by The clash between T1 and G2 Esports at the 2024 League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational was a spectacle that gripped both die-hard fans and casual viewers alike.
This best-of-five series marked their first international encounter since MSI 2019, where G2 emerged victorious.
EMEA fans were eager for a repeat performance, but T1 had other plans.
The series kicked off with T1 taking the first game, despite an impressive solo kill from G2’s mid-laner Rasmus “Caps” Winther on Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok.
However, G2 swiftly retaliated in game two, displaying strategic prowess to level the score.
With a dominant performance in game three, G2 reached match point, showcasing their ability to outmanoeuvre the reigning world champions.
But T1 fought back in game four, capitalizing on G2’s mistakes to force a decisive fifth game.
Throughout the series, both teams brought out unconventional champion picks, including signature choices like Kog’Maw, Vel’Koz, and Yasuo.
However, it was in game five where the true mastery of both teams was on display.
The game remained intensely close, with neither side gaining a clear advantage even after 30 minutes of play.
Every move became crucial, with a single teamfight potentially deciding the series.
While G2 secured individual kills, T1’s superior poke damage and Baron buff allowed them to apply relentless pressure, gradually securing double inhibitors.
In the final decisive fight, T1 picked off G2 one by one, clinching the series victory in a swift and decisive move.
WHAT. A. SERIES.@T1LOL DEFEAT @G2LEAGUE! #MSI2024 pic.twitter.com/URVvdG0Czz
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) May 10, 2024
With this loss, G2 now finds themselves in the lower bracket, where they’ll face PSG Talon, while T1 advances to face off against the LPL’s first seed.
This match shattered the peak viewership record for MSI 2024, with over 2.3 million viewers tuning in, making it the most-watched match of the tournament thus far.
The clash between G2 and T1 was not only a showdown between East and West but also a rematch with historical significance, dating back to their legendary encounter at MSI 2019.
Despite G2’s valiant effort, T1 proved to be a formidable opponent, showcasing their resilience and adaptability throughout the series.
