TL;DR
- G2 Esports became first Western team to win MSI since 2015, breaking Eastern region dominance
- Both finalists defeated reigning champions in semifinals, signaling major power shift
- MSI success provides crucial international experience and confidence for Worlds preparation
- Paris finals location offers potential home field advantage for European teams
- Eastern regions enter Worlds 2019 with strong motivation to reclaim dominance

G2 Esports achieved a landmark victory over Team Liquid in the 2019 Mid-Season Invitational finals, with Rasmus “Caps” Winther earning tournament MVP honors for his exceptional performance. This triumph marked the first time since the event’s creation in 2015 that a Western organization captured the MSI championship, ending four years of Eastern regional supremacy.
The significance extends beyond the trophy itself – it demonstrates that European teams can compete at the highest level against established powerhouses. This breakthrough victory challenges the long-standing narrative of Eastern region dominance in international League of Legends competitions.
The tournament featured elite international rosters, but the North America versus Europe championship match gained additional significance from both teams’ impressive semifinal performances. Team Liquid delivered what many analysts considered the most surprising result of the entire competition by convincingly defeating the defending world champions, Invictus Gaming, with a decisive 3-1 victory.
Meanwhile, G2 Esports accomplished what few Western teams had managed by overcoming three-time world champion organization SK Telecom T1. These parallel achievements demonstrated that both regions had closed the skill gap that previously separated them from Eastern powerhouses.
Common mistake: Underestimating the psychological impact of defeating established champions. Teams often focus solely on strategic preparation while neglecting the confidence boost from such victories.
The ramifications for the approaching 2019 World Championship cannot be overstated. Both competing squads now possess invaluable experience winning high-stakes matches against world-class opposition on the global stage. Should G2 maintain their dominant form throughout the upcoming LEC split and preserve their competitive edge, they’ll approach the tournament not just as European representatives but as genuine championship contenders.
Practical tip: Teams should document their successful strategies from international tournaments and adapt them for regional play to maintain consistency. The transition between different competitive environments often causes performance drops that can be mitigated through systematic review.
While the championship match defeat undoubtedly stings for Team Liquid, eliminating the current world title holders represents an extraordinary accomplishment. The North American squad now understands they can perform at the elite level required to defeat the world’s best teams, and will concentrate on sustaining and enhancing that standard of play.
Optimization tip: Advanced teams should focus on converting tournament experience into systematic improvement by analyzing both victories and defeats for patterns. This approach typically requires 2-3 weeks of dedicated review sessions following major competitions.
The 2019 World Championship commences later this year with championship matches scheduled in Paris. The potential home continent advantage and passionate fan support could reach unprecedented levels if G2 matches Fnatic’s achievement of reaching the World Championship finals. Supporters might witness an MSI championship rematch between Team Liquid and G2 Esports depending on tournament bracket outcomes.
Time estimate: Teams typically require 4-6 months to fully integrate international experience into their domestic playstyle, making the timing crucial for Worlds preparation.
Representatives from China’s LPL and Korea’s LCK will certainly arrive at the World Championship determined to retaliate for their MSI losses, with legendary mid-laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok pursuing his fourth premier international title. The 2019 World Championship is developing into one of the most anticipated tournaments in League of Legends history, featuring renewed regional rivalries and elevated competitive stakes.
In-depth analysis: Eastern teams historically demonstrate remarkable adaptability following international setbacks, often returning with refined strategies that address previous weaknesses. This pattern suggests we may see innovative approaches from traditionally dominant regions.
Action Checklist
- Document and analyze MSI strategies for systematic review
- Integrate international experience into regional playstyle adaptation
- Develop counter-strategies for potential rematch scenarios
- Establish psychological preparation protocols for high-pressure matches
- Create regional rivalry response strategies for tournament environments
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » G2 vs Liquid at MSI has big implications for 2019 World Championship How G2's MSI victory reshaped international League of Legends competition and set the stage for Worlds 2019
