MOBAFire MSI 2023 Fantasy Tournament Recap and...

[quote=Jovy][center][img=https://www.mobafire.com/images/news/msi-23-finals.jpg][/center] [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Introduction[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] Welcome everyone to the final instalment of our article series covering MSI 2023 and our MSI Fantasy Tournament. The bracket stage was full of both the expected and the unexpected. A lot of this best-of-five tournament stage went by with only three games and maybe it felt like it wasn't until the final few days that things actually began to heat up and twists began to crop up. In the end, the championship was claimed by none other than the LPL's top seed, JD Gaming. But how did it all go down, exactly, and which fantasy team reigned supreme? Read on to find out! [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Fantasy Tournament Winners[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [center][img=https://i.imgur.com/Kzkbztx.png][/center] The best fantasy roster comes from [b]zapmaz[/b], who's earned a total of 487.5 of points throughout the whole tournament. Zapmaz can attribute a lot of this success to his assigned captain, JDG's Ruler, who has had a monster of a performance in this tournament. A huge congratulations to zapmaz for putting this roster together and winning the fantasy tournament! [b]playboygussis1337eli[/b] comes in second with 470.2 points, two BLG members in their roster and Bin at the helm. A fantastic fantasy roster that was oh so close to perfection. [b]nerazzurri[/b] got third place and 467.4 points in total. A roster with two LCK and two LPL representatives, that could've gone all the way if Gen.G didn't unexpectedly lose out to BLG in Round 3 of the Lower Bracket run. Our top five is rounded out by [b]flynnbomb[/b] and [b]marrko993[/b] who earned 466.9 and 465.4 points respectively. Both rosters needed a little more heavy-lifting from T1 to be even more successful, but top #5 is still incredibly impressive! [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Team by Team Recap[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [center][img=https://i.imgur.com/J3zEGZq.png][/center] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/vOwXijg.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/W548yju.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]The MAD Lions first best-of-five series was against the LCK's second seed, T1. While from the outside looking in, the LEC's first seed should maybe be able to handle the LCK's second seed... it's not quite like that in practice. As ever, the east is far superior to the west when it comes to League of Legends, and the MAD Lions could do little but watch as T1 dismantled the series, going 3-0 and knocking Europe into the lower bracket. The third game of the series was one of the most one-sided games in recent memory, with T1 destroying Europe’s Nexus at minute 16:50. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/vOwXijg.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/d7eVq44.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]In the lower bracket, the MAD Lions had to face G2 Esports, LEC's second seed and second representative. Unfortunately, one of these teams had to lose, but at least this was an interesting match-up! In Winter, G2 Esports beat the MAD Lions and claimed the win; in Spring, it was the Lions that reigned supreme. And as they seem to alternate, it was G2 that took the win at MSI, going 3-0 again and taking their brethren down rather unceremoniously. [/columns] [spoiler=overall thoughts]LEC fans have been through the ringer with the MAD Lions in 2023 so far. In Winter, MAD was praised highly as the runners up, and a lot of expectations were put on their shoulders. In Spring, MAD failed to meet these expectations, struggling to make it to the group stage at all. A lot of fans became pessimistic, and there were a lot of memes about how Europe would fare badly if MAD somehow made it to MSI based on championship points. They slowly but surely climbed up through the bracket stage, and eventually dragged every other team down to get the Spring win, proving that they are worthy of their MSI spot. At MSI, they floundered, leaving fans conflicted once again. It'll be up to MAD to prove the doubters wrong once again as the LEC Summer Split begins in a couple short weeks.[/spoiler] [center][img=https://i.imgur.com/jItOdnD.png][/center] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/15pLZnF.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/d7eVq44.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]1[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]As second seed, G2 Esports were not brand new to the MSI stage, having to go through the play-in knockouts to secure their spot in the bracket stage. They had two 3-0 series in the play-ins, one against LOUD and one against PSG Talon. Their first best-of-five, however, was to be this one, and they had to face LCK's first seed, Gen.G to advance further. The games were rough, but G2 did manage to snag a win in the third game of the series, largely thanks to an excellent performance from BrokenBlade (who has been performing admirably all tournament) and Hans Sama. Overall the series had its ups and downs, but LEC fans could be heartened to know that it wasn't a massive 3-0 stomp with <20 minute games. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/vOwXijg.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/d7eVq44.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Speaking of ~20 minute games, that's exactly what followed from G2 as they faced their LEC brothers MAD Lions. The whole series was done in about an hour, with highlight performances from Yike in games 1 and 2, and BrokenBlade's Cassiopeia in game 3. Though it was bitter work, G2 was able to knock out the MAD Lions and proceed through the tournament in the lower bracket. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/d7eVq44.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]1[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://factorassets.global.ssl.fastly.net/teamlogo/esports:team:e147e157-124b-4a3d-ae06-bac4b8795808/latest.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]In Round 2 of the bracket stage, G2 Esports were up against BiliBili Gaming next, China's second seed. BLG took game 1 after a 30 minute game, G2 not really having an answer to their 12-2 marksman, and Xun and Bin performing admirably in their roles as well. In Game 2, G2 gave BLG a taste of their own medicine, with Hans ending the game 8-1 on and BB having a great K'Sante performance. Game 3 was probably the deciding game. G2 held a steady advantage all game until one crucial misstep from Hans 35 minutes in. With their ADC dead, and the game being at such an advanced stage, BLG were able to just storm the base in one push and end it. Game 4 was pretty clinical from BiliBili, they had a kill advantage in every lane and incredible objective control all game long. The loss was inevitable, as was Europe's exit from this international tournament (sadly). [/columns] [spoiler=overall thoughts]Overall, G2 probably had the best performance of all western teams. This sounds great, but what it really means is that they had 2 wins and all of the other western teams combined had… 1. GG was able to beat BLG in the play-in knockouts in one game. Outside of that, all of the western teams were 0-3’d. That said, it’s not wrong to give some praise to G2, especially to Yike, there for his first international tournament, and BrokenBlade, who has always been called the weak link of G2 in the LEC. Hans and Caps, on the other hand, probably underperformed compared to expectations. Whether this was nerves, the meta, or just an inability to compete with eastern carries, we can’t be 100% sure. Either way, here’s hoping that, like always, G2 doesn’t let these results drag them down, and that they have a great Summer split in the LEC.[/spoiler] [center][img=https://i.imgur.com/wmwY6ud.png][/center] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/obVxeu8.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://factorassets.global.ssl.fastly.net/teamlogo/esports:team:e147e157-124b-4a3d-ae06-bac4b8795808/latest.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]C9's first series of the tournament was against BiliBili Gaming. There was some hope for NA in this series because BLG, while of course a fantastic team, were not quite as consistently terrifying as the other eastern teams. Further, Golden Guardians, NA’s second seed, were able to take a game off them in play-ins. That said, BLG has already tasted blood in the play-ins, so they had a bit of an advantage on that end. C9, thrown suddenly into the fray, struggled. Berserker had great performances, as expected, and Blaber played well. The rest of the team couldn't really keep up against BLG's counterparts.Though Berserker played well, Elk had particularly terrifying games on Jinx and Lucian and contributed greatly to their 3-0.[/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/XSgtVK6.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/obVxeu8.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]In the lower bracket, C9 faced off against the Golden Guardians. They had recently defeated the Guardians in the LCS finals, and they were sure they could do it again. After going 2-0, with fantastic performances from C9's carries, GG hit back. Stixxay had a phenomenal Zeri game, and River pulled out Kha'Zix jungle to surprise C9 and take a game off them. C9 didn't let this loss impede them, however, and they were able to cap off the series 3-1 in the end, and move onwards. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/15pLZnF.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/obVxeu8.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]In round 2, C9 faced Gen.G, Korea's top seed. While G2 had some competitive games against Gen.G, C9 couldn't really bring it on game day. Each of the three games were ~25 minute stomps. Between Peanut, Chovy, and Peyz, it's hard to say which player was the MVP of the series, but they all three were playing like madmen. With that, both the LEC and now the LCS were sent home. [/columns] [spoiler=overall thoughts]There's not a lot to say about Cloud9 at this tournament. They only played three series and they were all quite one-sided. What remains true about them is that they are the LCS's best team, and they proved that again when they played the Golden Guardians. Berserker is an excellent addition to their roster, and with some more support perhaps he'd be able to make an even bigger difference for the team.x[/spoiler] [center][img=https://i.imgur.com/feyEd0V.png][/center] [columns] [img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/0/00/JD_Gaminglogo_square.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/XSgtVK6.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]The Golden Guardians had a more exciting tournament than most, having to go through the gruelling lower bracket of the play-in stage before advancing to the bracket stage - all off the back of an exciting underdog split in the LCS. Fans didn't expect a lot from them, so everything that they delivered was exciting. Of course, underdog magic aside, it was doubtful that GG could provide a competitive series against JD Gaming. And, indeed, they could not. Three quick games later, GG found themselves in the lower bracket, facing their fellow LCS reps. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/XSgtVK6.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/obVxeu8.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Though this series promised to be a bit more exciting (and, being a four game series instead of three, it was), the game was not quite as competitive as fans would've liked. C9 was able to start the series off 2-0 before the Guardians were able to bring anything to the table. In game 3, River pulled out an incredible Kha'Zix game, going 8-1 and getting Stixxay ahead in the early game. Unfortunately, they couldn't keep this momentum up, and their Yasuo-centred draft didn't pay off in game 4. With that loss, GG's international run ended. [/columns] [spoiler=overall thoughts]All in all, I think fans can be quite happy with how the Golden Guardians performed. Like I mentioned before, there can't have been high expectations - GG generally ended in ~6th place in the LCS for all of the team’s history, and to suddenly reach the finals and then get to the bracket stage in MSI, is more than anyone could have asked for. Hopefully this is just the start for this team's comeback, and they'll be back at the top in the upcoming Summer Split.[/spoiler] [center][img=https://i.imgur.com/k1au63z.png][/center] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/15pLZnF.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/d7eVq44.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]1[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Korea's top seed, Gen.G was one of the favourites to win this MSI tournament, and this potential win streak to the finals started with their first best-of-five against G2 Esports. They came out guns blazing in game 1 and 2, with highlight performances from Chovy, Peyz, and Peanut alike. Though they lost game 3, they shook the loss off and won the next game in under 30 minutes. G2 had some good plays here and there, and obviously managed to take a game, but all in all, Gen.G was as scary as expected. With this 3-1, they advanced to Round 2, where they had to face off against fellow LCK representative T1. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/15pLZnF.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]2[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/W548yju.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Gen.G had just defeated T1 in the Spring Split finals in the LCK, so the odds were in their favour. This five-game series started off with two wins for T1, however. As much as Peyz looked scary in his series against G2, Gumayusi was able to outperform him in nearly every single game. In the first two games of the series, Guma held a KDA of 25, and even in T1's first loss of the best-of-five, he still ended the game 10-3. If Gen.G wanted to win, they needed to figure out how to shut him down. They did just that in game 4, Peanut essentially camped bot lane and was finally able to get Peyz ahead and shut Gumayusi down. After four exciting games, it all came down to a misplay from Delight as he flashed into T1 25 minutes in, after a very slow and clinical game from both sides. T1 was able to ace Gen.G and storm their base, shunting Gen.G down into the lower bracket to face BiliBili Gaming. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/15pLZnF.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/obVxeu8.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]As previously described, C9 couldn’t really handle against Gen.G. This series went by quickly, and three ~25 minute games later, Gen.G advanced further into the tournament, and NA was sent home. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://factorassets.global.ssl.fastly.net/teamlogo/esports:team:e147e157-124b-4a3d-ae06-bac4b8795808/latest.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/15pLZnF.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]While BiliBili Gaming has been having a terrific MSI up until this point, they were very much the underdog against Korea's top seed. BiliBili had previously only had to play against wildcard teams (and western teams, which is totally different!) so how good are they really? Well, this series of Gen.G proved that they were actually really, really good. Like in their series against T1, Gen.G had no answer to BiliBili's ADC. Elk had a KDA of 55 in his series against Gen.G, and if that doesn't explain exactly what happened in this best-of-five, then I don't know what does. Though game 2 was close, it wouldn't be unfair to say Gen.G got theirs handed to them by LPL's second seed, and they were sent back to Korea. [/columns] [spoiler=overall thoughts]All in all, Gen.G probably exited the tournament a bit earlier than anyone was expecting. Fans were likely anticipating a bit more from the team that dusted T1 in the LCK Spring finals and maybe even more from the region that won Worlds in 2022. Statistically speaking, though, MSI has always been the LPL's tournament and we are all just living in it. With JDG's win this year, LPL has 6 MSI titles, and LCK has 2. There's still no denying that in the games where Gen.G was able to pop off, they popped off good.[/spoiler] [center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XQNVMvm.png][/center] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/vOwXijg.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]0[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/W548yju.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Though T1 came to MSI as Korea's second seed, they were no less formidable than #1. Since 2022, T1 has gotten first in Spring of LCK, 2nd at MSI 2022, 2nd in LCK Summer 2022, 2nd at Worlds 2022, and 2nd in LCK Spring 2023. That's the track record MAD Lions had to go up against in T1's first best-of-five, and they could not keep up. Game 3 was particularly devastating, as T1 defeated the Lions in under 17 minutes. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://i.imgur.com/15pLZnF.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]2[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/W548yju.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Next they got their rematch against Gen.G. Though they faltered in the LCK, they were able to defeat Gen.G here at MSI after five gruelling games. As mentioned before, Gumayusi was particularly impressive in this series, and it seemed like he would be the key to T1’s success moving forward. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/0/00/JD_Gaminglogo_square.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/W548yju.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]2[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]The next time we saw T1, they were to face JD Gaming. This was *the* series of the tournament, the one that fans were waiting for - LPL's best versus LCK's best. Game 1 went in favour of JD Gaming, thanks to some incredible performances from the LPL carries. T1 took the next one - a short, 24 minute game that ended after T1 executed a perfect team fight, with Zeus teleport flanking behind enemy lines and Oner's follow up devastating Twisted Advance. Game 3 was another case of "close, until it wasn't," as T1 once again aced JDG 22 minutes in and immediately bull-rushed their base. JDG was back in form in Game 4 though. They got every nearly every objective and were 9k gold ahead when Kanavi caught out Gumayusi in the top side river. Without their carry, T1 couldn't fight back against JDG's next push. And so, it was all down to game 5 - the longest game and closest of the series. Guma and Zeus got good gold leads, but Ruler was very fed on JD's side. they were essentially even in gold, kills, and objectives, when T1 initiated a team fight near their base, sandwiching JDG between four members and Zeus from behind. JDG turned on T1 then and Ruler unleashed his minigun, ultimately winning the team fight and game. But it wasn’t over for T1 yet. [/columns] [columns] [img=https://factorassets.global.ssl.fastly.net/teamlogo/esports:team:e147e157-124b-4a3d-ae06-bac4b8795808/latest.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://i.imgur.com/W548yju.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]1[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]One of either Bilibili or T1 would get their rematch against JD Gaming - but who? According to BLG's Bin, it would be Bilibili, with a score of 3-1; and that's just what happened. The first game was most gruelling; a 43 minute game in which both teams were even until the very end. Elk showed up big for BLG in the final team fight of the game, grabbing a Triple Kill and ensuring the win. They were able to get their second win with much more confidence. In game 2, T1 only had 4 kills, and were down 10k gold when the Nexus dropped. It was do or die for T1 now and they turned it around, securing a dominating win over BLG with a 16k gold advantage at the end and a fed carry in each lane. The final game of the series was another close match, but BLG were able to win it by prioritising Dragons, and having a very strong Zeri late game. With this loss, T1 was sadly eliminated from MSI 2023. [/columns] [spoiler=overall thoughts]T1 was determined to break their second place curse, but they just couldn't stand up to the LPL at this tournament. In all of their other series, T1 looked immovable, and there's even a world in which they beat JDG in that first best-of-five. Though they fell short this time, this roster has proven that they continue to be one of the best teams in professional League of Legends now or ever.[/spoiler] [center][img=https://i.imgur.com/ga9vey7.png][/center] [columns] [img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/0/00/JD_Gaminglogo_square.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=#00ff00]3[/color][/b][/size][/center][nextcol width=10][nextcol][size=5][color=white][b]VS[/b][/color][/size][nextcol width=10][nextcol][img=https://factorassets.global.ssl.fastly.net/teamlogo/esports:team:e147e157-124b-4a3d-ae06-bac4b8795808/latest.png width=75] [center][size=5][b][color=red]1[/color][/b][/size][/center] [nextcol width=20][nextcol width=600]Admittedly, the first game of the best-of-five finals wasn't very exciting. None of BLG's members could get a good lead and the team struggled to deal with knight's Jayce or Ruler's Jinx that was getting increasingly fed. In Game 2, BLG decided to try out those picks themselves, and both Yagao and Elk had amazing performances, ultimately winning the game after securing Infernal Soul. Though that seemed like it might signal a more exciting - maybe a five-game - series, the final two games were sadly lacklustre. JDG decided they were done making missteps, and the series was over within the next 45 minutes. [/columns] [spoiler=overall thoughts]Without a doubt, BiliBili Gaming had the most exciting run at MSI this year. They dominated in the play-in stage and obliterated C9 in their first best-of-five in the first round of the bracket stage. They then had to face JD Gaming, the team that they lost to in the LPL finals. As many expected, they faltered, but they never gave up. In an amazing lower bracket run, BiliBili defeated Europe’s hopes and dreams, both of the LCK representatives - two of the best teams in pro play right now - before facing JD Gaming once again. Sadly, JDG bested them on that day, but BiliBili put up a great fight, and no doubt earned themselves thousands of new fans at London![/spoiler] [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Meet Your Champions[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [center][img=https://i.imgur.com/2P4PE0x.png][/center] [center][columns] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #c8102e" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/w9EsS8G.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]TOP LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/5/5a/JDG_369_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#c8102e][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]369[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/0/00/JD_Gaminglogo_square.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]JD Gaming[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]$213[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #c8102e" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/tSXz5QB.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]JUNGLE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/a/ae/JDG_Kanavi_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#c8102e][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Kanavi[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/0/00/JD_Gaminglogo_square.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]JD Gaming[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]$210[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #c8102e" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/aQyqQwd.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]MID LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/a/a9/JDG_knight_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#c8102e][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]knight[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/0/00/JD_Gaminglogo_square.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]JD Gaming[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]$211[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #c8102e" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/P5LdG0V.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]BOT LANE[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/b/bd/JDG_Ruler_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#c8102e][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Ruler[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/0/00/JD_Gaminglogo_square.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]JD Gaming[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]$214[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [nextcol] [table width=160 bgcolor=#091120 border="2px solid #c8102e" border-radius=15px padding=5][tr] [td][center][img=https://i.imgur.com/XsdpYZL.png width=20][/center][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][size=4][b][color=#ffffff]SUPPORT[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=10][td][/td][/tr] [tr][td][center][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/4/41/JDG_Missing_2023_Split_1.png height=100][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=2][td bgcolor=#c8102e][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]Missing[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#091120][center][table][tr][td][img=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/lolesports_gamepedia_en/images/0/00/JD_Gaminglogo_square.png height=20][/td][td width=5][/td][td][size=3][b][color=#00000]JD Gaming[/color][/b][/size][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/td][/tr] [tr height=35][td padding=5 bgcolor=#152034][center][size=5][b][color=#00000]$200[/color][/b][/size][/center][/td][/tr] [/table] [/columns][/center] JD Gaming are our MSI 2023 champions! They played such an exceptionally clean and clinical tournament, that they were only on stage for four best-of-five series. First, they destroyed NA's second seed, the Golden Guardians. Then, they faced off against their fellow LPL representatives, and had not one ounce of mercy. With another 3-0 in the books, they faced off T1 next. And though this was a close series, JD Gaming reigned supreme. All that was left was to see which team was gonna come back for a rematch. It didn't matter, JDG was ready either way. What is the key to their success? Well, JDG is often called the "superteam to end all superteams." Every individual on the team is on top of their game in their own individual role. Superteams usually look amazing on paper, but in practice, they can have trouble with cohesion and teamwork. After all, not every puzzle piece fits into every puzzle. But JD Gaming managed to make it work. They're not only mechanically the best, but they work together incredibly well. Of all the players on JDG, one has to especially praise Ruler and Knight. Ruler's been playing professional League of Legends since 2016 and he's still schooling rookies and veterans alike. Jinx was his most played champion at this tournament, and he can now boast a 5-1 WR with her with a 10.5 KDA across those six games. These are stats when playing against some of the best teams in the world. Knight secured the MSI 2023 MVP award and a lot of that has to because of his insane Jayce performance. Across 4 games, Knight achieved a KDA of 40, winning each and every game and dying only once. Jayce's not all Knight can do though, he brought out a plethora of mid lane picks, showing that he can adapt to whatever his team needs. [table] [tr] [td width=900 bgcolor=162645] [size=6][b]‎‎ ‎ Conclusion[/b][/size] [/td] [/tr] [/table] MSI 2023 provided thrilling matches, combining both anticipated outcomes and surprising upsets. Ultimately, it was JD Gaming, the top seed from the LPL, who emerged victorious as the champions. Even though MSI has concluded, don't worry, there's more competitive League of Legends right around the corner. The Summer Split is beginning across all regions, and after that, Worlds 2023. If you enjoyed building your fantasy roster for MSI, check out the EGO website or app to learn more about the upcoming LCK, LCS, and LEC fantasy tournaments! Credits go to LoL.fandom Wiki for their collection of player portraits, up-to-date statistics, overviews and all-around fantastic work documenting LoL esports.[/quote]