Team Secret Whales (TSW) made history by defeating GAM Esports to become Vietnam’s representative in the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) 2025 Final. The tournament will take place at Tien Son Sports Arena in Da Nang on Sept. 20-21, bringing together the region’s leading teams. This achievement marks a milestone for a young roster and reflects the transformation of Vietnam’s League of Legends (LoL).

TSW has built its lineup using a mix of experience and youth. 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, ambitious style helped them pull off an upset over GAM Esports—Vietnam’s most decorated LoL team—confirming that the next generation can compete on equal terms with the region’s giants.

After LCP replaced VCS, Vietnamese LoL teams were divided. Top-tier squads like GAM, TSW, and MVKE (MGN Vikings Esports) now compete with elite representatives from Taiwan, Japan, and Australia, while other teams remain in VCS, which is no longer Vietnam’s premier LoL tournament.

This shift has caused some disorientation. Instead of facing only domestic rivals, top Vietnamese players now confront strong teams from other regions, demanding consistent performance and resilience under pressure. But it is also an opportunity for GAM, TSW, and MVKE to evolve, for their own sake and for the future of Vietnam’s LoL scene.

GAM’s shadow, however, remains large. The “big brother” of Vietnam’s LoL still features Levi, a role model for younger players, and a well-balanced roster including Kiaya, Emo, Artemis, and Elio. Before the playoffs, many experts still favored GAM to secure the LCP Final berth. Yet with outstanding form, TSW claimed the spot by defeating their seniors.

Now, TSW carries the responsibility of facing Taiwanese teams CTBC Flying Oyster and PSG Talon, striving to keep the LCP Cup in Vietnam for the first home edition.

For GAM, missing this berth is not a disaster. They retain top status and possess sufficient depth to pursue future goals. Defeat by TSW may motivate the incumbent team to adjust strategies, while fostering healthy competition within Vietnam’s LoL ecosystem.

Looking at other leading regions, the value of succession is clear. In Korea, T1 exemplifies this: under Lee Sang-hyeok (Faker), the younger generation—Zeus, Oner, Gumayusi, and Keria—matured to win back-to-back World Championships in 2023 and 2024. In Taiwan, veterans Maple and Karsa continue competing, inspiring new talents like HongQ.

TSW’s presence in the LCP Final, and possibly at Worlds 2025, has significance beyond sporting achievement. It tests the new generation’s resolve and affirms that Vietnam’s LoL is entering a new developmental cycle. This success is likely to encourage long-term investment in training, focusing on sustainable team foundations rather than reliance on a few stars.

The LCP Final is expected to draw thousands of spectators in person, with millions more watching online. Appearing on this stage is an opportunity for TSW to enhance their image as Vietnam’s new representative face, while also promoting the country’s esports scene.

The League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP 2025) is the largest LoL tournament ever held in Da Nang, bringing together top teams from the Asia-Pacific region. Launched in 2025 by Riot Games and Carry International, LCP replaces the VCS (Vietnam), PCS (Taiwan), and LJL (Japan) leagues, featuring eight elite teams from Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.

Tickets are on sale as single-day or two-day combo packages, with additional promotions available. Fans can also enjoy cosplay contests and meet-and-greet sessions with professional players.

Purchase LCP 2025 tickets here.