The 2024 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) is setting the stage in Chengdu, China, and will captivate fans from May 1 to May 19. The Play-In stage, running from May 1 to May 5, marks the initial phase of this international showdown. Here, eight teams from around the globe will battle it out in a double-elimination format for a chance to advance to the Bracket stage of the tournament.
Format and Structure
During the Play-In stage, teams are required to win two matches before they incur two losses to qualify for the next round. The event features best-of-three matches, which escalates both the competitive tension and strategic depth of the games.
Participating Teams
The Play-In stage will see eight teams, including:
- Top Esports
- T1
- Fnatic
- FlyQuest
- PSG Talon
- GAM Esports
- Estral Esports
- CBLoL representative (either LOUD or paiN Gaming)
These teams represent a blend of second seeds from major regions like the LCK, LPL, LEC, and LCS, along with leading teams from the LLA, CBLOL, PCS, and VCS.
Venue
The early battles of the MSI will unfold at the Chengdu Financial City Performing Arts Center, offering a grand stage for the initial clashes of this prestigious esports event.
Match Schedule and Brackets
The Play-In stage draw, conducted on April 20, strategically divided the eight teams into two brackets based on their performance during the Spring Split 2024 playoffs. The teams are distributed into four tiers, ensuring a balanced and competitive setup for the matches.
Bracket A:
- T1 vs. Estral Esports
- FlyQuest vs. PSG Talon
Bracket B:
- Top Esports vs. CBLoL representative [LOUD/paiN Gaming]
- Fnatic vs. GAM Esports
These initial matchups are set to deliver thrilling battles, with each team vying not just for victory but for survival in the prestigious tournament. The outcome of these early games will determine which four teams move forward to join the top four seeds in the Bracket stage.
Keeping Up with the Play-Ins
Fans can follow the Play-In stage closely, as match schedules and results will be regularly updated. This phase is crucial for setting the tone of the tournament, as teams must quickly adapt to the pressure and intensity of the MSI stage.
As the League of Legends MSI 2024 progresses, the Play-In stage promises to be a fierce battleground where emerging talents and established teams clash with the dream of making it to the top of the world stage. Stay tuned for action-packed matches and stellar performances as teams fight for glory in Chengdu.
