Buzz
Thanks to ASIAD, the two major flaws of Vietnam's LMHT have become glaringly evident
At the recent ASIAD in Hangzhou, the Vietnamese League of Legends team only managed to secure a top 4 spot and returned empty-handed. This outcome was somewhat anticipated, given the formidable strength of the three teams ranked above Vietnam in the Asian region. Excluding China and Korea, Taiwan's team, with 4 out of 5 members competing in the prestigious LPL league, posed a formidable challenge. Meanwhile, the remaining member, Hanabi, is a well-known figure in the PCS region.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that Vietnam's LMHT scene has delivered exceptional performances surpassing expectations, especially evident in the match against the Chinese team. At a crucial moment in game 3, many envisioned victory for the Vietnamese players. However, the talent and resilience of the LPL stars, particularly Knight's outstanding performance, proved insurmountable. The defeat to the Chinese LMHT team was even more regrettable as the Vietnamese players exhibited a brighter gameplay.
One of the most glaring shortcomings of Vietnam's LMHT scene is the lack of resilience during critical stages. In game 1, despite holding a significant lead, young marksman Artemis made two irresponsible and inexperienced moves, leading to being 'shut down'. Without the early advantage, Vietnam might have struggled to push the game to the third round.
Furthermore, a more critical deficiency is the VCS's shortage of coaches with the caliber of SofM. While VCS-originated coaches are not lacking, with figures like Archie and Yuna, SofM, although lacking experience, possesses extensive knowledge of LMHT. As Coach Tinikun once asserted, SofM is one of the most knowledgeable individuals about LMHT in Vietnam.
Furthermore, SofM's history as a cornerstone, a true legend of the LPL, and the runner-up of the 2020 Worlds, have earned him a certain reputation and admiration. Despite being younger than Levi in the Vietnamese LMHT team, SofM has undeniably succeeded in stabilizing team morale and guiding the players according to his devised tactics. While the players' talents are crucial, SofM's adeptness in his first 'career switch' cannot be overlooked.
Talented coaches like SofM will emerge, and the players' resilience will be honed with more opportunities. However, at present, with the current factors, VCS teams must also strive. The immediate focus is on the 2023 Worlds, where VCS is being considerably underrated compared to its past reputation within the region.
