TL;DR
- RNG enters as heavy favorites with 1.12 odds, while PSG Talon offers 5.35 underdog value
- Mid-lane matchup between Maple and Cryin represents PSG’s primary path to victory
- PSG Talon already demonstrated upset capability by ending RNG’s 12-game win streak
- Best-of-five format favors RNG’s strategic depth and map control expertise
- Successful underdog strategy requires early game disruption and mid-lane dominance

The opening semifinal clash at the 2021 Mid-Season Invitational features two squads whose competitive level has proven surprisingly comparable throughout this premier international competition.
While Royal Never Give Up maintains their status as tournament frontrunners, PSG Talon presents a formidable semifinal challenge following their impressive rumble stage performances. Operating with a substitute bot laner throughout the entire event, the Pacific Championship Series representative has surpassed all pre-tournament projections. PSG Talon’s previous victory over RNG adds significant intrigue to this semifinal encounter.
PSG Talon earned the distinction of being the initial team to defeat RNG in tournament play, halting their remarkable 12-match winning streak. This breakthrough performance rapidly revealed PSG Talon’s competitive caliber, particularly through mid-laner Huang “Maple” Yi-Tang’s dominant performances on signature champions including Zoe, Akali, and Sylas.
Maple emerges as the crucial victory catalyst for PSG Talon in this demanding best-of-five series. His value extends beyond individual performance excellence to encompass veteran leadership qualities. Having competed in three previous MSI tournaments, Maple has consistently reached the semifinal stage but never advanced further, creating substantial motivation for breakthrough performance.
A PSG Talon series victory would constitute one of League of Legends history’s most memorable underdog achievements. However, they must first overcome a formidable RNG squad that demonstrated resilience during the rumble stage, dropping only three matches while maintaining composure during critical moments.

RNG vs. PSG Talon rosters
RNG roster:
- Top – Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao
- Jungle – Yan “Wei” Yang-Wei
- Mid – Yuan “Cryin” Cheng-Wei
- Bot – Chen “GALA” Wei
- Support – Shi “Ming” Sen-Ming
PSG Talon roster:
- Top – Su “Hanabi” Chia-Hsiang
- Jungle – Kim “River” Dong-woo
- Mid – Huang “Maple” Yi-Tang
- Bot – Chiu “Doggo” Tzu-Chuan
- Support – Ling “Kaiwing” Wing
RNG’s most significant victories occurred against DWG KIA, establishing them as the superior team among tournament favorites. The best-of-five format provides RNG opportunity to demonstrate comprehensive map control and diverse strategic approaches. With the bot lane duo of Chen “GALA” Wei and Ling “Kaiwing” Wing delivering dominant performances, RNG possesses multiple victory pathways. Should bot lane dominance falter, Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao in the top lane has repeatedly proven capable of assuming carry responsibilities.
This strategic landscape creates PSG Talon’s primary victory avenue through mid-lane superiority, targeting RNG’s Yuan “Cryin” Cheng-Wei as the squad’s most vulnerable member. This assessment doesn’t imply Cryin’s underperformance, but suggests Maple could secure strategic advantage in their head-to-head matchup.
Professional analysts identify three critical success factors for PSG Talon: establishing early game tempo control, securing mid-lane priority for river objective contests, and disrupting RNG’s characteristic methodical playstyle through aggressive early engagements.
Common strategic errors for underdog teams include over-committing to single strategies, failing to adapt draft phases, and conceding early objective control without strategic compensation.
RNG expected to make the MSI final over PSG Talon
For PSG Talon to achieve victory, strategic emphasis must concentrate around mid-lane dominance. Defeating RNG across three games presents substantial difficulty, requiring PSG Talon’s peak performance level. Should they deliver exceptional play, this series could prove considerably more competitive than betting markets anticipate. Conversely, suboptimal performance from PSG Talon likely enables RNG to advance with minimal resistance. RNG’s map control proficiency has intimidated opponents throughout MSI 2021, necessitating PSG Talon disrupt game flow and establish control from the opening minutes. The potential exists for one of competitive League’s most memorable underdog achievements in recent history.
As anticipated, RNG wagers offer minimal 1.12 returns while PSG Talon investments provide substantial 5.35 odds. Overcoming RNG presents extreme difficulty for PSG Talon, though betting lines indicate limited value selecting the LPL champions. Consequently, this matchup presents opportunity for significant upset selection.
RNG and PSG Talon will play the first semifinal of MSI 2021 on Friday, May 21.
Action Checklist
- Analyze mid-lane matchup dynamics between Maple and Cryin for draft advantage identification
- Review team objective control rates and early game tempo patterns
- Assemble comprehensive betting portfolio balancing favorite security with underdog value opportunities
- Monitor pre-match roster announcements for last-minute substitution impacts
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » RNG vs. PSG Talon MSI 2021 betting analysis Expert analysis of the 2021 MSI semifinal matchup between RNG and PSG Talon with betting insights
