The opening match of the 2024 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) Group Stage lived up to its billing as a clash of titans. G2 Esports, the LEC’s shining star, took on T1, the reigning World Champions and perennial powerhouse from the LCK. Historically, G2 has held a “kryptonite” status against T1, with Caps boasting a 4-2 win-loss record against the Korean juggernaut before this encounter. This long-standing rivalry, coupled with the high stakes of international competition, set the stage for an epic BO5 series.
G2’s Domination and T1’s Resilience
True to expectations, G2 displayed dominance throughout the series. Their aggressive playstyle, often revolving around a strong top lane presence and a proactive jungle-mid duo, put immense pressure on T1. G2 secured convincing victories in Games 1, 3, and 4, showcasing their strategic prowess and mechanical prowess.
However, T1, known for their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure, refused to crumble. Led by the legendary Faker and the explosive bot lane duo of Keria and Gumayusi, T1 found crucial answers in each game. They capitalized on G2’s aggression, exploiting overextentions and punishing miscalculations. This back-and-forth battle kept viewers on the edge of their seats, with the series teetering on a knife’s edge.
The Turning Point: A Costly Draft Decision in Game 5
With the series tied 2-2, Game 5 became a do-or-die scenario for both teams. G2’s draft initially appeared strong, mirroring their successful strategies from previous games. However, a crucial decision in the champion select phase ultimately proved to be their undoing. G2 opted for Bel’Veth, a champion considered “out of meta,” for their jungler Yike. This pick raised eyebrows for several reasons.
Firstly, Bel’Veth’s focus on late-game scaling clashed with G2’s early-game aggression. Secondly, the champion’s kit, heavily reliant on mobility and farm-heavy gameplay, didn’t synergize well with Yike’s aggressive playstyle. This pick essentially rendered Yike a non-factor for a significant portion of the game, effectively putting G2 at a 4v5 disadvantage.
Echoes of the Past: LPL Foreshadows T1’s Victory
Interestingly, viewers from the LPL (China’s premier League of Legends league) saw a familiar pattern unfold when G2 picked Bel’Veth. JD Gaming, an LPL powerhouse, had previously attempted the same strategy against T1 in two consecutive World Championships, with disastrous results. Both times, their jungler, Kanavi, found himself struggling on Bel’Veth against T1’s superior team composition and Faker’s masterful control. This historical precedent, coupled with G2’s own draft miscalculation, cast a shadow of doubt over their chances of victory.
T1 Claims Victory, G2 Left to Rue Missed Opportunities
Capitalizing on G2’s draft misstep and their own unwavering grit, T1 clawed their way back into the game. Faker, playing a masterful Ahri, orchestrated key team fights and provided crucial crowd control. With renewed confidence, T1 closed out the game, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
Lessons Learned: A Look Forward
The MSI 2024 opening match served as a valuable lesson for both teams. G2’s dominance proved their potential on the international stage, but their draft miscalculation in a crucial game highlighted the importance of adaptability and strategic flexibility. For T1, the victory reaffirmed their status as a global force, showcasing their unwavering fighting spirit and ability to overcome adversity. As the MSI tournament progresses, both teams have the potential to make deep runs, but this opening series served as a significant test and a reminder that even the most skilled teams can be derailed by strategic missteps.
See more games in the Game News section here.
