The MSI Awaits
As the excitement builds for the 2024 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), set to take place in the vibrant city of Chengdu, the eight teams entering the Play-In Stage are gearing up for the year's most significant mid-season showdown. While the LPL and LCK teams are well-known, several international teams from other regions are generating curiosity. Let's delve into the Brazilian and Latin American esports scenes and their representatives at this year's MSI.
Brazil's LOUD Esports
The Brazilian Circuito Brasileiro de League of Legends (CBLOL) has long been a hub for esports enthusiasm, with a passionate young audience that brings energy to the sport. LOUD, the 2024 CBLOL Spring Split champions, is a name familiar to many, thanks to their performance in other esports titles. However, their journey in League of Legends has been steady rather than explosive.
Founded in February 2019 by PlayHard, LOUD joined the CBLOL in October 2020 as part of the 2021 season. Known for their content creation, they are sometimes referred to as "Brazil's FaZe Clan." With the largest fan base in Brazil, LOUD has a significant social media following, which surges whenever a new player or celebrity joins the team.
During the Spring Split, LOUD made a single roster change, securing a 12-6 record and finishing second in the regular season. They entered the playoffs with vigor, defeating RED 3-0 to reach the winners' finals, and after a 3-1 victory over PNG, they secured their place in the finals. There, they faced PNG in a five-game series, ultimately emerging victorious.
LOUD's roster includes a Korean jungler and AD Carry, complemented by three Brazilian players. In 2023, LOUD represented Brazil at MSI, where they overcame DFM from the LJL but were ultimately eliminated by PSG. At the S13 World Championship, LOUD faced a similar fate, being sent to the losers' bracket by PSG and then swept by GAM. This year, LOUD will face TES in their first match of the Play-In Stage, a challenge that undoubtedly brings significant pressure.
Latin America's EST Esports
The Latin American League of Legends Arena (LLA) was established in 2019, and its teams, such as ISG and R7, are known to esports fans. EST, the representative of the LLA at this year's MSI, may not be a household name, but they have been making waves since 2022.
In the 2021 season, EST acquired Pixel Esports Club and secured a league spot. They reached the finals in two consecutive seasons in 2022 but fell short of the championship title. The 2024 season saw EST dominate from the regular season, leading with an 11-1 record, and sweeping their opponents 3-0 in the playoffs to reach the winners' finals. After a closely contested 3-2 series against R7, they advanced to the finals, where they once again defeated R7 to claim the championship.
EST's roster is devoid of Korean players, a rarity in the LLA, where few teams employ Korean talent. With only four Korean players across seven teams in the 2024 season, EST is set to make their international debut at the MSI. Their first match in the Play-In Stage will be against the legendary T1, led by Faker, a challenge that EST is likely to face with even greater pressure than LOUD.
Conclusion
While it's common to hear that international teams from regions like Brazil and Latin America are often seen as underdogs at global events, their unique playstyles and strategies can provide fresh perspectives to the tournament. As we look forward to the MSI, these teams from the CBLOL and LLA have the opportunity to defy expectations and make a lasting impression on the international stage.
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