Why can't VCS attend MSI 2021?


Well, it can't be all good!

MSI (Mid-Season Invitational) 2020 got cancelled last year due to the pandemic. While Worlds 2020 miraculously took place last year in China, fans passionately hoped for MSI to return this year.

The MSI 2021 did return this year, with teams from all over the globe participating in it. But, just as everything was going well, the last bad news was informed by Riot Games to the audience that the champion team from the VCS (Vietnam) wouldn't be able to participate in the tournament due to the pandemic restrictions.

What happens when the VCS team doesn't participate in MSI 2021?

You must be wondering if the VCS team doesn't attend MSI 2021, what will happen to Group A in the absence of one team?

Well, as per Riot Games- Nothing changes. Same teams from LPL (China), LCL (CIS), and LCO (Oceania) compete in the group, with the top two teams having the chance to qualify for the next stage. Statistically, the teams will have to play lesser matches and should have a good chance of making it to the next stage if they perform well.

Group Stages for MSI 2021
click to enlarge
Group Stages for MSI 2021


However, Riot Games will also make sure that the VCS top team receives their full share of the prize pool as though they had participated in the event. Therefore, it rewarded the winning team even when they couldn't participate in the main event.

MSI 2021 would be happening in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 6th May 2021.

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