Buzz
In the worst-case scenario at MSI 2023, GAM may face numerous unforeseeable situations.
Currently, following the defeat against Golden Guardians, GAM Esports only has one chance left to keep their hopes alive at MSI 2023. If they defeat Movistar R7, GAM will have the opportunity to face GG again - the team that just lost to Bilibili Gaming in the winners' bracket finals. Therefore, the match against R7 could be GAM's make-or-break moment at this year's MSI.
However, GAM cannot underestimate R7 just because they are a wildcard team. In fact, many VCS fans have contemplated the worst-case scenario, which is GAM's early elimination from MSI this year. If that were to happen, several futures have been discussed among Vietnamese LoL fans.
GAM's lineup may undergo changes
This is highly likely to happen if GAM doesn't perform well at MSI this year. The current lineup still dominates the VCS completely. But if the players fail to prove themselves on the international stage, domestic titles will gradually lose significance. Therefore, changes are inevitable, bringing in fresh perspectives and potentially making the VCS more dynamic.
Currently, GAM doesn't have many options. However, GAM's leadership board understands the need to make significant moves to ensure the black-and-gold team's success in international tournaments post-MSI, notably Worlds 2023.
Pressure may escalate for players in upcoming tournaments.
Kati and especially Levi faced significant criticism following the loss to GG. It seems Kati's performance tends to decline whenever he steps onto the international stage, a recurring weakness observed since Worlds 2022.
This season, alongside MSI 2023 and Worlds 2023, Vietnamese LoL players must also contend with ASIAD - a prestigious international stage representing the nation. The likelihood of Kati being selected remains high. If pressure from MSI persists, many fear Kati may falter at ASIAD, especially considering Taiwan will field a formidable team, including players from the LPL.
Possibly the final journeys for Levi.
Considering age, Levi is no longer considered young compared to the average age of LoL players. Names that shone in the GG - GAM match like Licorice and Stixxay are already dubbed 'veterans,' both the same age as Levi. While Levi's departure from GAM is undesirable, it's likely Levi himself has pondered this issue.
In reality, GAM and Levi still have the Summer Split, ASIAD, and Worlds 2023 ahead of them. Captain Levi himself remains an indispensable factor in GAM's championship pursuits. However, many viewers worry that poor performance at MSI may influence Levi's decisions. Levi himself likely feels the pressure and may have played below expectations in the recent match against GG.
Conclusion
No Vietnamese LoL fan hopes for GAM to be eliminated early from MSI 2023 or for the scenarios mentioned above to unfold. But it's up to the players to give their all, to determine their own fate and not to disappoint VCS fans.
