TL;DR
- 24-person global talent team featuring pro players Bwipo and Wadid
- Multi-studio production from Berlin, LCS, and LCK locations
- James ‘Dash’ Patterson providing on-site coverage from Iceland
- 11 teams competing after VCS region withdrawal due to travel restrictions
- Broadcast modeled after successful 2020 Worlds remote production

Riot Games has assembled an impressive 24-member broadcast team for the 2021 Mid-Season Invitational, drawing expertise from all major competitive regions. This diverse lineup represents one of the most comprehensive talent rosters in recent esports history.
The announcement highlights two particularly interesting additions: current Fnatic top laner Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau and former G2 Esports support Kim “Wadid” Bae-in. Their inclusion bridges the gap between active competitors and analytical commentary, providing unique strategic perspectives that pure broadcasters cannot replicate. The talent pool extends across LEC, LCS, LPL, and LCK broadcasting teams, ensuring regional representation and diverse analytical approaches.
The
#MSI2021
On-Air Talent!More info:
https://t.co/YZ658WFYvH
pic.twitter.com/5JxlyOsHlK— LoL Esports (@lolesports)
May 3, 2021
While teams compete physically in Iceland, the broadcast employs a sophisticated multi-location production strategy. The primary analyst desk operates live from the LEC studio in Berlin, featuring a dedicated host and expert analysts who provide real-time match breakdowns and strategic commentary.
Remote call-ins from international locations mirror the successful format used during the 2021 LEC Spring Split. Casting duties are strategically distributed between LCS, LEC, and LCK broadcasting facilities, leveraging each region’s specialized expertise while maintaining production consistency across all matches.
To bridge the physical distance, James “Dash” Patterson has been deployed to Iceland for on-site player interactions and live interviews. This hybrid approach combines the reliability of studio production with the authenticity of location-based coverage. Additional interviews will be conducted by Laure Valée from the LEC studio, creating a balanced interview dynamic between on-site immediacy and studio analysis.
- All qualified teams for MSI 2021
- Watch rewards and drops for MSI 2021
The 2021 Mid-Season Invitational commences on May 6 with 11 elite teams vying for the year’s first international championship trophy. The tournament structure was originally designed for 12 participants, but VCS representative GAM Esports cannot attend due to ongoing international travel complications.
This reduction impacts the competitive landscape, particularly in the initial group stage draw. Teams must adapt their preparation strategies to account for the modified bracket structure and potential schedule adjustments. The absence of a Southeast Asian representative creates an interesting dynamic in regional representation and may affect the diversity of playstyles showcased throughout the event.
Despite the continued absence of live audiences, Riot Games aims to deliver a broadcast experience comparable to the highly successful 2020 World Championship. That event demonstrated that remote production could maintain, and in some aspects enhance, the viewing experience through improved camera work and analytical depth.
The production quality expectations are exceptionally high, building upon lessons learned from previous pandemic-era tournaments. Fans can anticipate sophisticated graphics packages, enhanced statistical overlays, and seamless transitions between the multiple production locations.
The tournament kicks off with a highly anticipated match between North America’s Cloud9 and Korea’s DWG KIA on May 6. This opening clash sets the tone for the entire event and provides immediate insight into regional strength disparities early in the competitive season.
Action Checklist
- Review all qualified teams and regional representatives before tournament start
- Set viewing schedule prioritizing matches featuring your preferred regions and talent combinations
- Familiarize yourself with the multi-studio broadcast format to better follow production transitions
- Monitor official channels for potential schedule updates due to the reduced team count
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » MSI 2021 on-air talent revealed, including Bwipo and Wadid Comprehensive guide to MSI 2021 broadcast talent, production setup, and tournament insights for esports enthusiasts
