The Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) is one of the most highly anticipated annual events in the world of League of Legends esports. Organized by Riot Games, MSI is a key tournament that brings together the top-performing teams from professional leagues across the globe to compete for mid-season prestige and crucial advantages for the end-of-year World Championship.
The Importance and Role of MSI
MSI is far more than just a tournament; it’s a strategic checkpoint in the competitive year. It serves as a global showdown where the champions and top finishers of each region’s Spring Split—such as the LCK (Korea), LPL (China), LEC (Europe), and LCS (North America)—clash to determine regional strength. This international competition builds storylines and shapes power rankings that carry through to the World Championship.
The stakes are high. The team that wins MSI earns a direct spot in the World Championship. Additionally, their region, along with the next best-performing region at MSI, receives extra slots at Worlds, making the tournament’s outcome a significant factor in the entire season’s trajectory.
Tournament Structure and Location
The MSI format is designed to be a gauntlet for the best teams. It is typically split into two main stages:
- The Play-In Stage: This initial phase sees lower-seeded teams or those from emerging regions compete for a chance to enter the main event.
- The Bracket Stage: A double-elimination format where the top teams battle it out for the championship title.
As of the 2025 season, ten teams compete in the tournament, with two teams from each major professional region. The location of MSI changes annually, bringing the excitement of global esports to new cities. In 2025, for example, the event was held in Vancouver, Canada, marking the first time the country hosted an international League of Legends tournament.
Recent Highlights and Notable Teams
MSI is known for its intense competition and memorable moments. The 2025 tournament was particularly thrilling, setting a new record with nine best-of-five series going the full distance—a testament to the high level of parity among international teams. Throughout its history, MSI’s roll of honor includes legendary teams such as Gen.G, T1, Royal Never Give Up, and G2 Esports, who have all cemented their legacies on this mid-season battleground.
MSI vs. Worlds: Key Differences
While both MSI and the World Championship are premier global events, they serve different purposes within the League of Legends esports calendar.
| Feature | MSI | Worlds |
| When? | Mid-Season (May–July) | End of Season (October–November) |
| Teams | Top Spring Split teams (10 as of 2025) | Top teams from all splits (17+) |
| Stakes | Mid-year prestige, Worlds seeding | Crowns the World Champion |
| Format | Play-in + Double-elimination Bracket | Swiss Stage + Knockout Bracket |
| Winner’s Prize | Worlds spot, extra regional slot at Worlds | World Championship title |
In summary, MSI is a critical mid-season tournament that provides a proving ground for international rivalry and a preview of the competitive year. It’s a stage for pride, upsets, and the creation of narratives that define the global race for glory, culminating in the World Championship.
Written by:
Christian