This Mid-Season Invitational is one of the most highly anticipated events in the League of Legends esports calendar. From May 2nd, thirteen of the world’s best League of Legends teams will descend upon London, England to compete at the Copper Box Arena. Typically, it’s a quarter-of-a-million-dollar tournament that makes for fantastic esports betting opportunities, and that’s why we’ve put together this guide to teach you all about the MSI rankings as the event approaches.
Statistically speaking, League of Legends is one of the top three titles in esports betting. It holds massive weight in the industry and pulls in millions of dollars in betting revenue every year. It’s tournaments like the MSI that make the difference, with bettors flocking from far and wide to place wagers on their favourite League of Legends teams and players.
So, let’s take a look at the MSI power rankings for 2023 and see which teams are most likely to dominate at the event.
MSI Power Rankings 2023
Our coverage of the MSI rankings should form the basis of a solid MSI betting tips guide. It’s one of the most widely-covered tournaments of the year and every operator will be offering markets on the event. It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran bettor or a total newcomer to the industry, there’s plenty that you can learn from understanding the MSI power rankings for 2023.
If you’re eager to start placing LoL bets and supporting your favourite team, look no further than this guide. At the time of writing this breakdown, the competitive season is yet to kick off in full, and the regional leagues: LCS, LCK, LPL, and LEC, are yet to commence for 2023. So, what we’ve provided as the foundation for our MSI rankings guide is a predictive breakdown of the teams that could make the cut.
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the MSI teams making an appearance in London and see how they rank:
| Rank | Team | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | T1 | LCK |
| 2 | JD Gaming | LPL |
| 3 | MAD Lions | LEC |
| 4 | Gen.G | LCK |
| 5 | Bilibili Gaming | LPL |
| 6 | G2 Esports | LEC |
| 7 | Cloud9 | LCS |
| 8 | Golden Guardians | LCS |
| 9 | GAM Esports | VCS |
| 10 | LOUD | CBLoL |
1. T1 – LCK
Image credit: T1 via Twitter (@T1LoL)
Last year’s runner-up team for the League of Legends World Championship, T1, is in the best position possible ahead of the MSI. They’re no stranger to dominating an esports tournament, and in the last year, they’ve had great success on some of the biggest stages in the business. There are high expectations for T1 at the MSI, and in terms of esports betting, T1 is arguably the favourite out of all the MSI teams that will eventually compete at the event.
Toward the end of 2022, they came in second at the League of Legends World Championship, narrowly missing the top prize by a single point. At the end of the LCK Summer league, T1 ended up in second place, and at last year’s Mid-Season Invitational, T1 came in – you guessed it – second place. There’s an intense redemption story in store for T1 at MSI 2023, should the team manage to qualify.
This is a legendary Korean team that features the talents of some of the best League of Legends players – and MSI players – that the world has ever seen.
2. JD Gaming – LPL
Image credit: JDgaming via Twitter (@JDGaming)
Next up in the MSI rankings sits JD Gaming, one of the most capable teams in the scene with a stunning competitive record. Last year, JD won the LPL Summer event, netting a prize worth almost $300,000 and putting them in a great position for the 2022 League of Legends World Championship. While it was a third-place finish for JD Gaming at LoL Worlds, it wasn’t for a lack of effort, and since then, JD Gaming has sharpened up to be considered a ‘superteam’.
Following a strong start to 2023, JD Gaming quickly became the frontrunners for the LPL, backed up by high expectations that the team will both qualify for and potentially win the MSI 2023. There’s a crack squad driving JD Gaming forward in 2023, consisting of top-tier mechanical players such as Kanavi, Knight, Ruler, and 369, making this one of the best League of Legends teams on the board as we approach the MSI.
3. MAD Lions – LEC
Image credit: MAD Lions via Twitter (@MADLions)
Given MAD Lions’ triumphant victory in the LEC 2023 Spring Playoffs, their next journey is to take on the world at the MSI. This is a significant opportunity for the team to showcase their strength against the champions of other regions, truly testing their growth on the international stage.
Their performance at MSI will also serve as a benchmark for the European region as a whole. A strong showing by MAD Lions can reinforce the perception of the LEC as a powerhouse region in global League of Legends esports.
For the players themselves, MSI is a chance to further grow and develop. They’ll be facing off against different playstyles and strategies from around the world, and these experiences can be invaluable in enhancing their gameplay and expanding their understanding of the game. While the MSI odds may not be in their favour, there is a high chance Mad Lions can make an upset.
4. Gen.G – LCK
Image credit: Gen.G via Twitter (@Gen.G)
Gen.G has had an amazing comeback story in the 2023 season. The real highlight of their season came with their victory in the LCK 2023 Spring Playoffs. Facing off against T1, a team known globally for its storied history and formidable roster, Gen.G demonstrated their sheer determination and skill. Overcoming T1 with a 3-1 victory, they claimed the LCK Spring title and a cool ₩200,000,000 prize. With the Spring title under their belt, Gen.G has earned their ticket to the Mid-Season Invitational 2023. This tournament brings together the champions of every region’s Spring Split to compete for the prestigious MSI title. For Gen.G, this is an opportunity to not only represent the LCK but also to demonstrate their strength against the best teams from around the world.
5. BiliBili Gaming – LPL
Image credit: Bilibili Gaming via Twitter (@BilibiliGaming)
In 2023, Bilibili Gaming (BLG) – a team that has carved out a special place in the hearts of fans and earned the grudging respect of rivals – embarked on a journey that was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Representing the ferociously competitive LPL region, BLG never failed to remind us of their formidable presence on the League of Legends stage.
BLG’s 2023 LPL Spring journey was like a heroic tale straight out of an epic saga. It was an arduous climb, a test of mettle and spirit. They battled valiantly through the Spring Season, ultimately claiming a hard-earned fifth-place finish with a respectable 10-6 record. Given the cut-throat competition in the LPL, this achievement was no less than a Herculean feat. Under the steady hands of coaches Dian, Duan, BigWei, and Xiasu, and the fiery performances of Bin, Xun, Yagao, Elk, and ON, BLG was the embodiment of grit, strategy, and top-tier talent.
However, the plot truly thickened during the LPL 2023 Spring Playoffs. BLG, like a sleeping dragon awakened, surged through the knockout stage, their prowess setting the arena ablaze and sending waves of exhilaration through their fans. The underdogs had clawed their way to the grand finals. Although they suffered defeat against JDG, BiliBili Gaming has earned a spot in MSI to seek redemption.
6. G2 Esports – LEC
Image credit: G2 Esports via Twitter (@G2League)
As one of the titans in the European League of Legends scene, G2 set out on a year of highs and lows, a journey that saw both roster changes and a whirlwind of results on the global stage.
The year began on a high note. The contracts for Yike, Hans Sama, and Mikyx were updated, solidifying their places in the team until November 2025. It was a powerful statement, showing G2’s commitment to their superstar roster and promising a continuation of the explosive gameplay fans had come to expect.
Although they fell short of the first-place finish needed to secure first seed in the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), G2’s performance in the Spring has shown precedent that they can make a comeback through the play in stage.
7. Cloud9 – LCS
Image credit: Cloud9 via Twitter (@C9LoL)
Cloud9 is an iconic name in the League of Legends scene. The year kicked off with Fudge, a gifted top laner, changing his residency from Oceania to North America on January 1st. This strategic move promised to have a profound impact on the team’s dynamic, as Fudge’s exceptional skills in the top lane would now be harnessed to represent North America.
However, not all changes were additions, as Avril, a beloved content creator, departed from the team on January 20th. The changes didn’t stop there. In February, Cloud9 welcomed Armao as a Positional Coach, a move that signaled their commitment to further sharpen their strategic gameplay. This was followed by a roster change on February 18th, as EMENES, a talented mid laner, was promoted from the academy roster, while Diplex was moved to the academy team.
North America is always a region that is making multiple changes every season, we will see if this year will finally be the one that will make NA players proud.
8. Golden Guardians – LCS
Image credit: Riot Games via Twitter (@LCSOfficial)
The 2023 season has been a whirlwind for Golden Guardians, an esports organization whose ties to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors have cast a spotlight on their competitive journey. Amidst the passionate cheers of their fans and the watchful eyes of the esports community, they earned a well-deserved second place in the LCS 2023 Spring Playoffs. While they fell just short of the championship, their efforts were not in vain – thanks to an updated format for the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), their runner-up finish granted them a coveted seat at the play-in stage of this prestigious international tournament.
Stepping onto the MSI stage presents a golden opportunity for Golden Guardians. The play-in stage isn’t just about competing—it’s about proving oneself. It’s a battlefield where the Guardians will stand toe-to-toe with the champions of smaller regions and second-place heroes like themselves, a crucible in which they can forge their path to glory. If they can harness their skill and teamwork to triumph in this arena, they’ll advance to the main event, squaring off against the champions of major regions in a dazzling display of international rivalry.
It may be a surprise to see a 2nd seed NA team on a MSI power rankings list but never count out a team like Golden Guardians as they have nothing to lose and therefore may pull out some unique strategies in the tournament.
9. GAM Esports – VCS
Image credit: GAM Esports via Twitter (GAMesportsVN)
GAM Esports’ player roster for 2023 comprises Kiaya, Levi, Kati, Sty1e, Zin, Playcool, and Warzone. Their contracts, scheduled to expire between November 2023 and November 2024, underscore the team’s commitment to these players and their shared vision for success.
The impact of these moves became evident as the team stormed the Vietnamese Championship Series (VCS) 2023 Spring Season, achieving an unparalleled 14-0 record. This perfect performance, a testament to their impeccable gameplay and unyielding determination, was a prelude to their success in the VCS 2023 Spring Playoffs. Battling against SBTC Esports, GAM Esports emerged victorious, securing a 3-1 win and the championship title.
But the true test of their prowess lies ahead in the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). As the champions of the VCS Spring Split, GAM Esports has earned a spot in this prestigious international tournament. The MSI is a chance for them to pit their skills against the champions of other regions, an opportunity to showcase the strength of Vietnamese esports on the global stage.
Read also: LoL Worlds betting guide
10. LOUD – CBLoL
Image credit: LOUD via Twitter (@LOUDgg)
LOUD, a Brazilian esports organization, has been making waves in the gaming scene since its inception in February 2019. Founded by mobile games influencer PlayHard, LOUD began with a Free Fire team before branching out into Fortnite in 2020. Recognizing their potential and the buzz they had created, Riot Brazil invited LOUD to participate in CBLOL from the 2021 season onwards.
With a focus on content creation that’s earned them the moniker “Brazilian FaZe Clan,” LOUD has rapidly cultivated one of the largest fanbases in Brazilian esports. Their influence has led to the “LOUD Effect,” where new members of the organization experience a significant surge in social media followers almost overnight.
As LOUD prepares for the MSI, they carry with them the dreams and aspirations of their vast fanbase. Every match, every move, and every victory will be a testament to their journey so far, and a step towards securing their place in esports history. Their goal? To play hard, win big, and make some serious noise.
Short History of the Mid-Season Invitational
It’s not the oldest tournament in the world – the MSI started in 2015, and with each successive year, it has become grander and more impressive. Over the years, Riot Games has made tweaks to the tournament’s format and structure, attempting to introduce a sense of balance with each update. It’s a hugely valuable competition, and it can be a solid injection of money into the pockets of the winning organisation.
Here’s a quick look at the MSI winners from the past tournaments:
- 2022: Royal Never Give Up
- 2021: Royal Never Give Up
- 2020: Event Cancelled
- 2019: G2 Esports
- 2018: Royal Never Give Up
- 2018: SK Telecom T1
- 2016: SK Telecom T1
- 2015: EDward Gaming
So, as you can see, Royal Never Give Up has enjoyed a dominant performance in recent years, but surprisingly, this isn’t the team at the top of the MSI rankings.
