Thus, at this moment, all the names participating in MSI 2022 taking place in Busan, South Korea have been clearly identified. This is a season that promises to be very interesting. This is the first MSI where previous champions (T1, Royal Never Give Up, G2 Esports) are all present. Moreover, T1 is still the record holder in the League of Legends scene. And in this journey at MSI 2022, Faker and his teammates are also seen as the number 1 candidates for the championship. However, facing him will be 3 other midlaners of incredibly high quality whose talents have been proven in both the past and present.
Faker – “The Legend of Legends”
Among these 4 midlaners, Faker is the oldest player and also the most accomplished. It can be said that he is the “legend of legends” in the League of Legends scene. It is said that the key players of renowned teams view Faker as an idol. And in the Spring 2022 season, he was a prime example of the saying “the older the ginger, the spicier it gets”.
T1 can soar high thanks to the performance of young players like Oner, Zeus, Gumayusi – Keria, but the “launchpad” for those superstars is none other than “the Chairman” Faker. Faker can step back to support, and when needed, the “Demon King” can step up to carry the team. Countless personal records of Faker were broken by him during the unbeaten Spring season. And at MSI 2022, there are hopes that Faker can again help his juniors retain the championship trophy in Korea.
CaPs – “The Revitalized Veteran”
If we say CaPs is a “veteran”, it may seem a bit odd as he is only 22 – an age that can be considered the peak in an Esports player’s career. However, CaPs, though young, is one of the most experienced and accomplished midlaners in the LEC and the League of Legends scene in general. In a season where veteran midlaners like Faker and Rookie shine, we cannot forget CaPs, who just helped G2 reclaim the LEC championship.
At MSI 2022, G2 is placed in a relatively “easy” group with only 3 teams, including themselves. Both ORDER and Evil Geniuses are simply unlikely to compete with G2 at this time. Therefore, G2 is expected to be one of the teams to advance. If they can face Faker in the later rounds and even win the MSI 2022 championship, G2 in general and CaPs in particular could be seen as having a perfect comeback, especially since “the National Circus” has gone through a very tough time during the 2021 season.
Xiaohu – “The Power of the Royal Legion”
It would not be an exaggeration to say that, at this moment, Xiaohu holds 50% of RNG’s strength. In the LPL Spring season, without the stability and talent of “Little Tiger”, many matches could have led to RNG’s defeat and potentially affected the entire season. Xiaohu’s excellence is also demonstrated in his calm, precise handling in front of talented midlaners of the LPL like Knight and Rookie.
Xiaohu can even be considered a resilient player. As we know, at the end of the Spring 2022 season, Xiaohu faced off-field troubles. However, contrary to what many feared, “Little Tiger” kept a cool head and led RNG to the championship. At the upcoming MSI 2022, Xiaohu and RNG have the responsibility to decode T1 and Faker to retain the championship with LPL after RNG brought it home last year.
Jojopyun – “The Rookie with Abundant Confidence”
As the only name among the 4 midlaners from 4 Major regions who has never participated in any MSI, Jojopyun is definitely the biggest wildcard. The Canadian rookie of Evil Geniuses reminds people of Chovy’s playstyle as he also controls lanes and plays very well. However, Jojopyun has been very confident when posting status after EG’s victory: “I am not Chovy because I have an LCS championship.”
The MSI 2022 will be the most special MSI in Jojopyun’s career. Not only is it his first time participating in this international level tournament, but this time, Jojopyun will also have the opportunity to face off against the 3 best midlaners in the League of Legends scene. And many people are sure to look forward to this rookie making a remarkable impression against the “veterans”, especially if he has the chance to face the “Legend of Legends” – Faker.
