GAM Optimus: "Nghỉ thi đấu, em mất 2 năm để CHẤP NHẬN KHÔNG CÒN THUỘC VỀ NƠI NÀY" | GĀM Changers E04

Optimus is a former captain of GAM Esports and a true icon of Vietnamese League of Legends. A gifted mid laner driven by pure passion, Optimus played a pivotal role in bringing Vietnam onto the global esports map—leaving behind a legacy that still endures today. In this episode, we sit down with Optimus to reflect on: ◼️ 14 years with League of Legends — from the game’s earliest days in Vietnam to his message for the next generation ◼️ The origin story of GAM ◼️ Untold conflicts and internal struggles within GAM ◼️ How Optimus hopes to be remembered ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 2:12 – Welcoming GAM Changer: Optimus 2:39 – Who was Trần Văn Cường before becoming “Cường 7 Núi”? 4:13 – What did the early days of League of Legends in Vietnam look like? 6:00 – How did Optimus begin his competitive journey? 10:58 – MSI 2017 through Optimus’ perspective 15:09 – Thoughts on “big brother” Archie & GAM’s team spirit at the time 17:06 – ADS FPT Telecom 17:22 – What did it feel like hearing an international crowd chant a brand-new Vietnamese team’s name? 19:24 – How GAM 2017 leveled up and became truly “ahead of the curve” 24:58 – “GAM really gambled everything on that stage” 28:52 – Lessons from MSI 2017 for today’s players 31:29 – ADS FPT Telecom 31:45 – GAM’s situation when Optimus decided to leave 40:03 – The core reason behind Optimus’ departure 44:27 – The darkest moment Optimus had to endure 45:37 – GAM’s daily life in the earliest days 50:13 – Strengths and weaknesses of the current generation 52:39 – Three pieces of advice for GAM 2026 55:10 – What esports has given—and taken—from Optimus 57:15 – Two medical conditions Optimus developed due to League of Legends 58:03 – What competing overseas felt like for Optimus 59:20 – After retiring, what helped Optimus regain his footing? 1:01:47 – Ten years from now, how does Optimus want to be remembered? 1:04:24 – A message to those standing at a crossroads of passion 1:07:26 – Closing words from TK & Optimus Thank you for tuning in to the first episode of GĀM Changers Podcast. This project—long envisioned by me, TK Nguyễn—was created to honor those who didn’t just play the game, but changed the game. Follow GĀM Changers: Instagram – @gamchangerspod Facebook – GAM Changers Podcast Follow Optimus: YouTube – @optimus96 Facebook – OptimusVN96 Our Partner: FPT Telecom – fpt.vn