With Global Spring Splits coming to an end across the globe, it’s time to set our sights on the first international event in 2021.
The Mid-Season Invitational is back in 2021 after taking a year off in 2020 due to COVID-19. While the pandemic has continued to halt most LAN events, MSI 2021 will go ahead with developer Riot Games hosting the event in a “bubble”. A similar system was used for Worlds 2020.
What is MSI?
The Mid-Season Invitational (MSI for short) is a yearly mid-season international event in League of Legends esports. Unlike Worlds, which sees multiple sides from each region compete, MSI is more of a “best-of-the-best” event. Featuring only the Spring Split champions from each of the major regions.
Normally, MSI features a play-ins stage, however, this year Riot Games is putting everyone together right from the start. To make this work, they’ll add a second round after the group stage, known as the Rumble.
In Europe, MAD Lions will represent the region, the first time a side other than Fnatic or G2 Esports will represent the LEC at MSI.
What’s the MSI format?
As mentioned above, MSI is making some changes to the format this year. Teams will be split into 3 groups of 4. With seeding being used to make sure each group is equally competitive. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage (stage 3) with the remaining two sides from each group heading into the Rumble.
The Rumble stage will work as a group stage again, though this time everyone is in the same group. The group will be a double round-robin, with matches being best of one. The top two sides will advance to the knockout stage.
The knockout stage will move to a best of five, single-elimination until a winner is crowned.
Stage 1 (Groups)
- Teams are drawn into three groups based on seeding
- Double Round Robin
- Matches are best of one
- Top two teams from each group advance to Stage 2
- The remaining teams move down to the Rumble
Stage 2 (Rumble)
- Double Round Robin
- Matches are best of one
- The top four teams advance to Stage 3
- The remaining teams go home
Stage 3 (Knockout)
- Single elimination bracket
- Matches are best of five
When and where is MSI taking place?
The event will take place in Laugardalshöll Sport Center, Reykjavik with events getting underway on May 6th with the Grand Final due to take place on May 22nd.
What sides are at MSI?
Below is a list of the groups and who will be involved. A number of sides won’t be known to us for some time, so it’s worth checking the Lolesports website closer to the time.
Group A:
- LPL Spring Champion (TBD)
- VCS Spring Champion (TBD)
- LCL Spring Champion (TBD)
- Pentanet.GG
Group B:
- MAD Lions
- PCS Spring Champion (TBD)
- TCL Winter Champion (TBD)
- CBLOL Split 1 Champion (TBD)
Group C:
- DAMWON Gaming KIA
- Cloud 9
- Infinity Esports
- DetonatioN FocusMe
How to watch MSI 2021?
Lolesports.com is once again your best option, allowing you to watch MSI on a variety of platforms. Lolesports is the best if you want to keep an eye on live stats during the games or watch VODs of previous matches.
Keep tabs on MansionBet in the run-up to MSI as they’ll have odds for the entire event.