Team Secret Whales (TSW) made history by defeating GAM Esports to become Vietnam's representative at the 2025 League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) Final. The tournament will take place at Tien Son Sports Palace, Da Nang on 20/9-21/9, bringing together the region's top teams. This achievement marks a significant step forward for a young team and reflects the evolving landscape of League of Legends in Vietnam.

TSW defeated GAM Esports to secure a spot in the LCP Final. Photo: LCP

TSW defeated GAM Esports to secure a spot in the LCP Final. Photo: LCP

TSW has built its roster with a blend of experience and young talent. Nguyen Dang Khoa (Pun) and Dinh Anh Tai (Taki) serve as leaders, guiding rising stars like Le Van Hoang Hai (Hizto) and Tran Duy Duc (Dire). Their cohesive and ambitious playstyle led to their upset victory over GAM Esports, the most accomplished team in Vietnamese League of Legends. This result confirms that the next generation is capable of competing with the established giants in the region.

Since the LCP replaced the VCS, Vietnamese League of Legends teams have been divided. Top-tier teams like GAM, TSW, and MGN Vikings Esports (MVKE) compete against elite representatives from Taiwan, Japan, and Australia. Other teams continue to compete in the VCS, which is no longer the premier tournament in Vietnam.

This change has brought about some adjustments. Instead of facing domestic opponents, the best players now compete against the strongest teams from other regions, requiring them to maintain consistent performance and increase their resilience under pressure. But this also presents an opportunity for GAM, TSW, and MVKE to evolve, for themselves and for the future of Vietnamese League of Legends.

However, GAM's shadow still looms large. The "big brother" of Vietnamese League of Legends still has Levi, an idol for young players, and a well-rounded roster including Kiaya, Emo, Artemis, and Elio. Before the playoffs, experts considered GAM the top Vietnamese contender for a spot in the LCP Final. However, with outstanding performance, TSW claimed the sole spot after defeating their senior counterparts.

T1 won the 2024 World Championship. Photo: Riot Games

T1 won the 2024 World Championship. Photo: Riot Games

Now, TSW carries the responsibility of competing against two Taiwanese teams, CTBC Flying Oyster and PSG Talon, to keep the LCP Final Cup in Vietnam for its inaugural hosting.

For GAM, missing this opportunity is not necessarily a disaster, as they maintain their top position and possess a deep roster to pursue future goals. The defeat against TSW can become a motivator for this veteran team to adjust their strategies, while fostering healthy competition within Vietnamese League of Legends.

Looking at the world's top regions, the value of succession has been repeatedly demonstrated. In South Korea, T1 is a prime example. Under the leadership of Lee Sang-hyeok (Faker), younger players like Zeus, Oner, Gumayusi, and Keria have matured to win two consecutive world championships in 2023 and 2024. In Taiwan, Maple and Karsa continue to compete, inspiring new talents like HongQ to emerge.

TSW's participation in the LCP Final, and further, the chance to compete in the 2025 World Championship, holds significance beyond mere athletic achievement. On one hand, it's a test for the new generation of players to prove their mettle; on the other, it affirms that Vietnamese League of Legends has the potential to enter a new cycle of development. This success will encourage teams to invest in long-term training, building a sustainable foundation instead of relying on a few stars.

The LCP Final is expected to be watched live by thousands of spectators, with millions more following online. Appearing on this stage is an opportunity for TSW to promote their image, not just as the new face of Vietnam, but also for the entire country.

Trong Trung