MSI 2026 Match Preview – Bilibili Gaming Versus T1: A Titanic Battle in the First Round

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By:Devin Morris
The MSI 2026 Logo

Bilibili Gaming and T1 have met numerous times in recent international events. T1 have had the better of the matchup, with their last victory coming at MSI last year. T1 won 3-0 on that occasion. The two teams are favorites to win MSI, alongside Hanwha Life Esports. The winner of the series will make a significant step towards lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament.

The Only Play-In Team

Pety with the most career pentakills that get got against TL at MSI
Image of Peyz’ Career Pentakills, courtesy of LoL Esports

As the LCK second seed, T1 had to qualify for the Bracket Stage through the Play-Ins bracket. They won all three series 3-0, but now face a tougher opponent. Bilibili Gaming almost did not make MSI, after being 2-1 down against Team WE in the Lower Bracket finals. They won the series and then beat Top Esports in the Grand Final to finish as the first seed.

Featured Match Up

Bin Versus Doran

A couple of days ago, you could pick any other matchup as the featured one. However, following Bin’s comments about Doran, that has all changed. Bin has turned the matchup into an interesting one, especially after Doran’s response. Regardless of who has the bigger impact on the series, the winner will have bragging rights until their next meeting.

Breaking the Losing Streak to T1

The last time BLG beat T1 at an international event was in 2024. That was in the Lower Bracket Final of that year’s MSI. Since then, T1 beat BLG in the 2024 World Championship Grand Final and the 2025 MSI Upper Bracket Round 2. BLG will have a chip on their shoulder for this series. After winning their first international trophy and ending the LPL’s loss streak, they look to break another one. If they want to have a chance at lifting the MSI trophy and completing the Golden Road, they must beat T1. A loss in the opening series will put them behind both T1 and Hanwha Life Esports for the rest of the tournament.

The Recent MSI Winners Have Never Lost

Since the tournament moved to a double-elimination bracket, the winning team has always come from the Upper Bracket. Most of that is down to that team being the strongest at the tournament. JD Gaming were the tournament favorites in 2023. It was the same for Gen.G Esports in the previous two MSI competitions. Both of these teams are at the top of the list for potential tournament winners. Getting off to the right start is important. T1 has already gotten a warm-up at MSI, but BLG is a different beast. Who will be sent down to the Lower Bracket?

Prediction

BLG Versus T1 at MSI
Image of BLG Versus T1 at MSI, courtesy of LoL Esports

Bilibili Gaming 2-3 T1

The series could go in either direction. With T1 having played, they should have the upper hand. But there has been a couple of days’ break since they defeated Team Liquid Alienware. Both teams have varying playstyles. T1 want to play around their botlane for success, while BLG wants their solo lanes to get ahead. The series winner may depend on who gets their way during the games. Doran and Faker will need to keep up with Bin and Knight, while Viper and ON must match Peyz and Keria.

Easier Matchup in the Round

Regardless of the other matches’ result, BLG and T1 will face either LYON or FURIA. The winners and losers of each series will play against each other. The losers will have one more chance to stay alive at MSI. T1 or BLG should be able to run through the Lower Bracket with a potential rematch against each other.

More MSI Content

Below is all the previous MSI content on Total Apex. You can expect more MSI articles in the following weeks.

Devin Morris is a Gaming Writer and Esports Editor for Total Apex Media. Devin is a gaming fanatic from little old South Africa. Devin has had a passion for gaming and writing from a young age. Devin's early favorites were Age of Empires, FIFA and Need for Speed games. As Devin grew older he moved into more competitive gaming, focusing on Overwatch, League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics. Devin also sinks way too many hours into Destiny 2!

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