Here’s everything you need to know about how to qualify for MSI LoL and how exactly each team earns a spot at the international tournament.
What Is MSI?
The Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) is an international League of Legends tournament hosted by Riot Games, held during the mid-part of each competitive season. With the introduction of First Stand, MSI is now the second major international event of the year, where the top two teams from each region reunite to fight for the title as well as the first qualification spot to the League of Legends World Championship.
How to Qualify for MSI – The Basics
To qualify for MSI, a team must finish in the top two of their respective splits. While each region has a different format to determine which teams will represent the region, it’s always the top two teams that take part in the tournament.
The only exception is for the Legends of the Americas (LTA), which sends only the winners from the North and South Conferences. As of 2025, the slots are distributed as follows:
- LCK (Korea)
- #1 seed Road to MSI
- #2 seed Road to MSI
- LPL (China)
- #1 seed LPL Split 2 Playoffs
- #2 seed LPL Split 2 Playoffs
- LEC (Europe)
- #1 seed LEC Spring Split Playoffs
- #2 seed LEC Spring Split Playoffs
- LTA (Americas)
- #1 seed LTA North Split 2
- #1 seed LTA South Split 2
- LCP (Pacific)
- #1 seed LCP Mid Qualifying Series
- #2 seed LCP Mid Qualifying Series
The second seeds are placed in the play-in stage, where only two teams will join the top eight. The best region from First Stand, which is determined in the first part of the season, will automatically promote its second seed to the bracket stage to reward regional competitiveness. In this year’s case, it’s the LCK that got this benefit after Hanwha Life Esports dominated the competition.
Related: how does MSI work in LoL
FAQ – MSI Qualification
Can a team qualify for MSI if they finish second?
Yes, every major region can send two teams to MSI, except for the LTA, which sends the winning team from the North and South Conferences only.
How many teams play at MSI?
With this year’s format and the unification of the regions, a total of 10 teams will be competing at MSI.
Does MSI affect Worlds?
Not directly, but the MSI winners will be able to lock in the qualification to Worlds, as long as they make it to playoffs in the split leading to the championship.
