Bilibili Gaming and G2 Esports have successfully clinched their spots in the bracket stage of the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational, showcasing their prowess during the Play-In round held at the Pacific Coliseum from June 28 to June 30. Bilibili Gaming dominated the competition, initiating their campaign with a clean sweep against GAM Esports, thanks to standout performances from top laner Bin’s K’Sante and knight’s strategic control with Taliyah. They continued their impressive performance by overpowering G2, rallying from an early deficit in Game 1 to solidify a 3-0 series victory.
In a thrilling finish, G2 Esports rebounded from their earlier defeat to secure the last Play-In spot, taking down GAM Esports in a nail-biting 3-2 series. After establishing early leads in the first two games, G2 faced challenges in Games 3 and 4 but managed to clinch the series with a critical mid-lane team fight in the fifth map, demonstrating their tenacity.
These results underscore a competitive shift within the League of Legends community, as evidenced by the fact that three of the five Play-In series went to full five-game sets. GAM Esports proved to be a formidable opponent for both top-tier teams, while FURIA from Latin America also made its presence known.
Looking ahead, the bracket stage will see matchups featuring LCK top seed Gen.G facing G2 Esports at 9 a.m. KST on July 2. Historically, Gen.G has the upper hand against G2, including a prior victory at the 2023 MSI. Another exciting encounter on July 4 will see LCK second seed T1 face the regional leader CTBC Flying Oyster. T1 enters this match following strong performances in their qualifiers, but will encounter a CFO team that has gained valuable experience from recent Worlds appearances.
The double-elimination bracket begins on July 2 and will culminate in a grand final on July 13, featuring the innovative Fearless Draft format which prevents champion repeats within a series. This year’s tournament boasts a $2 million prize pool, significantly increased due to proceeds from the Spirit Blossom Hwei skin, highlighting the growing financial investment in esports. The champion will not only take home the substantial prize but will also secure an automatic berth for the 2025 League of Legends World Championship, with additional Worlds seed allocations reflecting regional performance.
This event promises to be an exciting showcase of top-tier talent, with the potential for unexpected outcomes and close contests reinforcing the evolving competitive landscape in esports.