If the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) is the year’s grand finale, then the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) is where regional kings clash at the season’s midpoint. Unlike Worlds, which began in 2011, MSI was first held in 2015 and has now reached its 10th edition.

MSI isn’t just a warm-up — it’s a high-stakes battlefield that often reveals which team is truly ready to dominate the second half of the season. Over the years, MSI has delivered iconic moments, surprise upsets, and fiery inter-regional rivalries that have become fan-favorite storylines within the LoL Esports community.

🔙 Flashback: MSI Champions Through the Years

Here’s a look back at the teams that have lifted the MSI trophy since its inception:

• 2015 – EDward Gaming (China)

• 2016 – SK Telecom T1 (South Korea)

• 2017 – SK Telecom T1 (South Korea)

• 2018 – Royal Never Give Up (China)

• 2019 – G2 Esports (Europe)

• 2020 – Canceled due to COVID-19

• 2021 – Royal Never Give Up (China)

• 2022 – Royal Never Give Up (China)

• 2023 – JD Gaming (China)

• 2024 – Gen.G (South Korea)

What stands out is the strong dominance of LCK (Korea) and LPL (China) on the MSI stage. The only non-Asian team to break this duopoly was G2 Esports in 2019, when they defeated SKT and Team Liquid to claim the crown.

🏆 What Does Winning MSI Really Mean?

Winning MSI is not just about prestige — it's often a clear signal of a team’s strength heading into Worlds. Teams that perform well at MSI frequently carry that momentum into the World Championship.

In some cases, a poor MSI performance has led regions to make major changes in preparation for Worlds. It’s a turning point, not just a checkpoint.

🔮 Who Will Win the 10th MSI Title?

Now that MSI celebrates its 10th anniversary, one big question remains:
Who will be the next king of the mid-season?

• Will LCK reclaim its throne?

• Will LPL continue its dominance?

• Or will we see a surprise run from North America or Europe?

One thing is certain: MSI is never just a filler event. It’s an elite battleground, and every year, it delivers stories that define the competitive LoL landscape.