Buzz
Despite applying a similar lineup combination, SGB achieved favorable results while SE suffered a complete failure.
VCS Winter 2021 concluded its group stage, and the most disappointing teams include SBTC Esports, Team Secret, and Team Flash. Among them, except for TS heavily relying on DNK, TF and SE combined young talents with experienced players – the successful strategy of Saigon Buffalo in Spring 2021. SE even resembles SGB, having an experienced coach (Sergh for SE and Ren for SGB). So, why did SGB succeed while SE faced a disastrous failure?
Mental state of young players in competition
Compared to SGB, SE's main lineup has only NPer, who has never experienced the VCS atmosphere. Both Penguin and Hiro02 (formerly TH) have competed at the highest level of the Vietnamese LoL scene. Thus, SE can be seen as a young lineup, but with even more experience than the players of the 'Buffalo' during VCS Spring 2021.
However, while BeanJ and Taki demonstrated resilience, SE's young players displayed psychological vulnerability. SE had a promising start, but their journey mirrors the team's pattern in each match: a good start, defeat in crucial phases, and losing everything. SE has more experienced players in terms of VCS playtime than SGB's young talents but significantly lacks psychological strength.
Team Calling Ability and Star Leadership
Celebrity is no less experienced or leader-like than Hasmed. SE's Marksman is one of the most experienced players in VCS currently and undoubtedly the team captain. His reputation commands respect from all teammates, and there's no questioning Celebrity's expertise.
However, the truth is that a Marksman's role is to farm, observe the map, and choose positions for maximum damage during clashes. The issue at SE is that Celebrity has to take on too many responsibilities, including calling the shots for the team. Not to mention, CBL is nearly absent, and Artifact's performance drop from his time at Team Secret makes it challenging for anyone to share the burden with Celebrity.
Meanwhile, Hasmed in SGB Spring 2021 rarely had to carry the team as BeanJ - Taki - Arrietty performed exceptionally well. The result of the 'Buffalo' in Winter 2021 is an example. When opponents figured out SGB's strategies, Arrietty's form dropped, Hasmed had to carry more often, and SGB couldn't achieve good results.
SE Applies the Right Formula but at the Wrong Time
As mentioned, SGB had an extremely successful Spring 2021. However, this Winter, they were officially eliminated from the playoffs despite no notable changes to the lineup, except adding Shogun to alternate with Arrietty in the Marksman position. The success of SGB in Spring 2021 forced opponents to study and find ways to counter the winning formula of young lineups in VCS.
Unfortunately for SE, they followed the formula that helped SGB reach the runner-up position in VCS Spring 2021, but the timing wasn't quite right. Weaker in terms of mentality and unable to create surprises. Failure came to SE as an inevitable outcome that could hardly be avoided.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, SE players have had moments that gave their fans hope. With the commitment from the management, there's a high possibility that SE in Spring 2022 will have a different, brighter appearance and a more open chance to compete for titles in VCS compared to the current state.
