The Mid-Season Invitational 2024 begins with Team Liquid facing top esports.
The highly anticipated Bracket Stage of the Mid-Season Invitational 2024 will kick up on May 7, with Team Liquid taking on Top Esports. While the competition is strong, Top Esports’ top laner, 369, offers an unusual perspective. He believes that Western teams have greatly improved since last year.
369’s observations and preparation
In the previous year, 369 people were part of JD Gaming, which won MSI 2023. During their quest, the only Western team they were able to defeat was Golden Guardians. However, 369 has closely observed Western teams’ gameplay and has thoroughly prepared for clashes against them in this year’s MSI. Western teams appear to have improved, and 369 is under pressure to compete with them.
According to a recent interview with Sheep Esports, 369 commented, “Certainly, I believe Western teams are far more powerful than previous year. Personally, I am looking at them and feeling compelled to prepare against them. “They have clearly moved up after 2023.”
Top Esports Performance So Far
Top Esports and 369 have already competed against one Western team, Fnatic, in the play-in stage. The two teams faced off, and Fnatic won a game against the Chinese representatives. However, Top Esports ultimately won the series 2-1.
Team Liquid’s Debut and Expectations
Top Esports’ next match is against Team Liquid, who will make their MSI 2024 debut. FlyQuest’s early loss from the tournament has put the hopes of North American supporters on Team Liquid’s shoulders. However, competing against the Chinese runners-up presents a big task for the North American underdog.
Continuing Conflicts Between Western and Eastern Teams
There will be at least two more meetings between Western and Eastern clubs in the following phases of MSI 2024. Fnatic’s first game of the Bracket Stage will be on Wednesday versus Korean champions Gen.G. Following this, G2 Esports will play T1 on Friday. As the competition advances through the lower bracket, there may be additional matchups, including those against European and North American teams.