a strong representative from the LEC, the loss to PNG is inexcusable. This marks the second time a VCS representative has fallen to a wildcard team in recent years. This makes VKE the first team to be eliminated from the 2024 Worlds after the Play-In stage.
VKE ‘Self-Destructs’ in the Deciding Match at Worlds 2024 due to 2 Significant Reasons
It can be said that the match against PNG spiraled out of VKE’s control due to two critical reasons in both games. First, it was the impatience and unforgivable carelessness of VKE’s members, especially the highly anticipated player – Kati. Using the champion Smolder, Kati was expected not to be taken down more than twice. However, the former GAM star continuously fell during key moments and lost the early advantage for VKE.
Next, in game 2, there was a self-destructive draft that even professionals and fans found hard to understand from VKE. They chose a composition with 2 marksmen but allowed the opponents to secure Jax, Sejuani, and Bard – champions that are incredibly strong in countering and very resilient. Towards the end of the match, watching VKE’s stars having to pour nearly all their skills into Sejuani, it seemed clear to the audience that there was no hope left for any VCS representative.
Thus, VKE has concluded their 2024 season at this point. The break will be an opportunity for SofM and his players to reflect and improve, preparing for the 2025 season, which promises to be extremely turbulent ahead.