The much-anticipated grand finale of the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2023 has recently drawn to a thrilling close, capturing the undivided attention and collective breath of the global gaming community. This signature League of Legends tournament has always been the stage where legends are born and epic battles fought, and this year’s edition was no different.
The MSI, with its unparalleled blend of fierce competition and camaraderie, has always acted as a powerful magnet, drawing in both seasoned gamers and curious newcomers.
It is a unique amalgamation of raw talent, refined strategy, and heart-stopping moments that often dictate the course of the season. The stakes are high, the pressure immense, but so are the rewards – a combination that makes the event a spectacle for both participants and spectators.
This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for all key details pertaining to the tournament. We delve into the nitty-gritty of the event, shedding light on everything from the precise timeline, the teams that locked horns, the gripping match-ups, the format changes, the venue, and even the all-important viewership stats.
We also uncover the significant prize pool that was up for grabs and how it was distributed among the triumphant winners and valiant participants.
Beyond just the factual details, this guide also explores the defining moments of the MSI 2023: the unexpected turn of events, the high-octane action, the nerve-wracking final showdown, and of course, the crowning of the ultimate victor.
Through this extensive, detailed review, we aim to provide not just a summary of the tournament, but a vibrant snapshot of an event that has left an indelible imprint on the annals of League of Legends history.
The Resounding Victory of JDG
Notwithstanding the considerable efforts of Bilibili Gaming (BLG), their impressive defeat of T1 couldn’t save them from falling to JD Gaming (JDG) in the ultimate showdown. The event marked the first-ever All-LPL international final in the annals of League of Legends, with JDG taking their inaugural international championship.
JDG’s success can be attributed to their strategically assembled super team prior to the season, a gamble that proved to be worth its weight in gold.
The Magnetism of MSI
The MSI stands tall among international esports tournaments, drawing in not just League of Legends enthusiasts, but a broader gaming audience as well. The competition fuels interregional rivalries, pitting the top teams from each region against each other in the pursuit of significant prize money and bragging rights.
For MSI in 2023, Riot Games expanded the tournament, upping the team count from 11 to 13. Upon the conclusion of the Spring split, fans worldwide shifted their gaze to this first international event of the year.
MSI 2023: The Journey
The event commenced on March 2 with the Play-In stage, which saw the rise of G2 Esports and Bilibili Gaming through the upper bracket, while Golden Guardians emerged victorious in the lower bracket finals. As the competition reached its peak, the final eight teams battled in a double-elimination bracket, each match adopting a best-of-five format.
How to Experience MSI 2023
MSI 2023 was live-streamed via Riot Games’ Twitch channel for worldwide viewership. Alternatively, fans could immerse themselves in the watch parties hosted by several streamers and content creators in various languages. In 2022, MSI’s grand finale between T1 and RNG attracted more than 2 million simultaneous viewers, establishing a record for the event’s highest peak viewership.
Schedule, Progression, and Results
The 2023 MSI, held from May 2-21, found its home at the Copper Box Arena in London, a versatile venue that previously hosted esports events such as the Rocket League Championship Series Season 5 – Finals and Apex Legends’ ALGS 2023 Split 1 Playoffs.
MSI 2023: The Play-In and Bracket Stages
MSI 2023 comprised two stages: the Play-In and Bracket stages, both adopting a double-elimination format. Each match in the Play-In Stage was a best-of-three series, except the Lower Final, played in a best-of-five format. The top three Play-In Stage teams advanced to the Bracket Stage, joining five invited teams.
MSI 2023: Team Line-up
MSI 2023 saw 13 teams from around the world participating. The LCK, LCS, LEC, and LPL had two representatives each, with the top seeds from LJL, LLA, VCS, PCS, and CBLOL rounding out the roster. As the victors of Worlds 2022, LCK sent two teams directly to the Bracket Stage.
MSI 2023: Prize Breakdown and Final Standings
The minimum prize pool for MSI 2023 was $250,000, subject to increase through community contribution. Riot Games created various in-game and cosmetic items, the sales of which helped boost the overall prize money.
A portion of proceeds from the Inkshadow Event Pass, Inkshadow Yasuo skin, and MSI 2023 Esports Premium Bundle contributed to the prize pool. The tournament concluded with JD Gaming claiming the top prize of $50,000.
Historic Triumph for JDG
In an event that has forever inked its name into the annals of League of Legends lore, JDG shattered BLG in a powerful 3-1 victory. This was a momentous occasion, a grand celebration of a well-executed strategy that started with assembling a super team at the season’s onset. Without a shadow of doubt, the return on their investment was overwhelming.
MSI 2023: A Defining Tournament
Riot Games upped the ante for the 2023 Mid-Season Invitational, expanding the pool of teams from 11 to 13. The MSI, one of the biggest international competitions in all of esports, brings together the finest teams from every region, battling for not just the attractive prize money, but the glory and regional bragging rights. For this year’s event, the audience’s anticipation had reached fever pitch following the conclusion of the Spring split.
Kickoff and Progress
The battle lines were drawn on March 2nd with the Play-In stage. With the dust settled, G2 Esports and Bilibili Gaming had emerged victorious from the upper bracket. They were joined by Golden Guardians, who left PSG Talon biting the dust in the lower bracket final.
With the Play-In stage completed, the best eight teams remained, ready to vie for the top honors in a double-elimination bracket, each match being a grueling best-of-five format.
The Showdown: JDG Versus BLG
In what was the first all-LPL international Final in League of Legends history, BLG took a stand but fell to the might of JDG. Despite having scored an impressive victory over T1 earlier, BLG couldn’t replicate their success against JDG. The culmination of MSI 2023 marked JDG’s maiden international title victory.
How to Catch the MSI 2023 Action
The riveting matches were streamed live on Riot Games’ Twitch channel, allowing spectators from across the globe to tune in. Co-streamers like Marc ‘Caedrel’ Lamont, Yiliang ‘Doublelift’ Peng, and Ibai Llanos also offered unique viewing experiences, hosting watch parties in multiple languages.
This diverse viewing arrangement catered to the growing popularity of MSI, which saw over 2 million concurrent viewers during last year’s grand final between T1 and RNG. With MSI 2023, expectations were high for a new record in viewer turnout.
MSI 2023: Venue and Schedule
MSI 2023 took place at the multi-purpose Copper Box Arena in London, a venue that has hosted numerous esports events since the 2012 Summer Olympics. The event ran from May 2-21, with ticket prices ranging from £29 to £94.
The Exciting Match Line-Up
The Bracket stage ran from May 9 to May 21. Each day was packed with high-stakes matches that led up to the grand finale where JDG and BLG faced off for the ultimate glory.
The MSI 2023 Format
The format for the MSI 2023 was divided into two main stages: the Play-In Stage and the Bracket Stage. The Play-In Stage featured a series of best-of-three series matches, with the exception of the Lower Final, which was a best-of-five format.
In the second stage, the Bracket Stage, the top three teams from the Play-In Stage went head-to-head with five invited teams. Each match in this stage was a best-of-five series, maintaining the high-intensity competition throughout.
MSI 2023: Teams in the Fray
MSI 2023 saw the participation of 13 teams from around the globe. As the winning region of Worlds 2022, LCK was represented by both of their top teams in the Bracket Stage.
Team Breakdown for MSI 2023
The playoff stage included teams from various regions, with prominent ones like JD Gaming from LPL and T1 from LCK. The Play-In stage featured G2 Esports from LEC and Bilibili Gaming from LPL among others.
Prize Pool and Final Standings
The minimum prize pool for MSI 2023 was set at a substantial $250,000, but Riot Games went a step further to engage the community in increasing the final amount.
Through sales from the Inkshadow Event Pass and Inkshadow Yasuo skin, along with half of the proceeds from the MSI 2023 Esports Premium Bundle, the total prize money was significantly boosted. This innovative strategy not only expanded the prize pool but also elevated the community’s engagement and anticipation for the event.
MSI 2023: The Victors and their Spoils
JD Gaming emerged as the champions, securing a hefty prize of $50,000. Bilibili Gaming and T1 followed closely, bagging $37,500 and $30,000 respectively. Each team, from the first to the thirteenth place, was rewarded with a portion of the prize pool, acknowledging their hard-fought battles on the international stage.
Indeed, MSI 2023 was a grand spectacle, marking an exciting chapter in esports and setting the tone for future tournaments in the world of League of Legends.