VKE Will Face Many Challenges at Worlds 2024
In their first appearance at the Worlds stage as a coach and co-owner, SofM will encounter numerous challenges as his team, Vikings Esports, falls into a rather “difficult” bracket. Specifically, VKE’s group includes one team from LEC (MAD Lions KOI), one from PCS (PSG Talon), and the last name is PaiN Gaming from CBLOL. Among these three opponents, only PNG can be considered somewhat “easier”. Both MAD and PSG pose significant threats to SofM’s squad.
Moreover, apart from the bottom lane trio of Kati – Shogun – Bie, the top lane and jungle duo lack any international competition experience. Nanaue is still a very young player, just in his first year of his career, and it will be challenging to expect him to perform at 100% capacity and maintain the best mentality. Gury’s role is also crucial, and this player often struggles when the team finds itself in tough situations. Therefore, VKE’s success may depend solely on the bottom lane’s performance, with Kati and Shogun as the core.
However, that does not mean VKE should be underestimated. This team always has the potential for surprises, especially with SofM on the coaching staff – a name known for many unconventional champion picks during his playing days. On a good day, VKE could very well make MAD or PSG regret their decisions. The first match against MAD will be incredibly important and could determine VKE’s fate at Worlds 2024.
Even if they drop to the lower bracket, VKE will still have at least one more chance. Therefore, the likelihood of the VCS Summer 2024 runner-up advancing past the Play-In stage remains quite high.
VKE’s chance to advance past the Play-In stage: estimated at 60%.
GAM Faces an “Easier” Bracket at Worlds 2024
Compared to VKE, GAM’s bracket is somewhat “easier” with the presence of two teams from weaker wildcard regions, Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS Gaming (SHG) and Movistar R7 – an opponent that once made GAM go through some tough times. Although SHG has shown many surprises by surpassing notable names from PCS, and they have Evi – a very experienced player. However, GAM is still rated higher due to their current roster quality. Furthermore, historically, LJL teams have never secured a victory against VCS teams, even the legendary Detonation FocusMe in the past.
The (possibly) toughest opponent in GAM’s group is 100 Thieves, with many variables like Sniper or Quid. Moreover, this is the only team in this bracket from the Major region and only has to face R7. Unless something unexpected happens, it is almost certain that 100T will be one of the two teams competing in the Qualification Match of this bracket. Therefore, the attention will likely be on the GAM – SHG match as these two teams are relatively closely matched.
GAM’s chance to advance past the Play-In stage: estimated at 80%