MSI 2026 Team Preview: Team Secret Whales Hoping for a Stronger Performance
Team Secret Whales have now qualified for three consecutive international events. They have dominated the LCP this year, finishing in first place both times. They arrive at MSI after an undefeated Spring Split. Team Secret Whales had a disappointing showing at First Stand. While they had moments, they did not get to show their best gameplay. MSI is their second chance this year to prove they can match up to the rest of the world.
Team Secret Whales’ Roster
- Vietnamese Top Laner – Nguyễn “Pun” Đăng Khoa
- Vietnamese Jungler – Lê Văn “Hizto” Hoàng Hải
- Vietnamese Mid Laner – Trần “Dire” Duy Đức
- Vietnamese Bot Laner – Hoàng “Eddie” Công Nghĩa
- Vietnamese Support – Trần “Bie” Đức Hiếu
After exiting the World Championship last year, Team Secret Whales made two changes to their roster. They brought in Bie to replace Đinh “Taki” Anh Tài, who went to GAM Esports. They also chose Pun as the starting top laner, after he shared time with Trần Lê “Hiro02” Trung Hậu in 2025. With CTBC Flying Oystery falling off, and PSG Talon disbanded, Team Secret Whales has risen to the top of the LCP.
Yet to Show Up Internationally
Despite qualifying for the past two international events, Team Secret Whales lacks a performance to be proud of. They won their opening game against Vivo Keyd Stars, but slumped in the rest of the tournament. They nearly took down Movistar KOI, but they were the second-best team in that series. First Stand was more of the same. They had moments of glory, pushing G2 Esports in their series and making FearX sweat. However, they did not win a game in either best-of-five series.
Team Secret Whales will need to hit the ground running from the first series. With their potential opponents being Hanwha Life Esports or Lyon, they will need to perform to advance to the next round. Lyon is the preferred opponent, but they will still be the underdogs in that series. The top eight will be a challenge for Team Secret Whales, and we could see them leave another international series without a series victory.
Key Player – Lê Văn “Hizto” Hoàng Hải
Champions Played in Spring 2026
- Xin Zhao (10)
- Jarvan IV (8)
- Naafiri (4)
- Lee Sin (4)
- Vi (4)
- Trundle (3)
- Pantheon (2)
- Nocturne
- Skarner
- Olaf
- Qiyana
- Sejuani
The Tip of the Spear
Team Secret Whales live off their dominant and aggressive early games. One of the reasons that they kept up with G2 Esports at First Stand was their early-game prowess. A crucial aspect of their aggression is Hizto. He is the playmaker for this team and will often be the driving force behind their early game plays. He has been one of the best players in the region this year.
He also had the best performance amongst his teammates at First Stand. However, he is still a young player and is prone to mistakes. We saw that numerous times at both the World Championship and First Stand. Against other Junglers that can match his aggression and mechanics, Hizto might fall by the wayside.
Team Secret Whales’ Expectations
Team Secret Whales have the players to cause an upset. Every player on the roster has a chance to outperform some players at MSI. However, they lack the consistency to do it throughout a series. Hizto, being the best player on this roster, also has its drawbacks, considering the rest of the Jungle pool at the tournament. Hizto will have to face either Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok or Kacper “Inspired” Słoma in the first round. They are arguably the best Junglers in their region. It does not get much easier from there, with Pedro “Tatu” Seixas being the next competitive member in the likely top eight. Team Secret Whales can win an MSI series, but it will be a surprise.
Awaiting the Draw
As the LCP first seed, Team Secret Whales will start MSI in the Bracket Stage. They will have to wait for the draw, where they will either face Hanwha Life Esports or LYON in the first round. From there, their next matchup will depend on which side of the bracket they find themselves in based on the draw.
More LoL Esports Content
Below is all the previous MSI content on the Total Apex. You can expect more MSI articles in the following weeks.
