In an exhilarating showdown, JD Gaming and T1 delivered a memorable five-game series at the 2023 League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), etching their names in the tournament’s history books.
The highly anticipated match between the Chinese and Korean powerhouses attracted record-breaking viewership, surpassing the previous MSI record set by T1 and China’s Royal Never Give Up in last year’s finals.
The series reached an astounding peak viewership of nearly 2.3 million worldwide, exceeding the previous record of 2.19 million viewers. Both JD Gaming and T1 have solidified their positions as top-tier teams this year, with JDG securing their second LPL championship in the spring and T1 consistently ranking among the top two teams for four consecutive seasons.
T1 entered the series with momentum following their revenge win against Gen.G, while JDG had just achieved a perfect sweep against Bilibili Gaming. The clash between LPL and LCK, two of the most prestigious regions, added to the anticipation surrounding the match. T1’s presence has consistently attracted high viewership at international events, and they have already been featured in the top three most-watched matches at MSI 2023. In the previous year, all five of the most-viewed matches in the tournament included T1.
T1 boasts a roster that includes the greatest player of all time, Faker, along with emerging stars like Gumayusi and Keria, who are already making a name for themselves as future icons. Their individual skills and exciting playmaking have captivated fans worldwide, solidifying their place in League of Legends esports history.
JDG also possesses a roster of exceptional talent, including Kanavi, knight, and the esteemed ADC player Ruler. Many fans and analysts believe that JDG has top-two players in each role, making them strong contenders for the championship.