DWG KIA is the big favorite for MSI 2021, and this is why

The 2021 Mid-Season Invitational marks the inaugural international competition of the year, featuring DWG KIA as the overwhelming frontrunner based on recent form and championship credentials.

Following their World Championship triumph in 2020, DWG KIA maintained exceptional performance levels throughout the LCK Spring Split. Securing consecutive LCK championships alongside their global title establishes them as the clear pre-tournament favorites. Despite facing elite competition from premier global leagues, DWG KIA’s consistent dominance justifies their favored status.

Adapting to favorite status represents a recent development for the organization, yet the players demonstrate remarkable composure under pressure.

During the recent LCK spring competition, DWG KIA encountered significant challenges on only a handful of occasions. Their most notable struggle occurred against Fredit BRION, where the team displayed uncharacteristic performance issues. This proved insufficient to destabilize the champions, who maintained flawless records after securing top regular season placement.

Playoff matches unfolded smoothly for DWG KIA, who secured decisive victories in both semifinal and championship matches. Gen.G provided moderate resistance during the finals, though never reaching a point where match outcomes appeared uncertain.

Congratulations to @DWGKIA on winning #LCK Spring and being the first team to qualify for #MSI2021! pic.twitter.com/HMGPU58pPn

— LoL Esports (@lolesports) April 10, 2021

This commanding tournament presence naturally intimidates opponents entering MSI competition. Even with top lane roster changes incorporating Kim “Khan” Dong-ha, DWG KIA operates with mechanical precision prepared for international competition. While some analysts suggest this iteration lacks the potency of their 2020 World Championship roster, such peak form may prove unnecessary for victory.

The MSI format featuring single regional representatives enables concentrated preparation against specific opponents. With elite-caliber players occupying every position, identifying weaknesses in DWG KIA’s armor proves challenging though not impossible. Teams can capitalize on early game vulnerabilities, though this demands flawless execution from opponents given DWG KIA’s renowned comeback capabilities.

The most credible threat to dethrone DWG KIA appears to be China’s LPL representative Royal Never Give Up. Following an extended and fiercely competitive split, RNG secured championship victory against substantial pre-season expectations. Entering the competitive year, minimal analysts projected RNG competing among elite teams, yet they conclusively disproved these assessments.

RNG represents one of LPL’s historic powerhouse organizations now reclaiming championship status. The strategic transition of former mid lane veteran Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao to top lane has fundamentally transformed RNG’s competitive identity and strategic approach compared to previous competitive seasons. Historically dependent on legendary bot laner Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao prior to his competitive retirement, RNG has developed distinctive strategic approaches featuring unconventional top lane selections and consistently reliable teamfight execution.

During the 2021 LPL Spring Split playoffs, RNG faced lower bracket relegation against FunPlus Phoenix during initial rounds despite holding premier seed positioning. The defeat against FPX appeared potentially terminal for RNG’s championship aspirations, yet they demonstrated resilience with consecutive victories against Top Esports and EDward Gaming in elimination matches. FPX awaited the finals rematch, where RNG delivered an impressive 3-1 championship victory.

The LPL championship carries substantial significance for RNG as an organization, though international achievement likely holds greater importance. RNG maintains significant competitive milestones to achieve with their current roster configuration and lacks equivalent championship pedigree compared to DWG KIA. Nevertheless, the Chinese competitive powerhouse represents the most formidable challenger to tournament favorites.

An engaging MSI tournament necessitates competitive performances from Western region representatives. Europe’s LEC defends championship legacy following G2 Esports’ 2019 victory, while North America’s LCS increasingly prioritizes international competitive success.

The LEC delegates MAD Lions as MSI representatives following their unexpected 2021 LEC Spring Split championship. MAD Lions entered playoff competition as third-seeded contenders yet achieved undefeated upper bracket performance against substantial probability. MAD Lions demonstrated aggressive strategic approaches throughout the competitive split, though minimal observers anticipated consecutive victories against Rogue and G2 Esports.

The championship match against Rogue reached extreme competitive tension culminating in dramatic reverse sweep victory for MAD Lions. This finals performance showcased not only MAD Lions’ strategic capabilities but also their composure under high-pressure scenarios.

Cloud9 similarly required five-game championship drama to secure LCS Mid-Season Showdown victory, ultimately defeating Team Liquid. Cloud9’s championship journey paralleled MAD Lions’ narrative trajectory except for entering as favored competitors. Cloud9 concluded regular season competition as premier seed while demonstrating exceptional best-of-five format proficiency. Under Luka “Perkz” Perković’s leadership direction, the organization appears optimally prepared for international tournament competition.

Assessing whether MAD Lions or Cloud9 can genuinely challenge DWG KIA and even RNG proves challenging to determine. Neither organization has demonstrated equivalent regional dominance within their respective competitive leagues, making Western region championship victory appear improbable this competitive year.

The 2021 Mid-Season Invitational spans competition dates from May 6 through 22. Hosted in Reykjavík, Iceland, this represents the year’s inaugural international competitive event. This also marks the initial MSI tournament since 2019, following cancellation of the 2020 competitive event.

The tournament welcomes each regional spring split champion with total participation of 11 competitive organizations. Originally scheduled for 12 participating teams, Vietnam’s VCS representative GAM Esports cannot participate due to international travel restrictions.

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