MSI 2022 to be held in South Korea with live audience

On Tuesday, March 29, Riot Games announced that this year’s Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) will take place May 10-29 in Busan, South Korea. The event will have the same format as last year’s MSI, plus the event will feature a live audience.

South Korea has been chosen for this year’s MSI, and this is the first time the event will be held in that country. The last MSI was held in Iceland. Reykjavík was also the host for the VALORANT Champions Tour 2021: Stage 2 Masters. But this year South Korea will get the chance to welcome thousands of fans with the event.

MSI to be held in Busan

Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon is looking forward to the opportunity for his city to attract fans from all over the world. In a statement, he said, “Busan is an esports mecca and has hosted some of the world’s most important esports tournaments.

The city of Busan has partnered with the gaming industry to create esports professionals and its own arena, BRENA. Take the time to visit Busan City during MSI 2022, as we look forward to welcoming you in person.” Despite the ongoing corona crisis, there is expected to be a live audience at the event. This would make it the first event since 2020 that Riot has allowed live audiences. The last time there was a live audience was at the League of Legends Worlds in China two years ago.

Format remains the same

Nothing will change in the format this year, it will remain the same as last year. The teams will be divided into three groups, and the best teams from each group will advance to the next stage. There, six teams will compete against each other. After that comes the Knockout Stage, where four teams will have to compete in BO5 matches.

The group stage will take place from May 10 to 15. Then we have a little break before the next stage runs from May 18-22. The Knockout Stage is scheduled for May 27-29. This year there will be 11 teams participating in the tournament. Last year, there were also 11 teams, with Royal Never Give Up winning MSI 2021 by defeating DWG KIA.

Naz Aletaha, Global Head of League of Legends had this to say about the planned tournament in South Korea, “We are thrilled to honor this country’s esports heritage, celebrate the passion of Korean fans, and bring all the talent from the MSI professional teams to Korea for the first time. Busan was an incredible venue for the 2014 and 2018 Worlds, and we can’t wait to return to see the Challenge between the best League of Legends teams in the world.”