G2 Esports vs T1

This is, undoubtedly, the most anticipated game of the day. G2 facing off against T1 is bound to result in fireworks and, hopefully, an upset! We're somewhat baffled by these odds. We understand why T1 are considered the favorites (more due to clout and hype than anything else), but to have G2 as a three-to-one underdog doesn't make any sense. Not only did they beat T1 the first time around, but they also followed that up with a most spectacular showing against Royal Never Give Up. And, well, neither of these wins were flukes or one-off occurrences but rather a telltale sign that they, too, have a shot at becoming MSI champions (regardless of what the oddsmakers have to say about it).

T1 have henceforth regressed and, well, no one's all too sure as to why. They have a fairly dreadful read on the meta and are seemingly unwilling to adapt and "get with the times." They're still exceedingly capable but are nowhere near as dangerous as we thought they'd be at this point of the tournament. They just haven't been as impressive as G2 and Royal Never Give Up, and we mean that in a multitude of ways: their drafts have been outdated, their play sloppy, and set-ups telegraphed way in advance. They've also showcased a baffling amount of hesitancy even with the most basic things in-game. They had an eight thousand gold lead over PSG Talon and yet were a few bad decisions away from losing control and getting embarrassed.

It goes without saying, but that's not a good look for a team most folks thought would steamroll through all opposition over in Busan, South Korea.

It seems that fate had other plans. Now sure, they still have a fair bit of time to adjust and evolve, but right now, as things stand, we don't think they'll succeed at doing so -- and it certainly won't be for a lack of trying. Royal Never Give Up have hit their stride and have looked pretty darn incredible thus far, even against the best of teams. They, too, are flawed and (potentially) exploitable, but whenever they get rolling there's not a team out there that can stop them. You give them an inch and they'll take a country mile.

T1, in comparison, look somewhat lost and without a coherent identity. Their early game is still astounding, but that alone cannot amount to much if it isn't harnessed correctly.

All in all, G2 have a shot at making waves, and if they draft to their strengths and play to the best of their ability, they'll no doubt be able to come out ahead. It's a risk, granted, but it *is* worth it.