MSI 2022 groups drawn, where are T1 and G2 Esports starting?

The 2022 Mid-Season Invitational is set to commence in under three weeks, with the official group draw now completed and revealing the competitive landscape.

Following yesterday’s LCS lower-bracket finals resolution, the MSI 2022 group compositions have been finalized. Teams will be divided into three distinct groups as the action begins in Busan, South Korea. Similar to last year’s format, the tournament features an asymmetric team distribution with a total of 11 participating organizations.

Despite the uneven team allocation across groups, the matchups promise immediate excitement with several highly anticipated confrontations scheduled from the opening days. Groups A and B will each contain four competing squads, while Group C operates with just three participants, creating unique strategic dynamics.

Complete overview of the MSI 2022 groups

Among all groups, Group C stands out as particularly compelling, though not primarily due to its reduced team count. The group’s significance stems from the pairing of LEC champions G2 Esports against the LCS representatives, reigniting the storied Europe versus North America rivalry that western fans have eagerly anticipated.

In Group A, LCK representatives T1 appear positioned for relatively straightforward progression when facing Team Aze, DetonatioN FocusMe, and Saigon Buffalo from the VCS. While MSI competitors should never be taken lightly, expectations point toward T1 navigating their group stage comfortably, mirroring their dominant performance throughout the recent LCK Spring Split.

Group B features defending MSI champions RNG as clear favorites, though PSG Talon aims to disrupt their title defense. Historical international tournaments have demonstrated that PSG Talon and the PCS region can unleash surprising aggressive strategies that frequently catch unprepared opponents off guard. This group also provides substantial opportunities for Istanbul Wildcats and RED Canids to potentially secure advancement.

MSI 2022 Group A:

• T1 (LCK)
• DetonatioN FocusMe (LJL)
• Saigon Buffalo (VCS)
• Team Aze (LLA)

MSI 2022 Group B:

• RNG (LPL)
• PSG Talon (PCS)
• RED Canids (CBLOL)
• Istanbul Wildcats (TCL)

MSI 2022 Group C:

• G2 Esports (LEC)
• 0RDER (LCO)
• Evil Geniuses (LCS)

The G2 Esports versus Evil Geniuses confrontation represents one of international League of Legends’ most enduring regional rivalries. This matchup carries additional significance as it marks G2’s return to international competition after their absence from previous events, while Evil Geniuses make their organization’s MSI debut following their surprising LCS championship run.

PSG Talon’s matches against RNG offer compelling strategic chess matches, with the PCS champions known for their unorthodox draft phases and early-game aggression. Teams unfamiliar with PSG’s unique approach often struggle to adapt during best-of-one formats, making their games particularly unpredictable.

The wildcard region matchups present fascinating opportunities for emerging regions to demonstrate their growth. DetonatioN FocusMe’s impressive 2021 Worlds performance established new expectations for LJL representatives, while Istanbul Wildcats aim to continue TCL’s tradition of producing competitive international showings.

Strategic observers should pay close attention to how teams adapt to the uneven group format, particularly how Group C competitors manage their fewer matches while Groups A and B teams face more elimination pressure. Understanding team composition strategies becomes crucial in these high-stakes environments.

Based on regional performance and historical patterns, T1 and RNG enter as overwhelming favorites to top their respective groups. However, the MSI group stage has historically produced surprising results, with underdog teams frequently challenging established powerhouses.

PSG Talon represents the most credible threat to create upsets, particularly given their experience in international tournaments and ability to pressure opponents through unconventional strategies. Their matches against RNG could determine group seeding and momentum heading into the bracket stage.

Among wildcard representatives, DetonatioN FocusMe appears best positioned to potentially advance, building on their groundbreaking 2021 Worlds performance where they became the first LJL team to advance from play-ins.

The Group C dynamic presents unique challenges, with only one elimination from the three-team format. This increases pressure on each match while providing fewer opportunities for teams to recover from early losses. For comprehensive competitive gaming strategies, understanding these format nuances becomes essential.

The MSI 2022 group stage commences on Tuesday, May 10, concluding on Sunday, May 29, when the grand final determines the mid-season champion.

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