TL;DR
- MSI 2021 introduced a completely revamped three-stage format eliminating the play-in stage
- All 12 teams started in group stage with double round robin best-of-one matches
- The tournament featured six teams in Rumble Stage and four in single-elimination Knockout Stage
- Riot Games hosted its first Icelandic tournament at Laugardalshöll arena
- Historical champions include EDward Gaming, SK Telecom T1, Royal Never Give Up, and G2 Esports
The highly anticipated 2021 Mid-Season Invitational marks a significant return after the 2020 cancellation, bringing substantial structural modifications to competitive League of Legends.
#MSI2021
is coming. Who will Break Out? Pack your parkas, because League of Legends’ greatest pro players are about to showdown in Iceland! This sprawling, epic landscape will set the stage for big moves & rising legends. Dates: May 6-22.
pic.twitter.com/besQKwW3AW— LoL Esports (@lolesports)
March 1, 2021
MSI 2021 will take place in
Reykjavík, Iceland from May 6 to 22.
Following
the pandemic-induced MSI cancellation in 2020, this premier international League of Legends competition gathers elite squads worldwide. After extensive speculation, confirmation arrived that Iceland’s capital would host using the secure bubble environment pioneered during Worlds 2020, operating predominantly without live spectators. Additionally, Riot implemented comprehensive format restructuring, dividing the championship into three distinct competitive phases.
This edition represents Riot Games’ inaugural official tournament in Iceland. Competition unfolds exclusively at Laugardalshöll indoor sports facility behind closed doors, yet showcases each region’s most accomplished first-half seasonal performers.
Qualifying teams remain undetermined currently, but regional champions will emerge within weeks, securing their MSI participation slots.
Format changes for the 2021 Mid-Season Invitational
The most transformative MSI 2021 adjustment involves complete elimination of the traditional play-in stage. Consequently, organizations from every competitive region commence at identical tournament phases, establishing unprecedented competitive parity from the outset.
Competition organizes into three sequential segments: initial group stage, intermediate rumble stage, and concluding knockout bracket. The opening phase incorporates all twelve qualified teams distributed across three four-team divisions. Each group competes in best-of-one double round robin format. The two highest-performing squads from every group progress to subsequent rounds.
During the Rumble Stage, six advancing teams engage in additional double round robin competition, determining the final four organizations moving to championship conclusion. Matches continue utilizing best-of-one structure. The ultimate phase features remaining four contenders battling through single-elimination brackets. Every confrontation becomes best-of-five series where errors prove catastrophic.
The organization securing two best-of-five victories during knockout competition earns the 2021 Mid-Season Invitational championship title.
Who won MSI?
The Mid-Season Invitational has occurred five times previously, producing four distinct champion organizations. Inaugural 2015 MSI victory belonged to EDward Gaming, succeeded by SK Telecom T1’s consecutive championship reigns. Royal Never Give Up claimed the 2018 title, while G2 Esports captured the most recent 2019 championship before the 2020 hiatus.
Action Checklist
- Review regional spring split results to identify qualifying teams
- Study new format implications for team strategies and preparation approaches
- Analyze historical champion performance patterns across different meta environments
- Monitor team adaptations to best-of-one versus best-of-five format transitions
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » 2021 Mid-Season Invitational gets new format, dates revealed Complete guide to MSI 2021 format changes, tournament structure, and historical champions