MSI 2025: G2 Esports Versus GAM Esports A Near Nightmare Survived

Draft

• B1 – Varus
• R1+R2 – Taliyah+Xin Zhao
• B2+B3 – Trundle+Syndra
• R3 – Jhin
• R4 – Rell
• B4+5 – Alistar+Renekton
• R5 – Gnar

Summary

The confidence rises for BrokenBlade after a poor start to MSI, as he essentially gets a solo kill on Kiaya. G2 dives Kiaya and gets the kill, but is punished by GAM’s rotations, giving them three kills. The first skirmish earns G2 the Drake, but GAM exits with two kills. G2 and GAM contest for Rift Herald, with both teams going even. Eventually, G2 secures the Herald and dives Kiaya and Elio. Both GAM players die alongside Caps.

While G2 does not convincingly win the second Drake fight, they do enough to get it and Atakan. At twenty-eight minutes, GAM tries to force onto G2 before Drake, but it goes wrong as they get aced, and G2 ends the game.

Game Two

Draft

• B1 – Pantheon
• R1+R2 – Poppy+Lucian
• B2+B3 – Corki+Nautilus
• R3 – Braum
• R4 – Ryze
• B4+5 – Hwei+Jayce
• R5 – Gragas

Summary

GAM and G2 fight at level one before minions spawn, with the kills traded two for two. Levi uses his tempo to gank bot lane and get Artemis his first kill in the game. GAM’s bot lane double kills Hans Sama and Labrov, giving Artemis a significant early gold lead. Caps’ first Realm Warp heads bot lane to delay Corki’s scaling. The activity continues across the map, with both teams finding picks, but it is G2 that emerges ahead. BrokenBlade’s flank Teleport on the third Drake breaks open the game in G2’s favor.

The mid-difference is exponential in the second game. Caps has a 3k gold lead and a three-level advantage over Emo at 23 minutes. The lead continues to grow for G2 with the Baron push. However, G2 blunders the final push with the Baron Powerplay, giving GAM three kills, one being a 700 gold shutdown and Chemtech Soul point with an objective bounty. It is only a hiccup as G2 regathers themselves to end game two, and they are now one game away from qualifying for the MSI Bracket Stage.

Game Three

Draft

• B1 – Wukong
• R1+R2 – Miss Fortune+Nunu and Willump
• B2+B3 – Xayah+Rakan
• R3 – Neeko
• R4 – Ambessa
• B4+5 – Ahri+Jax
• R5 – Tristana

Summary

Aress gets subbed in for game three with GAM’s MSI lives on the line. The first Nunu gank from Skewmond is somewhat successful, forcing out bot lane summoners. Kiaya gets his first lane dominance in the series, calling Levi for a perfect dive on BrokenBlade. At the same time, G2 fails the dive on Artemis and Elio. GAM continues to target BrokenBlade to set up Kiaya.

The game is lined up for Kiaya versus Caps on who can carry. G2 starts the Atakan but gets forced off by GAM. Levi secures the Atakan, and Kiaya kills Hans Sama. On the back of Levi’s Wukong, GAM wins team fights and secures Baron. The Baron Powerplay for GAM does not find a game-winning advantage. Skewmond’s mistake gives GAM the space to end the game.

Game Four

Draft

• B1 – Naafiri
• R1+R2 – Sion+Lillia
• B2+B3 – Leona+Kai’Sa
• R3 – Caitlyn
• R4 – Galio
• B4+5 – Cho’Gath+Twisted Fate
• R5 – Sylas

Summary

Artemis has the dream start on Caitlyn as he gets first blood, even with Skewmond creating a three versus two. Artemis builds a further gold lead despite G2’s swaps and becomes the win condition for GAM. G2 can not keep the game from getting out of control, with GAM having two Drakes and a 3k gold lead at 14 minutes against a team with Twisted Fate.

The game slows down while G2 tries to get gold before the Mountain Soul fight. GAM claims the Soul to throw the gauntlet to G2. Elio finds yet another engagement to kill Skewmond and set up a Baron Powerplay. GAM dares G2 to walk into the Elder Drake and pick off Labrov and Brokenblade. With Elder and Baron on their backs, GAM ends, bringing us to the final game of the MSI Play-Ins.

Game Five

Draft

• B1 – Annie
• R1+R2 – Orianna+Vi
• B2+B3 – Viego+K’Sante
• R3 – Aatrox
• R4 – Kalista
• B4+5 – Senna+Tahm Kench
• R5 – Seraphine

Summary

The trade of flashes between Caps and Aress leads to GAM trying to punish the G2 midlaner. GAM blows three flashes to kill Caps but is unsuccessful. Right before Aress’ flash comes up, Skewmond strikes, earning the first blood for Caps at the ten-minute mark. The G2 jungler finds another angle, this time on Kiaya’s Aatrox, to bring BrokenBlade into the game. The first two Drakes, the Grubs and Rift Herald, go towards G2. GAM forces Caps’ Flash and denies Mountain Soul point for G2.

A sneaky Atakan play gives G2 a significant flower lead in an otherwise even game. The tension builds as neither team can find the fight they are looking for. The feats are finally secured for G2 at 29 minutes, the second latest in pro history. G2 gets soul point, and Caps finds the Annie Flash engagement on GAM’s squishiest members to secure an advantage and acquire Baron. G2 breaks open GAM’s base with the Baron push. GAM tries to defend their final inhibitor, but they can not find a kill. G2 secures the ace to win the series and stay in MSI.

Reaction

G2  dominated the first two games of the series, but they let go of their tight grip. GAM seized the opportunity and forced the series to a game five. Emo’s weaknesses were exposed, but the rest of the GAM contingent showed that they can play against the best. G2 will need to keep improving in the MSI Bracket Stage if they want to beat GenG.