After 5 tense games, Gen.G continues their high form as they overcome Top Esports to become the first representative in the MSI 2024 winners’ finals. In fact, Gen.G’s victory was somewhat predictable, as TES came to MSI this time with many doubts. Players like Tian and Creme are experiencing their first participation in the second-largest international tournament in the League of Legends scene. However, the struggles of Gen.G were beyond imagination. But still, they won deservedly while TES still has hope in the losers’ bracket.
In the match determining the last spot in the winners’ finals against Gen.G, the noteworthy clash is between T1 and Bilibili Gaming. This is the third consecutive time these two teams have faced off in an international tournament. The score currently stands at 1-1 with each team having secured one victory. Notably, both previous encounters ended with a significant score difference. And after 2023, BLG has undergone many changes in their lineup, while T1 has maintained the same core that crowned champions at the recent World Championship in their home country.
However, some opinions have suggested that T1 may not necessarily secure victory in this matchup against BLG. As noted, since the beginning of MSI, it has been evident that the T1 players have not fully found their rhythm. The team’s strategy remains inconsistent as they sometimes play purely by meta and at other times revert to their familiar creative gameplay with “unusual” champions. Therefore, T1 may need more time before facing Gen.G – a rival considered the toughest on their journey to the title at this year’s MSI. Unlike BLG, Gen.G is a team that T1 has not defeated since last MSI.
Furthermore, the losers’ bracket is likely to be “easier” and will give T1 time to experiment with various new strategies before having to face BLG/Gen.G in the losers’ finals. Opponents like Team Liquid or even TES, G2 may not necessarily pose a significant challenge for T1 or bring Faker and his teammates close to clear defeat. Of course, this does not mean T1 will not give their all in the match against BLG. But if T1 does lose and drops to the losers’ bracket, it wouldn’t be surprising.
To reach the pinnacle of glory, one must be ready to defeat every opponent. However, teams will still need to have reasonable strategic calculations to secure the final victory. Sometimes, failing while experimenting with strategies is not too serious, as long as the opportunity to compete remains, everything is still under control.