As of now, the first tickets to MSI 2024 for the LCK and LPL regions are gradually being revealed. For the LCK, Gen.G is the team that secured the earliest ticket, while the first representative for the LPL will be BLG. This outcome is not surprising as both Gen.G and BLG have maintained high performance from the group stage to the playoffs. In fact, they are also the biggest contenders for the LCK and LPL Spring 2024 titles.
Despite having the advantage of being the host, fans in the LPL are quite pessimistic about the achievements of this region’s representatives at the upcoming MSI 2024. Specifically, a post claiming that LPL has “no chance” of competing with the LCK at MSI quickly became a hot topic on the Hupu forum. This post even highlighted the weaknesses of the LPL representatives and suggested that this region cannot retain the MSI trophy.
“Honestly, when looking at the matches in the LPL this season, I think our representatives (from the LPL region) have no chance of beating the LCK. I watch both leagues and realize there is a significant power gap. LPL teams may have an advantage in the Bot Lane, but in the drafting phase and team fights, they can’t win against the LCK,” an LPL fan shared on the Hupu forum, receiving much agreement.
Indeed, looking at the most recent matches in the playoffs, the drafting ability of LPL teams appears quite predictable. Champions like Rek’Sai, Azir, Nautilus… are often in the “if not banned, then picked” situation, lacking high-impact factors. As a result, LPL teams often find themselves without backup plans when put in difficult situations, leading to swift defeats. The fact that a strong team like JDG also lost to TES 0-3 is a prime example of this.
Meanwhile, the drafting of LCK teams is much more versatile as they are willing to pick unique champions. For example, in the match between T1 and DK, Zeus made a surprising choice with Vayne Top Lane to counter K’Sante after the opponent banned Twisted Fate beforehand. Therefore, putting LCK teams in a difficult position during the drafting phase is nearly impossible.
At the upcoming MSI 2024, Riot will utilize version 14.8 for the competitions. This is a significant version with many important changes in the Top Lane, Mid Lane, and Jungle positions. If the LPL teams adapt well to this version, they could perform well and regain the trust of local fans. If not, the scenario of an LCK representative lifting the MSI trophy right in the home ground of LPL teams could very well happen.