Buzz
Despite some GAM fans having wished for the team to part ways with Kati, the reigning VCS champion will encounter many challenges in the future.
Recently, GAM Esports bid farewell to another player, the Mid Laner Kati. Thus, after about 3 years of dedication, the former Team Flash star has also left the yellow-and-black team. It can be said that Kati's time with GAM has been a rollercoaster ride. Never has he achieved so much glory with any other team as with GAM. Yet, also never has he faced as much pressure as at GAM.
But with Kati's departure, GAM is left with only 2 remaining players in the Top lane: team captain Levi and Top Laner Kiaya. At this point, GAM's issues truly come to light: Who will fill the positions left by the departed players? And an even more imminent threat looms: GAM might have to prepare for a trophy-less season ahead.
No worthy replacements
In the position of ADC, Support, and especially Mid Lane, it can be said that GAM has bid farewell to 3 players at the top of their game in the VCS. Notably, while there could still be other options for ADC or Support for GAM, such as Pyshiro or Elio, the Mid Lane is truly a tough puzzle. GAM needs a player who can support teammates like Kati did while also being a quality damage source when needed. And in reality, the best choice now after Kati is only Gloryy. The only catch is that Team Whales are almost certain not to let go of their most crucial player.
In this scenario, GAM finds itself with limited options. Considering Yado's current situation where departing from professional League of Legends, Artifact, or Blazes, Froggy have all found their resting places, GAM truly finds itself with few alternatives. Additionally, Mid Lane will have to acquaint itself with Kiaya - Levi. This is no easy task for anyone. If, in the event Kati moves to Viking Esports as some rumors suggest, Blazes could potentially 'return to the old home.' However, surely, compared to Kati, Blazes would not yet be able to measure up.
Levi's Decline is Evident
As we move into 2024, Levi will add another year to his age, and signs of aging have become increasingly apparent in his gameplay, especially this season. Levi remains a crucial spiritual anchor for GAM as well as the primary shot-caller. However, Levi will find it difficult to transition into a supporting role entirely like Faker simply because Faker himself requires a player who can assist him (like Oner). In Levi's case, he cannot demand someone to play the role of Oner.
Throughout recent matches, especially at Worlds 2023, when Levi faltered at times, Kati and Kiaya became the pillars for Slayder to unleash his skills. But now, only Kiaya stands alongside Levi. However, Kiaya himself is just a lone wingman, and surely, with GAM's other superstars gone, studying and neutralizing Kiaya will be no difficult task for GAM's opponents.
The Competition Has Strengthened
This is the stark reality facing us as the final transfer window of the season unfolds. TW will surely strive to retain their key players, except perhaps Bie who might take a break to recover from illness. Meanwhile, GAM has yet to show any signs of bringing in a superstar in the foreseeable future. The reason, as mentioned earlier: GAM simply doesn't have many alternatives.
GAM will need to recruit several players to compete for titles in the upcoming season. But the most important question is: Who will they recruit? Who will be capable of donning the black and gold jersey of the reigning VCS champion? It must not only be a player with high expertise but also have the steel resolve to withstand the pressures of the current number one VCS team.
