G2 reverse sweep TES and overcome draft controversy to advance at MSI 2026

G2 Esports defeated Top Esports 3-2 to advance at the 2026 Mid-Season Invitational, completing a dramatic reverse sweep after dropping the opening two games of the series.

After a difficult start, the LEC representatives rallied to win three consecutive games and eliminate their LPL opponents in one of the tournament's most entertaining series so far. The victory provides a major boost for European hopes at MSI and sends G2 into the second round of the upper bracket.

G2 defeats Top Esports in classic MSI clash

Just a day after our own criticism surrounding MSI's format, the tournament delivered the kind of high-stakes series fans have been hoping for.

Top Esports controlled the early stages, winning the first two games through superior drafting and standout performances from jungler Tian, whose early-game pressure consistently put G2 on the back foot.

However, G2 completely shifted the momentum beginning in Game 3. The European side opened its comeback with a dominant 27-minute victory before building confidence throughout the remainder of the series. Rather than relying solely on the tournament's prevailing meta picks, G2 leaned into comfort champions, including Twisted Fate for Caps, a decision that proved instrumental in the reverse sweep.

The deciding fifth game also featured a moment of controversy during champion select. G2 appeared to secure a favorable draft, with top laner BrokenBlade locking in an unconventional Anivia pick. In the closing moments of the draft, however, Top Esports swapped Pantheon and Maokai, moving Pantheon to support and Maokai into the jungle.

G2 immediately alerted tournament referees, arguing the late swap violated draft rules, which prohibit champion swaps during the final 20 seconds of champion select. No action was taken, and the draft proceeded as normal.

Despite the disruption, G2 maintained control throughout the decisive game, securing victory after 36 minutes to complete the reverse sweep and continue its MSI campaign.

Hanwha Life Esports advances as Secret Whales await elimination test

Earlier in the day, Hanwha Life Esports defeated Secret Whales 3-0 to advance through the upper bracket. While the sweep was decisive, the series proved more competitive than many had anticipated, with the LCP representatives putting up a stronger fight than the final score suggested.

Top Esports and Secret Whales will now meet in the lower bracket, while Hanwha Life Esports joins G2 Esports in the second round of the upper bracket.

MSI 2026 continues on July 4 with Bilibili Gaming facing T1, while LYON takes on FURIA.