The Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) has become one of the most important tournaments in League of Legends, and MSI 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events yet. With the new tournament format, regional rivalries, and superstar rosters, fans are eager to see who will rise to the challenge.
In this MSI 2025 Preview: Teams to Watch, we’ll break down the strongest squads from each major region, highlight key players, analyze playstyles, and give our predictions on which teams have the best chance to lift the trophy.
Format of MSI 2025
Riot Games has refined the MSI format for 2025 to make it more competitive and fan-friendly:
- Expanded Group Stage with double elimination.
- Top seeds from LCK and LPL directly seeded into the Bracket Stage.
- Wild Card regions (PCS, VCS, CBLOL, LJL, etc.) get more chances through a revised Play-In.
- Best-of-Five Series from the Bracket Stage onward.
This structure means fewer “easy” games and more opportunities for upsets, which makes every match count.
LCK – Korea’s Representative(s)
The LCK enters MSI as the region with the deepest pool of talent. Korean teams are always tournament favorites, and 2025 is no different.
Key Teams to Watch
- T1: With Faker leading a team of rising stars, T1 is hungry to reclaim dominance. Their synergy and mid-game macro remain unmatched.
- Gen.G: Known for their disciplined playstyle, Gen.G thrives on teamfighting and objective control. Ruler’s replacement has stepped up big in 2025.
Why They’re Dangerous:
Korean teams combine individual skill with near-perfect map control. Any team facing them must be prepared for surgical precision in drafts and execution.
LPL – China’s Powerhouses
The LPL has historically been Korea’s fiercest rival, and MSI 2025 is no exception. Chinese teams bring relentless aggression and skirmish power.
Key Teams to Watch
- JD Gaming (JDG): Returning with a star-studded roster, JDG’s jungle-mid duo is considered one of the best in the world.
- Bilibili Gaming (BLG): The 2023 finalists continue to evolve, with crisp coordination and meta-flexible drafting.
Why They’re Dangerous:
LPL teams overwhelm opponents with tempo plays, forcing mistakes in chaotic fights. If they dictate the pace, few teams can stop them.
LEC – Europe’s Hope
The LEC has struggled in recent years but remains a dangerous region with innovative drafts and aggressive early games.
Key Teams to Watch
- G2 Esports: Caps continues to lead Europe’s charge with creative picks and lane dominance. G2’s adaptability makes them a wildcard.
- Fnatic: A rising roster with strong synergy, they’ve shown improvement through 2025 and could upset bigger names.
Why They’re Dangerous:
European teams are known for pocket picks, surprise strategies, and fearless engages. Their unpredictability can dismantle rigid game plans.
LCS – North America’s Dark Horse
North America hasn’t historically been a title contender, but MSI 2025 may show growth in a region filled with imported talent and hungry rookies.
Key Teams to Watch
- Team Liquid: Anchored by a strong Korean core, Liquid’s top-jungle synergy is their win condition.
- Cloud9: Always an international wildcard, C9 thrives on explosive carries and creative draft strategies.
Why They’re Dangerous:
The LCS often struggles with consistency, but if their stars perform, they can punch above expectations.
PCS, VCS & Wild Card Regions
These regions rarely win titles, but MSI often showcases their talent on the global stage.
- PCS (PSG Talon): Known giant-slayers who can upset major regions with crisp macro.
- VCS (Vietnam): Hyper-aggressive teams that excel in skirmishes, punishing slow opponents.
- CBLOL & LJL: While not favorites, their unpredictable style makes them fun to watch.
Why They’re Dangerous:
Wild Card teams thrive on chaos. They often bring unique champions and early aggression that catch bigger regions off guard.
Key Players to Watch at MSI 2025
- Faker (T1): Still the face of LoL, his leadership could define T1’s run.
- Knight (JDG): Mid lane dominance with insane mechanics.
- Caps (G2): Europe’s hope for international success.
- Blaber (C9): NA’s jungle prodigy who thrives on momentum.
- Maple (PSG Talon): Experienced veteran who leads with control.
Predictions: Who Will Lift the Trophy?
- Favorite: T1 – unmatched synergy and experience.
- Challenger: JDG – strongest roster on paper, deadly jungle-mid core.
- Dark Horse: G2 – Europe’s creativity can upset giants.
- Wildcard Upset: PSG Talon – potential to knock out a top seed.
FAQs about MSI 2025
Q: Where will MSI 2025 be hosted?
A: Riot confirmed it will be hosted in Tokyo, Japan, marking the first time MSI visits the LJL region.
Q: How many teams qualify for MSI 2025?
A: A total of 12 teams across all major and emerging regions.
Q: When does MSI 2025 start?
A: The tournament begins in May 2025, shortly after the Spring Split playoffs conclude.
Q: Who are the defending MSI champions?
A: The 2024 champions were Gen.G, who defeated BLG in a thrilling 3-2 final.
Conclusion
MSI 2025 promises to be a tournament full of drama, storylines, and unforgettable plays. From the precision of the LCK to the aggression of the LPL, the creativity of the LEC, and the ambition of the LCS and Wild Card regions, fans are in for a spectacle.
In this MSI 2025 Preview: Teams to Watch, we’ve highlighted the most exciting squads and players, but in League of Legends, anything can happen. Will the Korean dynasty continue, or will China reclaim dominance? Could Europe or even a Wild Card region shock the world?
One thing is certain: MSI 2025 will showcase the very best of global League of Legends.
