The 2024 MSI: A Decade of League of Legends Celebrated in Chengdu
The city of Chengdu, China, is set to host the ninth edition of the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), a hallmark event organized by Riot Games for the multiplayer online battle arena game, League of Legends. From May 1st to 19th, 2024, the Chengdu Financial City Performing Arts Center will be the battleground where twelve teams from around the globe will compete in a tournament that not only celebrates a decade of League of Legends but also sets the stage for future champions.
JD Gaming Falters, New Champions to Emerge
The 2024 MSI holds particular intrigue as the defending champions, JD Gaming from China, were unable to qualify for the tournament after a crucial loss to Top Esports in the lower bracket final of the 2024 LPL Spring Playoffs. This unexpected turn of events opens the door for new champions to emerge, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the competition.
Tournament Structure and Global Representation
This year’s MSI format will see eight of the twelve teams starting in the play-in stage. These teams include the second seeds from major regions like the League Championship Series (LCS), League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), and League of Legends Pro League (LPL). They will be joined by the top seeds from emerging regions including Liga Latinoamérica (LLA), Campeonato Brasileiro de League of Legends (CBLOL), Vietnam Championship Series (VCS), and Pacific Championship Series (PCS).
The play-in stage is structured into two double-elimination brackets with each match played in a best-of-three format. The top four teams from this stage will advance to the bracket stage to compete against the top seeds from the LCS, LEC, LCK, and LPL in a series of best-of-five matches, forming a double-elimination bracket.
Historic Implications
For the first time in the tournament's history, the winner of the MSI will automatically qualify for the 2024 World Championship, provided they also qualify for the playoffs during the 2024 Summer Split in their respective domestic league. This new rule adds a significant strategic element to the competition, as teams not only vie for the MSI title but also for a secure spot at the World Championship later in the year.
Teams to Watch
Starting in the bracket stage are several powerhouse teams eager to claim the MSI crown:
- Gen.G (LCK Spring Champion) from South Korea
- Bilibili Gaming or Top Esports (LPL Spring Champion) from China
- G2 Esports (LEC Spring Champion) from Europe
- Team Liquid (LCS Spring Champion) from North America
These teams have demonstrated exceptional skill and strategic acumen in their respective regions and are expected to be key contenders at the tournament.
The Play-In Stage Contenders
Teams starting in the play-in stage and aiming to make a mark include:
- T1 (LCK Spring Runner-up) from South Korea
- Bilibili Gaming or Top Esports (LPL Spring Runner-up) from China
- Fnatic (LEC Championship Points) from Europe
- FlyQuest (LCS Spring Runner-up) from North America
- And other top teams from PCS, VCS, LLA, and CBLOL
These teams will need to battle through the initial rounds to secure their place in the high-stakes bracket stage.
Where to watch the 2024 MSI?
As excitement builds for the 2024 Mid-Season Invitational, viewers around the globe are preparing for a variety of ways to watch the thrilling matches. While the full list of approved co-streamers has not yet been released, it’s hard to imagine the event without prominent figures such as Caedrel, IWDominate and Doublelift, who have become staples in the League of Legends esports viewing experience. The official LoL esports Twitch and YouTube channels will undoubtedly broadcast the entire tournament, offering fans a direct and comprehensive view of the action. Additionally, regional co-streamers across LCS, LEC, LCK, and LPL such as Kitty are expected to provide localized commentary, enhancing the viewing experience with personalized insights and analysis. Once Riot Games finalizes and releases the list of approved co-streamers, fans will have a plethora of options for how they wish to experience the excitement of MSI 2024.
Conclusion
As the 2024 MSI approaches, the excitement builds not only for the celebration of ten years of competitive League of Legends but also for the thrilling matches that will determine which team can rise to the occasion and claim the prestigious title. With a blend of established powerhouses and ambitious challengers, the MSI in Chengdu is poised to be a landmark event in the history of esports. Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament, ready to witness the next chapter in the storied legacy of League of Legends.
