The 2024 League of Legends MSI dominates the viewership charts, broke all records due to format change

Viewership is a key metric in esports, helping us gauge the popularity of events, and the 2024 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) was a standout success. In 2023, MSI averaged 802,561 viewers. However, in 2024, the average jumped to 1,013,790 viewers, highlighting the impact of format changes from best-of-threes to best-of-fives. This year’s MSI peaked with over 2.8 million viewers, marking an all-time high for the event.

The 2024 MSI saw remarkable moments, during the grand final between Bilibili Gaming (BLG) from the LPL and Gen.G from the LCK. This match peaked at 2,616,116 viewers, according to Esports Charts. Yet, it was the semi-final clash between T1 and BLG on May 18 that shattered MSI viewership records, attracting over 2.8 million viewers.

This surge in viewership is significant, especially considering the 2023 MSI grand final between JD Gaming and BLG peaked at only 1.1 million viewers. The lower viewership for the 2023 final could have been due to it being a matchup between two LPL teams, which lacked regional rivalry, or perhaps the uninteresting champion meta at the time. Fortunately, the 2024 MSI offered a much more engaging experience.

How do fans enjoy the fierce battle?

The improved format, featuring best-of-threes for play-ins and best-of-fives for the main event, semifinals, and grand final. Fans enjoyed the fierce rivalry between the LPL and LCK regions, competing in a diverse metagame. While K’Sante was a popular pick again, the bot lane didn’t feature the repetitive Aphelios vs. Jinx combo or Nautilus in the mid lane as seen in 2023. 

Instead, viewers saw dynamic plays with champions like Kalista, piloted by Gen.G’s Peyz, who secured 28 kills and a Pentakill in game two of the grand final. There were also unique picks like Ornn supports, a Zac mid by Faker, and a deadly Karthus jungle by Gen.G’s Canyon in the finals.

Although the grand final didn’t break the all-time viewership record like the T1 vs. BLG semi-final, it was still an intense and thrilling match. With such a successful MSI, all eyes are now on the 2024 League World Championship to maintain the momentum and excitement.