Sunday, 17 Nov 2024

MSI 2023: Everything You Need to Know About the Tournament

The Mid Season Invitational (MSI) has always been an exciting event for fans of League of Legends esports. It has given us unforgettable moments, from G2’s victory over T1 to Team Liquid’s win against iG. This year’s MSI is set to be even more thrilling, with several changes made for the 2023 edition.

More Teams Joining the Tournament

In 2023, the MSI will feature 13 teams, including one additional team from each major region. This means that the second seed from LPL, LEC, LCS, and LCK will also be participating in the tournament. Here are the teams confirmed for the Mid Season Invitational (MSI) 2023:

  • LPL: JDG Intel Sports Club (1st) and Bilibili Gaming Pingang Bank (2nd)
  • LCK: GEN.G (1st) and T1 (2nd)
  • LCS: Cloud 9 (1st) and Golden Guardians (2nd)
  • LEC: MAD Lions (1st) and G2 Esports (2nd)
  • LLA: Movistar Rainbow 7
  • LJL: Detonation FocusMe
  • VCS: GAM Esports
  • CBLOL: Loud
  • PCS: PSG Talon

These teams will be playing in an exciting new format that will make every match crucial, especially in the lower bracket.

Format Changes for MSI 2023

According to the State of the Game: LoL Esports 2023 blog, several changes have been announced for the competitive formats of all events, including Kick-Off, MSI, and Worlds 2023.

For MSI 2023, there will be no Group Stage in Play-Ins. Instead, a Double-Elimination Bracket will be introduced, featuring the first seed from LLA, CBLOL, LJL, PCS, VCS, and the second seeds from LPL, LCS, and LEC. Matches will be Best-of-Three, and there will be three spots available to qualify for the Bracket Stage.

The winners of groups A and B in the upper bracket will secure two of the qualifying spots. The final qualifying spot will be decided in a Last Chance Qualifying Best-of-Five Match between the winners of the lower bracket.

Once in the Bracket Stage, eight teams will compete in a double-elimination, Best-of-Five bracket. This stage will include the three winners of Play-Ins, along with the first seeds of LEC, LCS, LPL, and both seeds from LCK (as winners of the previous World Championship).

The Play-Ins draw for LEC has already taken place after the Finals between MAD Lions and Team BDS. The draw for the Bracket Stage will be conducted after the Play-Ins stage is finished.

MSI 2023 Location and Schedule

The Mid Season Invitational Tournament will be held in London, United Kingdom, specifically at the Copper Box Arena. If you’re in the area, you won’t want to miss out on the games.

Copper Box Arena MSI

The schedule for MSI 2023 is as follows:

Play-Ins

  • Tuesday, May 2 (5am PDT/ 8am EDT/ 1pm BST)
  • Wednesday, May 3 (5am PDT/ 8am EDT/ 1pm BST)
  • Thursday, May 4 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Friday, May 5 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Saturday, May 6 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Sunday, May 7 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)

Bracket Stage

1st Week
  • Tuesday, May 9 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Wednesday, May 10 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Thursday, May 11 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Friday, May 12 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Saturday, May 13 (4am PST / 7am EDT / 12pm BST)
  • Sunday, May 14 (4am PST / 7am EDT / 12pm BST)
2nd Week
  • Tuesday, May 16 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Wednesday, May 17 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Thursday, May 18 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Friday, May 19 (5am PDT / 8am EDT /1pm BST)
  • Saturday, May 20 (4am PST / 7am EDT / 12pm BST)

It’s worth noting that in the past two MSIs, one team, RNG, has dominated the competition. Although they won’t be present this year, one player who was part of RNG, Bin, will be participating in MSI 2023 with the team BLG. Will Bin be able to secure another MSI victory and maintain China’s domination? Only time will tell.

For more information on MSI and other LoL/TFT related news, check out our MOBAFire news section. And if you’re already excited, join our Discord to connect with like-minded esports fans ahead of MSI 2023.

FAQs

  • What is the format of MSI 2023?

    • MSI 2023 will feature a Double-Elimination Bracket in Play-Ins and a double-elimination, Best-of-Five bracket in the Bracket Stage.
  • Where will MSI 2023 be held?

    • MSI 2023 will take place at the Copper Box Arena in London, United Kingdom.
  • How many teams are participating in MSI 2023?

    • MSI 2023 will have 13 teams, including one additional team from each major region.
  • Who were the winners of MSI in the past two years?

    • RNG, a Chinese team, dominated the past two MSIs. However, they will not be participating in MSI 2023.