Vietnamese Esports in the Major Season: Character Forged in the Smallest Details

When the first matches of the major season officially begin, the Vietnamese esports scene slips back into its familiar rhythm: packed watch parties, emotional status updates, and endless debates about how far the domestic teams have truly progressed. This year, however, the story carries a different tone. After many seasons in which they were mentioned only as formidable yet inconsistent challengers, Vietnamese teams are stepping onto the international stage with a new posture: that of contenders taken seriously. To understand why, one must look back at the context of the Vietnam Championship Series, or VCS, over the past few years. It is the highest-level League of Legends competition in Vietnam, gathering the strongest teams and serving as the launchpad that sends players to international arenas. For a long time, the VCS was seen as a region with potential but one that always lacked methodical investment in tactics. Teams often scored points through a fierce, explosive style, yet were also easily read when facing esports nations with tighter coaching systems and data analysis. The change began with very small details. In recent tournaments, viewers could notice Vietnamese teams spending more time on the draft phase, preparing more thoroughly for each scenario, and paying particular attention to map vision control. Ward placements, retreating movements toward defensive positions, or decisions to give up an objective in exchange for an advantage on another lane all revealed a more mature tactical mindset. That change happened quietly, accumulating over years of learning rather than arriving through any miracle. GAM Esports, Vietnam's most decorated team on the international stage, is the prime example of this transformation. For years, GAM was famous for its relentless attacking style, willing to dive into fights regardless of risk. In recent seasons, the team has shown better control of matches, knowing how to extend a game when needed and when to deliver the decisive blow. The balance between traditional explosiveness and newfound composure is precisely what makes GAM harder to predict in the eyes of international rivals. At the individual level, names such as Do Duy Khanh, known by the nickname Levi, remain a symbol of Vietnamese esports' character. His play in the jungle role has long been a model for many young players. Alongside him, the next generation, with players like Kiaya and Slayder, is gradually asserting itself, creating a roster with considerable depth. More important than anything is that Vietnamese teams no longer depend on a single individual, but have built a cohesive collective style. Looking across the region, the competitive picture is becoming clearer. Major esports nations such as South Korea, China, and Europe still hold the leading positions thanks to large-scale youth development systems and abundant financial resources. The gap between the leading group and rising regions such as Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan is gradually narrowing. This stems from smaller regions learning to optimize limited resources, focusing on opponent analysis and building their own tactics instead of copying mechanically. In the major season, every group-stage match carries life-or-death meaning. The harsh format means even the smallest mistake can cost a ticket to the next round. That pressure is the true test of the character of Vietnamese teams. The experience accumulated from previous tournaments, together with thorough tactical preparation, will be important baggage for standing firm against formidable opponents. One aspect often overlooked is the role of the draft phase. In top-level matches, victory and defeat are sometimes decided right on the draft screen, when coaches and players must make decisions within a few dozen seconds. Understanding an opponent's strengths and weaknesses and building a composition suited to the game state is a decisive factor. Vietnamese teams have shown clear progress in this area, no longer passive in the face of surprising tactics from their rivals. One important milestone cannot go unmentioned: in 2026, Vietnam hosted the Mid-Season Invitational, one of the largest international tournaments in League of Legends. Held in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the event marked Vietnamese esports' maturity in organization and demonstrated the fierce passion of the domestic fan community. The packed stands that year were proof of the vitality of a rising esports nation. Behind every match is a large and loyal fan community. They follow every play, every draft decision, and are ready to stay up all night to cheer for their favorite team. That support creates the motivation for players to overcome pressure and give their all. For many, esports has become part of national pride, expressed through each game on the international stage. The road ahead still holds many challenges. Sustainable growth demands long-term investment in youth development, improved training conditions, and the building of professional analytical teams. Vietnamese teams need to keep learning from advanced esports nations while preserving their own identity in play style. The balance between learning and maintaining identity will determine the position of Vietnamese esports in the future. Financially, Vietnamese esports is also recording positive signals. Domestic tournaments attract the interest of many brands, while teams are gradually building professional brand images. Revenue from sponsorship, broadcast rights, and commercial activities is creating a more solid foundation for long-term development. Although a gap remains compared with leading esports nations, the current growth momentum is encouraging. The coaching and analytical staff also play an increasingly important role. Beyond the players, the emergence of data analysts, fitness coaches, and psychologists has helped Vietnamese teams move closer to the professional operating model of the international scene. Caring for players' mental health, once overlooked, is now seriously placed on the discussion table. As the major season enters its decisive phase, Vietnamese fans have reason to place their trust in the current generation of players. They have proven that they come not merely to participate, but to compete on equal terms with the world's top teams. Whatever the final result, that journey remains a memorable chapter in the nation's esports history, and a foundation for greater dreams ahead.