If you’re new to League of Legends esports, you might be asking: how does MSI work in LoL? The Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) is one of the biggest international tournaments in the scene, but its format and purpose have changed over time, which can lead to some confusion.
This guide will walk you through:
- What MSI is
- How MSI works
- Why it matters in the global LoL esports calendar
What Is MSI in LoL?
MSI stands for Mid-Season Invitational, and it is the second international League of Legends tournament of the 2025 competitive season. Hosted by Riot Games, it takes place at the mid-point of each year, usually between the second and the third splits.
Each major region (five in total, following the merger of LTA and LCP) will be sending its top two teams to the tournament, competing not only for the title and the prize pool but also for the first spot at the year-end League of Legends World Championship.
How Does MSI Work?
The format for MSI has evolved over the years. For this year, here’s how MSI works:
Qualified Teams
MSI features the top two teams from each region. This year,they are as follows:
- LCK (Korea)
- #1 seed Road to MSI – Gen.G
- #2 seed Road to MSI – T1
- LPL (China)
- #1 seed LPL Split 2 Playoffs – Anyone’s Legend
- #2 seed LPL Split 2 Playoffs – BilBili Gaming
- LEC (Europe)
- #1 seed LEC Spring Split Playoffs – Movistar KOI
- #2 seed LEC Spring Split Playoffs – G2 Esports
- LTA (Americas)
- #1 seed LTA North Split 2 – FlyQuest
- #1 seed LTA South Split 2 – FURIA
- LCP (Pacific)
- #1 seed LCP Mid Qualifying Series – CTBC Flying Oyster
- #2 seed LCP Mid Qualifying Series – GAM Esports
The #1 seeds from each region (for LTA, it’s the Northern team) will head to the bracket stage, alongside the #2 seed from the LCK. This is because the Korean league was the best-performing region at the first international tournament of the year, First Stand.
Play-In Stage
In the play-in stage, the remaining #2 seeds will be competing in a double-elimination bracket (needs to lose two series to be eliminated), with the top two teams advancing to the next phase. All matches are Best-of-five series, featuring Fearless Draft.
Bracket Stage (Main Event)
With a total of eight teams in the bracket stage, teams will be placed in a double-elimination bracket once again, and matchups will be decided based on the seedings. Teams from the same region cannot be placed on the same side of the bracket, reducing the number of combinations possible.
For example, the two LCK teams (Gen.G and T1) will only be able to play each other in the final by beating all the other opponents. All matches are Best-of-five series, featuring Fearless Draft.
The format was revisited this year following the merger of several minor regions, greatly changing how does MSI work compared to previous years.
What’s at Stake and why does MSI matter
Besides winning the title and the prize money, which has increased to $2 million this year, $500,000 of which goes to the winning team, MSI also gives out two important rewards.
The first reward goes to the champions, who will automatically lock their spot at the year-end League of Legends World Championship, as long as they can make it to the playoff stage during the third split, which leads to Worlds. Essentially, they have to make it into the top six teams at the end of the regular split.
The second advantage is the allocation of an additional Worlds slot to the two best-performing regions, which will be able to field a total of four teams (instead of three). For example, if BiliBili Gaming and G2 Esports are champions and runner-ups, then both the LPL and the LEC will be awarded an extra slot.
Both additions were made to increase the stake at MSI, which had previously been criticized for its lack of competitive relevance for the season. Now, MSI is a major test for the roster, giving them the chance to have international competition and allowing fans to watch the best teams in the world go head-to-head, building momentum and hype for Worlds.
Quick History of MSI
MSI started in 2015 and has been mainly dominated by Eastern teams, except for one occasion where the West prevailed. You can find every past champion and result in our breakdown of MSI winners.
FAQ – MSI for Beginners
What does MSI stand for in LoL?
MSI is the acronym for Mid-Season Invitational, the second international tournament in the LoL Esports competitive calendar.
How does MSI work LoL compared to Worlds?
MSI features fewer teams and happens in the middle of the year.
Can the same region send two teams?
Yes! Since 2023, major regions have been able to send two representatives to MSI.
Where to Watch MSI?
You can catch MSI matches live on:
