MSI 2025 Day 8 Preview: Europe’s Hope Falls to Movistar KOI
Day eight of MSI is the second-to-last day to have two games scheduled. CTBC Flying Oyster takes on Movistar KOI, while the eastern teams face off in the form of T1 and Bilibili Gaming. After G2 Esports departed MSI yesterday, KOI is the last hope of the LEC. They face stern opposition in the form of CFO. Meanwhile, T1 and BLG play each other for the fifth consecutive international that the teams have been at.
MSI Day Eight Schedule
The day begins with Europe clinging to hope. KOI versus CFO starts at noon PST (9:00 pm CET). Once that series is complete, T1 and BLG will take to the stage to further the history between the eastern giants.
CTBC Flying Oyster Versus Movistar KOI
CTBC Flying Oyster 3 – 2 Movistar KOI
The prediction may seem like an overreaction to CFO’s series against T1. The Korean representative caused their downfall, but CFO was ready to pounce on their mistakes. KOI had their share of errors against BLG, and this series will come down to who makes fewer mistakes in the end. Games will likely be decided by who gets the leads early. Alvaro is key for KOI to progress in MSI, and everyone will be looking to him to find the engagement angles. One of these teams may run away with the series, but it is unlikely given how close both teams are.
T1 Versus Bilibili Gaming
T1 3 – 2 Bilibili Gaming
T1 had their usual first-round shenanigans against CFO. They were ill-disciplined and had awkward drafts. In games four and five, they cleaned up their act. The expectation is that they will continue on that trend against BLG. The LPL second seed is not to be taken lightly. They have not looked dominant, but they are still one of the best teams in the world. It will come as a surprise if either team heavily dominates this series. BLG is searching for revenge after losing to T1 in the World Championship Finals last year.
How the Day Will Impact Proceedings
CFO and KOI battle to stay in MSI. The victor will advance to play against Anyone’s Legend, while the loser is out. For T1 and BLG, elimination is not on the cards for either team. The winner advances to play against GenG Esports in the Upper Bracket and guarantees a top 3 finish at MSI. If T1 wins, LCK is guaranteed to have four teams at Worlds this year. The loser of the match drops down to the Lower Bracket to play against FlyQuest.
