Gen.G is set to defend its title as it enters MSI 2025, which kicks off this Friday with the highly anticipated Play-In stage. The event features ten teams, all vying for international glory in a series of best-of-five matches. Following a recent trend in competitive League of Legends, the media landscape has been abuzz with predictions and power rankings anticipating which teams will rise to the top.
According to Sheep Esports’ MSI Power Rankings, Gen.G has been identified as the frontrunner to win back-to-back titles. Since their loss to Hanwha Life Esports in the LCK Cup Final on February 23, the team has showcased remarkable form, completing a flawless regular season in LCK Rounds 1 and 2 with 18 consecutive victories. Their playoff performance only solidified their reputation, emerging victorious against HLE with a 3–2 score, and showcasing their dominance in both the regional and global scenes.
Despite initial concerns over roster changes that saw Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan and Son “Lehends” Si-woo depart, the team’s dynamics significantly improved with the integration of Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk and support Joo “Duro” Min-kyu. Key players like Kim “Kiin” Gi-in, who has played 16 unique champions this split, and Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu, maintaining an impressive 80% win rate with champions like Zed and Xin Zhao, contribute to Gen.G’s strength. Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon has stood out as potentially the best player globally with top stats, while Ruler leads among MSI AD carries. These factors present a compelling case for Gen.G as they aim for another title.
In the rankings, T1 follows as a strong contender, despite a mixed regular season. They secured a place at MSI through a strong playoff performance, demonstrating their capacity for effective teamwork and experience on the international stage. Teams such as Anyone’s Legend and BiliBili Gaming also stand out for their impressive performance in their respective regions, embodying the competitive spirit that makes the MSI an exciting event.
Among the participants, FlyQuest, Movistar KOI, and CTBC Flying Oyster have drawn attention for their unique strategies and player dynamics, each bringing their strengths and weaknesses to the competition. With teams back on the international stage that have shown resilience and growth, MSI 2025 promises to be an exhilarating tournament.
This year’s MSI could showcase not only the talent of established esports powerhouses but also emerging teams looking to make their mark. As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect thrilling matches and unexpected twists that highlight the ever-evolving landscape of competitive League of Legends.