Golden Guardians vs GAM Esports Preview: MSI 2023 Play-In Stage

GG vs GAM promises one of the closest series in the Play-in Stage of MSI 2023.

Despite a couple of unfortunate games and online memes, North American MSI teams usually have a decent record against the minor region teams. But unlike the past MSIs, this time it will be LCS 2nd seed that will have to go against the VCS champions.

Golden Guardians vs GAM Esports Preview

Golden Guardians

Golden Guardians punch their ticket to the MSI in one of the most exciting miracle runs in LCS playoffs history, and despite exceeding expectations at every stage of the Spring Split, they are once again doubted by fans and analysts. They found themselves in a very rough bracket, having to go through two strong opponents in BLG and GAM. But this Golden Guardians roster has something most underdog teams in NA probably would not have, international experience.

Stixxay and huhi were part of the CLG roster that made it to the Finals at MSI 2023, Licorice is a Worlds semifinalist and River has been a mainstay at international events during his tenure at PSG Talon. The name Golden Guardians might carry a lot of weight yet, but this roster shouldn’t be underestimated.

Players and picks to watch from Golden Guardians

Almost every player in this GG roster had their time in the spotlight this split. But two key pieces for them have to be River and huhi. Their jungler is the engine behind their early game and teams should be careful about his signature picks like Wukong or Jarvan. Huhi on the other hand is the main engager for GG. While he is plenty versatile, watch out for picks like Amumu or Rell.

GAM Esports

Once a permanent feature of international events for VCS, GAM Esports has been missing from MSIs for a long time. First the COVID in Vietnam then the SEA Games, this roster was away from the eyes of most audiences.

They are now back at another MSI and they will be as big of a threat as they always were. We watched this same squad, with the exception of Zin at the support, give a lot of trouble to teams like Rogue and DRX, and beat Top Esports at the last Worlds.

Players and picks to watch from GAM Esports

Sty1e is one of the rare ADCs willing to play mages in bot lane in the current meta. We might see some of his favorite picks like Veigar and Ziggs come out. But the main name that comes into mind when we say GAM is definitely Levi. He played some Hecarim and Rumble this split, and there is always the threat of his Nocturne.

Golden Guardians vs GAM Esports Predictions

GAM is a very strong team with a lot of talent. But Golden Guardians is still a top-two team from a major region, and they matchup decently with their opposition. While we expect a close series that can go either way, our prediction is a 2-1 GG victory.

How to watch Golden Guardians vs GAM Esports

Fans can watch the event on the official LoL Esports website for the chance to earn exclusive drops from Riot, which will be available throughout the whole event. Or you can catch the action on Riot Games Twitch channel and the LoL Esports Youtube channel.