The semifinal clash between GAM Esports and Team Secret Whales (TSW) at LCP 2025 was highly anticipated by Vietnamese League of Legends fans. This domestic showdown not only determined the top contender for the championship title but also decided which team would secure the remaining spot in the 2025 world championship.
However, the best-of-five series concluded more swiftly than expected. Despite GAM Esports' history as a leading team in the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS) and their potential on the global esports stage, they were defeated 3-0 by TSW.
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TSW is the sole Vietnamese representative with a chance to compete in the grand finals of LCP 2025. Photo: LCP |
TSW is the sole Vietnamese representative with a chance to compete in the grand finals of LCP 2025. Photo: LCP
Team Secret Whales demonstrated their skill and youthful energy, achieving a decisive victory against their more experienced rivals. This result dashed hopes of seeing two Vietnamese teams competing for the championship in an international League of Legends tournament held in Da Nang.
In the first game, TSW's Hizto showcased their determination with a skillful maneuver behind GAM's bottom lane, securing the first kill against Artemis. This initial strike triggered a series of skirmishes in the top lane, favoring TSW. This set the stage for TSW's Rift Herald, leading to two takedowns by Eddie.
By the 13th minute, Hizto and Taki invaded GAM's jungle. Through coordinated efforts, TSW secured 4 more kills, widening the resource gap between the two teams. TSW's first victory was predictable.
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TSW Hizto takes down GAM Emo in the 3rd minute of the first game. Photo: LCP |
TSW Hizto takes down GAM Emo in the 3rd minute of the first game. Photo: LCP
In the second game, with a 1-point advantage, TSW maintained their dominance with aggressive gameplay and controlled the pace. The combination of Hizto and Qiyana kept the team consistently ahead, despite GAM securing the first kill.
In the 22nd minute, TSW coordinated a successful ambush on Eddie, luring him into a trap they had set in the jungle. GAM, after several ambushes, attempted to isolate Hizto. Kiaya, Levi, and Emo converged, but Hizto stunned all three, allowing Eddie and the rest of TSW to counterattack and secure a decisive victory. This engagement paved the way for TSW's second win, bringing the score to 2-0.
The decisive third game began cautiously. GAM, after two consecutive losses, focused on aggressive play, securing the first kill early on. However, in the 10th minute, team captain Levi was unexpectedly taken down, disrupting GAM's formation and giving TSW an opening to counterattack and gain kills.
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GAM fans cheer for their team during the match. Photo: LCP |
GAM fans cheer for their team during the match. Photo: LCP
Continuous skirmishes followed, with GAM attempting to regain control. Despite their efforts, TSW secured the Cloud Drake at the 22nd minute, gaining a significant advantage alongside a victorious team fight against GAM. GAM's final efforts were thwarted in the 26th minute when Eddie secured Baron Nashor and eliminated Elio, setting the stage for TSW's final 3-0 victory over GAM Esports.
This defeat eliminated GAM Esports from the tournament. TSW will face international opponents in the LCP 2025 finals on the evening of 20-21/9 at the Tien Son Sports Palace in Da Nang. They have also secured their spot as Vietnam's representative in the 2025 world championship.
| View information and purchase LCP 2025 tickets here. |
The League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP 2025) is the largest League of Legends tournament held in Da Nang, bringing together top teams from the Asia-Pacific region. The inaugural season, launched in 2025 by Riot Games and Carry International, replaced the VCS (Vietnam), PCS (Taiwan), and LJL (Japan). It features eight leading teams from the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.
The Finals Weekend will take place at Tien Son Sports Palace on 20-21/9. Tickets for the LCP 2025 finals are on sale individually and as two-day combo packages with various benefits. In addition to the competition, LCP 2025 also hosts cosplay contests and meet-and-greets with players.
Dan Minh
