MSI 2025: GenG Esports Versus G2 Esports EU Rises to Challenge Korea But End in the Dirt
The expectations for G2 Esports were that they stood no chance against GenG Esports at MSI. However, G2 not only took a game off of GenG, but they also looked competitive in all but game three of this series. EU fans have plenty to be optimistic about going forward. GenG fans will be worried that their team has not hit the ground running at MSI.
MSI GenG Esports Versus G2 Esports Game One
Draft
GenG picks Blue Side
- B1 – Azir
- R1+R2 – Varus+Maokai
- B2+B3 – Xin Zhao+Renekton
- R3 – Yone
- R4 – Jax
- B4+B5 – Lucian+Braum
- R5 – Rakan
Summary
The early game is tranquil, with only trading happening in lanes. The first occurs at the Drake with G2 getting it and winning the fight with three kills to one. Quiet returns until the next Drake fight. GenG are first on the objective, but it is G2 who emerge with two kills and the Drake. GenG forces Atakan and secures the objective, but they regret the decision as they get cleared in the fight. G2 earns the Chemtech Dragon Soul.
Labrov gets caught on mid-wave, which causes GenG to force Baron. GenG secures the Baron but loses four members. G2 plays the Elder Drake fight perfectly, baiting out Korean Giant’s resources and only engaging when they see the opportunity. It is nearly perfect for G2 as they end the game with the Elder buff.
Game Two
Draft
GenG picks Blue Side
- B1 – Vi
- R1+R2 – Wukong+Senna
- B2+B3 – Rumble+Alistar
- R3 – Tahm Kench
- R4 – Galio
- B4+B5 – Aurora+Jhin
- B5 – Ryze
Summary
GenG are the first to pull the trigger, diving the G2 bot lane, and Ruler gets first blood on Hans Sama. Skewmond and Brokenblade fail the dive response on Kiin. All the Grubs and the Rift Herald go to GenG. Duro overpushes on the mid-lane tier two, giving G2 a window, but Labrov dies to Jhin W. G2 forces the 4v4, but they do not have the damage to win the fight. Despite picks on Kiin and Canyon, Chovy and Ruler are too strong to beat. G2 continues to find the right angles and get picks, but they can not win fights. GenG took the first game loss personally and destroyed G2 in this one.
Game Three
Draft
G2 picks Blue Side
- B1 – Viktor
- R1+2 – Miss Fortune+Nautilus
- B2+3 – Ezreal+Rell
- R3 – K’Sante
- R4 – Orianna
- B4+B5 – Gnar+Jarvan IV
- R5 – Lee Sin
Summary
GenG earns an early lead across the board but botches a kill on Labrov to get first blood. Canyon gets two kills with two dives, but other than that, the game is quiet. GenG slowly increases the gold lead over time. Canyon continues to run the show and explodes the game open. G2’s only play is the solo laners picking off Chovy. Even in the 5v4, G2 does not have the damage to get a kill. GenG ends the game and moves to match point.
Game Four
Draft
G2 picks Red Side
- B1 – Taliyah
- R1+2 – Twisted Fate+Leona
- B2+3 – Corki+Poppy
- R3 – Kai’Sa
- R4 – Aatrox
- B4+B5 – Skarner+Jayce
- R5 – Dr.Mundo
Summary
G2 tries to cheese an early swap, but Kiin reads it and does not die. BrokenBlade teleports bot lane and dies instantly to Canyon, Duro, and Ruler. G2 restores some parity from the Drake fight, but that is while Ruler is not there. Both teams look to make plays, but neither breaks open the game, meaning GenG remains in the lead.
Multiple fights continue to happen across the rift, and both teams limp out of them without losing members. Importantly, G2 does not let GenG snowball the game. GenG and G2 trade kills, but it is Skewmond for Kiin. GenG gets Baron and wins the fight with three kills to two. GenG closes out the series with the Baron push.
Reaction
G2’s performance in this series came as a surprise. After their weak showing in the Play-ins, they were able to turn it around against GenG. Besides the game, one hiccup, GenG showed why they are one of the best teams in the world. However, there are worrying signs for GenG that they struggled in game one and did not look like their dominant selves. Game three was the only exception where Canyon delivered a Lee Sin clinic. Drafts are another concern for GenG moving forward in MSI, as they were outdrafted on numerous occasions.
