Busan to host LCK MSI 2025 in June: Check event details and format
Busan, South Korea, has been confirmed as the host city for the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) representative selection tournament for the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). The event will be held from 13-15 June 2025 at the Sajik Indoor Gymnasium, a venue familiar to esports enthusiasts for hosting the 2023 World Championship quarterfinals and semifinals.
Overview of League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK)
The LCK is a premier professional League of Legends league in South Korea. It has a loyal following and an international reputation for excellence. The MSI is a prestigious mid-year international tournament featuring top teams from each region, and the LCK’s performance often sets the stage for the World Championship later in the year.
The LCK has a history of partnering with regional governments to hold large events outside of Seoul. In past years, these have been hosted in various locations such as Gangneung in 2022, Daejeon in 2023, and Gyeongju in 2024.
Event details and format
The selection matches will be held across two locations. The initial matches will take place at LCK Arena in Seoul from 10-12 June 2025, followed by the final selection matches at Sajik Indoor Gymnasium in Busan from June 13-15 June 2025.
For the 2025 season, the LCK has transitioned to a single-season format, running from March to September. The MSI selection will use a ‘King of the Hill’ format, where lower-ranked teams must fight their way up to challenge higher-ranked teams.
Participating teams and selection process
There are six teams competing in the selection event, based on their first and second-round performance in the LCK regular season. The Road to MSI format starts with the 5th and 6th placed teams playing against each other. The victor goes on to play against the 4th placed team, repeating the process. Eventually, the remaining team will play against the loser of the first-place match to earn the second MSI spot.
Key Figures’ statements
Secretary-General Junghoon Lee of LCK and Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon both expressed their excitement and pride in Busan’s role in the esports community.
Secretary-General Junghoon Lee of LCK stated, “Busan Metropolitan City is so serious about esports that it is called a holy place for esports. It is a great honour to hold a selection match in Busan to determine the two teams that will compete on behalf of LCK in the MSI. Thank you for the full support of the Busan Metropolitan Government.”
Busan Mayor Park Hyung-Joon added, “It is noteworthy that Busan will hold the MSI LCK representative competition again for the first time this year, following the first time in Korea to host the 2022 MSI Busan and the 2023 LOL World Cup quarterfinals and semifinals. This competition and the confirmation of the next G-Star venue will serve as an opportunity for Busan to establish itself as a leading esports city, and the city will continue to serve as a hub for continuous exchanges with global competitions in the future.”
Hosting this event will attract fans from across Korea and beyond, boosting local businesses and tourism. With its commitment to esports, Busan continues to solidify itself as a prime location for major gaming events, ensuring continued global engagement.
