MSI 2023: GAM Esports’ Kiaya on international play and ‘bland’ British food

Without a win and heading into a new series, GAM Esports kicked off its MSI run against the LCS's play-ins team of Golden Guardians. Esports GG sat down to ask top laner Trần 'Kiaya' Duy Sang his thoughts on the new MSI format, playing in London, and another international appearance for GAM.

Question: Do you feel pressure to ensure GAM does well and to prove how strong the team can be on the international stage?

Kiaya: I do feel a pressure that [in this matchup], we were being rated as the stronger team. But most of the time I just don’t care, I just focus on the game instead.

Question: Does regional success make it more nerve-racking to come onto the international stage?

Kiaya: Having good results prior to coming to this MSI, is a good motivation for us, and helps us make sure we do our best.

Question: Which team are you excited to face and why?

Kiaya: We really want to face off against T1 out of everyone because our last time in 2020, we scrimmed T1. Now we want to play them on the main stage, and personally, I want to play Zeus.

Question: You haven’t played in other regions before. Is there a particular affinity you feel towards the Vietnam / Southeast Asia region?

Kiaya: I think the biggest reason for staying in Vietnam and not playing for other regions is the language barrier--I don’t have very good English. But staying at home--being able to play there where my family can watch is good.

Question: Does being on the international stage add an additional pressure or is it something you enjoy?

Kiaya: I love international events, as I get to see the world.

Question: Did you find that best of three helps improve your play? For example were you able to try more things and get a better grasp of the game?

Kiaya: I actually prefer the BO3 format. Because, for us--from the minor regions, particularly SEA--we don’t typically perform well in BO1 and we let our guard down. But with a BO3 we can just lose game one and then get better in game two.

Question: What’s your favorite thing about MSI being hosted in London this year?

Kiaya: The thing I like the most is that I get to experience traveling to a foreign country and as I’ve been to Europe before - Germany. I’ve always been curious how different London would be.

Question: You’ve previously played mid-lane. Which role do you prefer: top or mid?

Kiaya: I only played mid because it had to happen and we had another top laner, which is Solid. But there was no sub-mid, so I played mid. But now I get to play my main role of top again.

Question: What are your hopes for MSI 2023?

Kiaya: I just hope for the best result possible from us and as we lost today. That was kind of disappointing. Now all we can do is prepare more and prepare well for our next match.

Question: What are your thoughts heading into your next series of R7 having lost to golden guardians?

Kiaya: I'm confident heading into this game, we are strong enough to take them down.

Question: What does it mean to you to be a pro player?

Kiaya: I’ve been staying with League for so long because I love the game. I have a passion for it and that makes it amazing.

Question: We’ve been asking pro players what they’ve made of London and British food as a whole – how are you enjoying British food?

Kiaya: British food is kind of bland, but overall I can eat it and be happy. But it’s not as bad as everyone has said it is!

Follow esports.gg for all the latest esports news and updates.