We are days away from MSI 2023 and we have the schedule for the Play-In Stage, including the seeding.
MSI 2023 is introducing some major format changes. In this year’s edition, teams starting in the Play-In Stage will play a double elimination bracket instead of going through a single round-robin.
The Play-In Stage consists of eight teams playing for three spots at the Bracket Stage. All matches are to the best of three, except for the Last Chance Qualifier, which is to the best of five.
The eight teams competing at this stage are divided into two groups.
Group A
Group B
Group B will start the action on May 2. The day starts with the match between Detonation FocusME and PSG Talon at 7 a.m. Central Time. The second match of the day will be between Loud and G2 Esports at 10 a.m. Central Time.
The winners will advance to the Qualification Match, and the losers will play in the Loser’s Bracket. The winner of the Qualification Match advances to the Bracket Stage. In Group B, G2 Esports is looking like the favorite to qualify as the number one team in the group.
Day two will be all about Group A. Starting with the match between Movistar Rainbow7 and Bilibili Gaming at 7 a.m. Central Time. The day concludes with the duel between GAM Esports and Golden Guardians at 10 a.m. Central Time.
Bilibili Gaming is the clear favorite in Group A, and no other team should be able to challenge them. All eyes will be on Golden Guardians as it is the team’s first international appearance.
The odds are not in Golden Guardians’ favor in the Play-In Stage. While the LCS squad is the second best in its group, in the Last Chance Qualifier, they will play a team from Group B. The PCS, CBLoL, and LJL are regions that are always one game away from advancing. These are regions with consistent teams that are capable of upsetting any major region on a good day.
The rest of the Play-In stage will be played following a similar schedule.
Thursday, May 4
Friday, May 5
Saturday, May 6
Sunday, May 7
The Bracket Stage starts on May 9 at 7 a.m. Central Time.
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