MSI kicks off in predictable fashion as T1 and KC 3-0 their opponents

The League of Legends 2026 Mid-Season Invitational kicked off earlier today (June 28) with two clashes in the Play-In Stage, pitting some of the best teams from the regional leagues from around the globe against each other.

Unfortunately, despite this being just one of three major international clashes on the LoL esports calendar, the results were thoroughly predictable, as NA’s Team Liquid flopped against Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok’s T1, while Karmine Corp drubbed Taiwan’s Deep Cross Gaming.

And while it’s not quite time to start calling for a change in formats or critiquing entire regions, it’s certainly an inauspicius start to a tournament. Here’s how things went down:

T1 crushes Team Liquid 3-0

T1 are the reigning world champions and are only in the play-in by virtue of the LCK’s extreme competitiveness that reduces even six-time champions to number three seeds. It stands to reason that this team should beat a Team Liquid squad that made it to MSI after finally figuring out how to play top-level LoL in the final weeks of the playoffs.

But what was perhaps so surprising was the respect and bans fired the way of Brandon "Josedeodo" Villegas. With Naafiri banned first in each game by T1, the Korean side clearly wanted nothing to do with Josedeodo, leaving him on underwhelming picks like Wukong.

Or, alternatively, the team simply thought that the aging Faker’s more passive, less mechanical style (in recent years) with former LCK standout Lim "Quid" Hyeon-seung. Indeed, the lack of jungle pressure allowed Faker to sit comfortably on immobile control mages like Ryze, Annie, and, of course, Orianna.

Team Liquid lose 3-0, but show that T1 is having to draft to cover its weaknesses.

Karmine Corp humble Taiwan’s Deep Cross Gaming

For KC, a match against a minor region team should have been a breeze. But after two stomps, things started to look a little dangerous for the French side. Accustomed to stomping lanes, the LEC team struggled when Deep Cross managed to push things into a closer mid game.

But KC wouldn't go out without a fight, and allowed Martin "Yike" Sundelin to carry them to victory with solid ganks and objective control.

Looking forward, KC will have to sure up their laning against stronger opponents. They face T1 tomorrow and can’t expect to have the clean lanes they had against Deep Cross.

Team Liquid and Deep Cross will clash in an elimination game, and we worry that TL will have a lot on its plate with their LCP opponents.

Stick with rdy.gg as we continue to cover MSI 2026!