While other regions are busy preparing to head to Mexico (for teams playing in the Play-In Stage) or going straight to the United States (for teams qualifying directly for the Group Stage) for the World Championship 2022 (CKTG 2022), VCS is still in a state of waiting. The reason is that some visa issues for the Vietnamese League of Legends (LMHT) representatives are still facing some complications.
VCS representatives are still unsure if they can attend the 2022 World Championship due to visa issues.
In some statements made after securing a spot at the CKTG 2022, VCS representatives have also set certain goals for themselves. Specifically, GAM Esports (GAM) is determined to reach the top 8 teams. Meanwhile, Saigon Buffalo (SGB) has set the initial goal of reaching the Group Stage. However, to realize this goal, if they are to attend CKTG 2022, VCS representatives need to quickly address some existing weaknesses.
Accurate Macro Skills
In a recent broadcast, the legendary North American ADC Doublelift commented on the gameplay of VCS teams after reviewing the match between GAM and SGB. According to this ADC, VCS players have extremely high individual skills but lack macro skills. This was confirmed by VCS fans in comments regarding Doublelift’s opinions.
Macro skills are a missing factor in most VCS teams. The rare team that can perform this skill well is GAM. Even SGB, in matches against strong opponents, despite having good advantages, sometimes loses their lead due to inaccurate plays and poor situational calculations.
Besides GAM occasionally making misplays, both VCS representatives need to improve their macro skills. Especially when facing opponents from LPL and LCK, who are very proficient in this skill.
Staying Calm in Critical Situations
A common habit among many VCS players and other esports athletes is the inability to remain calm during advantageous or disadvantageous situations. For VCS players, facing large teams, the lack of composure can sometimes cause them to lose their advantage. A prime example is Froggy’s misplay that indirectly helped Royal Never Give Up regain control against SGB during MSI 2022.
Keeping a cool head during matches is extremely important. However, even seasoned players find this difficult. Therefore, players from both GAM and SGB need to quickly address this weakness. Because even a small mistake due to a lack of calm can result in losing the entire game.
Diversity in Champion Pool
One major point that many VCS players, including both representatives from this region at CKTG 2022, struggle with is a very limited champion pool. A notable example is Shogun, the ADC of SGB, who could not use his signature champion Aphelios in the VCS Summer Finals 2022.
Expanding the champion pool also helps teams have more strategic options. This often increases their chances of winning, especially when preventing opponents from being able to predict their strategies.
Conclusion
Currently, the visa situation for VCS representatives remains a question mark. However, if they can make it to CKTG 2022 and hope for good results, both GAM and SGB need to quickly address these weaknesses and focus their efforts in each match.