The next three weeks will feature what can only be described as the most elaborate dress rehearsal in eSports. Based in London at the Copper Box Arena and playing host to the hottest 13 teams in League of Legends right now, the LoL Mid-Season Invitational is an effective precursor to the 2023 World Championships later this year.
With JD Gaming coming into the LoL MSI as the form side, having won the LPL Spring 2023, they are undoubtedly the team to beat. However, World No. 1 side T1 will be eager to prove that they hold that ranking position for a reason. Combine this rivalry with 11 other teams chomping at the bit to get their hands on the US$50,000 awarded to the winners, it goes without saying that this tournament is shaping up to be a fantastic one.
We break down all the best bets to make with odds from bookmaker William Hill ahead of the first day’s play tomorrow.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: May 1st, 7:00 A.M. (GMT)
Bookmaker William Hill has the LoL MSI as a very tight race in the betting odds heading into the tournament. JD Gaming holds an ever so slender lead at 3.00 with T1 breathing down their necks at 3.50 and Gen.G right behind them at 4.00. From here, Bilibili straddle the chasing pack and the leaders with odds of 7.50 before the last realistic challengers in G2 Esports and Cloud9 come in at 17.00 and 19.00 in the odds.
In the rivalry between JD Gaming and T1, who will prevail? Or will a dark horse come out of the shadows and spoil both of their title ambitions? We say that conservatively JD Gaming is the best bet here. They have the in-form player 369 and a very talented roster built around his incredible ability to land heavy damage share, damage per minute, and kill participation. While JD Gaming is yet to win a LoL MSI in its seven editions to date, they are well positioned coming in off the back of an impressive LPL Spring 2023 win. Backing JD Gaming at 3.00 is a strong bet for the 2023 LoL MSI.
However, those who are after higher odds may want to consider fifth favourites in the betting odds, G2 Esports. The side has not been in the best of form lately, certainly not compared to their lofty standards. Despite this, G2 Esports holds two big advantages: they’ve won here before and they’ll have the opportunity to build some momentum by playing their way through the play-in stage of the tournament. Should G2 Esports successfully navigate the play-in, they’ll then arrive in the knockout stages with a head of steam and the experience to boot making them a very attractive bet at 17.00.
