MSI 2025 brings new draft rules and $2 million prize on the line
The 10th Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2025 will take place from June 27 to July 12, 2025, in Vancouver, Canada. This year’s tournament brings major changes, with a larger $2 million prize pool and a brand-new draft format that will test each team’s depth and adaptability. The event will host 10 top teams from five competitive regions, each aiming not only to win but also to secure extra spots for their region at the 2025 World Championship.
The most talked-about change this year is the Fearless Draft. In this format, once a champion is picked in a series, it can’t be used again in the same match. For example, in a best-of-five (Bo5), the pool of available champions shrinks after each game. This setup means that teams need to prepare wider strategies and bring more variety to their play style.
Tournament stages explained
MSI 2025 is split into two stages. First is the Play-In Stage, where second-place teams from four major regions will compete. Only two will move on. Then comes the Bracket Stage, where eight teams fight through a double-elimination Bo5 format. Each match will follow the Fearless Draft, adding pressure and excitement to every round.
What’s at stake
Aside from the $2 million prize pool, this tournament will affect the 2025 Worlds lineup. The top two regions will receive bonus slots for the World Championship, making every win matter. The winning team is expected to walk away with nearly $400,000, with other top teams also getting a sizable share.
How to bet on Esports match
With MSI 2025 setting the tone for the rest of the season, Teams that perform well at MSI often carry that momentum into Worlds, giving bettors a clear look at early favourites.
With sites like Betway, GG.Bet, Pinnacle, and Thunderpick. These platforms offer a wide range of markets, including match winners, map scores, first blood, and outright winner bets. Many of them also provide live betting and in-depth stats.
Vancouver hosts the action
The event will be held at the Pacific Coliseum, a well-known venue with room for thousands of fans. The tournament will be streamed on major platforms like Twitch and YouTube, attracting global viewership. With high stakes and unpredictable outcomes, expect strong Esports odds and plenty of Esports betting tips from analysts throughout the tournament.
