League of Legends fans, the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2025 is fast approaching, and the world’s top teams are headed to Vancouver for the second international showdown of the year. Following the season-opening First Stand event in March, MSI now serves as a critical test of regional dominance ahead of the 2025 World Championship.
This year’s tournament promises not only fierce competition but also the continuation of storied rivalries and the emergence of new global talents. With international prestige and early Worlds qualification on the line, the pressure is on for each team to make a strong statement.
Traditionally held halfway through the competitive season, MSI’s position on the calendar has shifted slightly due to structural changes in domestic leagues, many of which now operate across three splits. Still, it remains a key milestone in the competitive calendar.
MSI 2025 will feature 10 teams from five major regions:
- 2 teams from Korea
- 2 teams from China
- 2 teams from EMEA
- 2 teams from the Americas
- 2 teams from Asia-Pacific
The competition is divided into two stages:
Stage 1 – Play-In:
Four teams will begin their journey in the Play-In stage. These squads will compete in a double elimination bracket with best-of-five matches. The top two teams will advance to Stage 2.
Stage 2 – Bracket Stage:
This stage includes eight teams: six that have prequalified through strong regional performances, and the two who advance from Stage 1. Like the Play-In, this stage also follows a double elimination format with all matches being best-of-five.
The winner of MSI 2025 will take home a significant portion of the prize pool, the prestigious MSI trophy, and an automatic qualification for the World Championship—provided they also reach Split 3 or their domestic Summer Playoffs. Additionally, the region that finishes second overall will earn an extra seed for Worlds 2025.
With global stakes, evolving formats, and international pride on the line, MSI 2025 is shaping up to be a defining chapter in this year’s League of Legends season.
