TL;DR
- G2 Esports defeated SK Telecom T1 3-2 in a five-game MSI semifinal thriller
- Strategic adaptations included Sona-Taric, Skarner counterpicks, and bottom lane Syndra
- Jungle control proved decisive with both Clid and Jankos having dominant performances
- The series featured multiple pentakills, backdoor plays, and clutch teamfight executions
- G2 advances to face Team Liquid in first-ever NA vs EU MSI final
G2 Esports continues their dominant run at the Mid-Season Invitational, securing a hard-fought victory against Korean powerhouse SK Telecom T1 to advance to the championship match.
League of Legends history was made as this semifinal clash guaranteed the first-ever North American versus European final in MSI history. The five-game series showcased elite-level gameplay where every competitor demonstrated world-class skill and strategic execution.
The opening match saw G2 deploy the unconventional Sona-Taric bot lane combination, while SKT countered with lane priority through Teddy’s signature Ezreal and Mata’s Karma. This draft approach gave SKT early control, securing them the first victory.
G2 completely shifted their approach in the second game, implementing burst damage compositions across all three lanes. Jankos focused heavily on bottom lane protection, enabling Perkz and Mikyx to establish dominance. The European squad systematically built their advantage, culminating in Caps securing a spectacular pentakill that leveled the series.
Game three became Clid’s showcase performance, with the tournament’s standout jungler taking complete control within minutes. His relentless Rek’Sai pressure created constant threats, earning SKT their second win and putting G2 on match point.
Facing elimination, G2 strategically slowed the game tempo with Jankos’ Skarner selection—the same champion that delivered Team Liquid’s semifinal victory. This strategic counterpick neutralized SKT’s bottom lane and enabled coordinated five-man engagements. Despite Faker’s heroic Sylas playmaking keeping SKT competitive, Caps and Wunder executed a brilliant backdoor play while SKT attempted Baron, tying the series.
The decisive fifth game featured G2’s final strategic innovation: bottom lane Syndra paired with the return of top lane Pyke. Though Khan was better prepared for the Pyke matchup this time, G2’s aggressive early game established crucial advantages. Despite SKT mounting a comeback and even securing an ace at 25 minutes, the final teamfight around Baron pit determined the outcome. SKT’s forced Baron attempt with low health proved disastrous as G2’s relentless assault secured the series-winning ace.
This series demonstrated the critical importance of draft flexibility and mid-series adaptations. Teams that can quickly identify and counter opponent strategies gain significant advantages. The jungle role proved particularly impactful, with both Clid and Jankos demonstrating how proper pathing and champion selection can dictate game tempo.
Common strategic mistakes in high-pressure matches include forced objective attempts without proper vision or health advantages. G2’s victory highlights the value of maintaining strategic diversity and having multiple win conditions prepared.
For players looking to improve, studying this series provides valuable lessons in team composition synergy and understanding when to accelerate versus when to slow game pace.
G2 now advances to face Team Liquid in what promises to be an electrifying final between Western regions.
Action Checklist
- Review draft adaptations from each game to understand counterpick strategies
- Analyze jungle pathing and objective control timing from Games 3 and 4
- Study teamfight execution around major objectives like Baron
- Practice backdoor and split-push timing in custom games
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » G2 Esports scrape by SK Telecom T1 in epic set to make MSI final G2 Esports defeats SK Telecom T1 in epic 5-game MSI semifinal, advances to historic EU vs NA final