Original article via Tatler Asia in Vietnamese: LINK
By: Huyền My Trương | Jan 29, 2026
When the industry we dedicate ourselves to for years suddenly disappears overnight, what attitude do we choose in response? I believe that when facing an external crisis, it is also the moment we turn inward to search for inner strength, to reignite the flame within our hearts.
For more than 15 years, TK Nguyen’s career was tied to entertainment and nightlife. Skylight Nha Trang, Vietnam’s first rooftop beach club, was one of his proudest achievements. But when everything was forced to shut down because of the pandemic and he suddenly found himself “starting from zero,” what came next? Would the very ideals that once defined and guided him become the reason for his collapse?
“You know, I had to ask myself: If there is no Skylight, who am I? What do I want to build for the long term?” That was when esports entered his life and reshaped him as a leader.
Among all possible emotional escape routes, TK Nguyen chose something different, a daring migration into esports. As an outsider, he boldly declared that he did not come merely to participate, but to break conventions and change the game.
“That transformation changed everything. What I pursue now is no longer applause in a single night, or short-term satisfaction and joy, but a legacy for the next generation.”
“When facing external crises, we choose to turn inward to find mental strength and reignite the flame in our hearts.”
— TK Nguyen —
It was a massive gamble. At the time in Vietnam, no one could say for certain whether esports would truly become a sustainable industry. Yet the decision that frightened him the most led him into a new world, GAM Entertainment.
As CEO of GAM Esports, Vietnam’s leading League of Legends team, TK Nguyen began pursuing a larger ambition: establishing Vietnam’s position on the global esports stage.
Beyond an open heart and courageous spirit, any bold new journey requires practical foundations, launchpads that allow one to maximize potential. In TK Nguyen’s case, that foundation was his service-industry mindset: always creating experiences, building communities, and telling stories powerful enough to move people. That same spirit now shapes how he and his team care for fans, organize events, and cultivate GAM’s culture.
“What I pursue is no longer applause in a single night—or short-term satisfaction and joy—but a legacy for the next generation.”
— TK Nguyen —
For him, wins and losses can no longer be defined purely by numbers. Esports is not just a game or a profession, it is a mission.
“I believe Vietnam has the full potential to become an esports hub not just for Asia, but for the world. When major corporations like FPT, Vietjet, or Vingroup begin investing, it doesn’t just benefit teams like GAM, it fuels the entire ecosystem. Today, esports has been recognized at the highest levels: appearing at the SEA Games, the Asian Games, and even moving toward Olympic recognition.”
Indeed, TK Nguyen is more than an example of resilience. He reminds us not to let momentary failure or success define our future. He encourages us to seek meaning through experience and creativity. But more than that, he embodies the spirit of an inspiring and wise leader.
“The gaming industry has now surpassed $184 billion in scale, larger than film and music combined. Esports contributes to Vietnam’s economy in multiple ways. In advertising, it is the most effective path to reach Generation Z. In technology, it drives innovation in hardware, software, and connectivity. As infrastructure and investment continue to grow, esports will not merely be part of Vietnam’s economy, it will become an engine that propels it forward. The true opportunity for Vietnam is not just participation, but learning from industry powerhouses like North America and South Korea, and then rising to become one of them.”
When Vietnam is mentioned on the League of Legends global stage, people remember not only achievements but energy. GAM is recognized worldwide for its positivity and relentless fighting spirit. Even as underdogs, the players compete with all their heart.
That is what Vietnam brings, not only talent, but character.
And when projecting that same spirit, one sees the reflection of TK Nguyen, the big brother, the driving force behind GAM. His journey, alongside GAM’s, still holds immense promise ahead: a vast sky waiting for those brave enough to ride the big winds.