The Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2019 held stages in Vietnam, offering international League of Legends matches across Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi between May 1 and May 19. This guide outlines the event format, key venues, ticketing essentials and practical travel suggestions for visitors attending matches or combining the event with a short Vietnam trip.
What the Mid-Season Invitational 2019 in Vietnam was
The Mid-Season Invitational is one of the largest annual League of Legends competitions, organized by Riot Games since 2015 and considered second in scale to the World Championship. In 2019 the tournament included a series of play-in and group-stage matches hosted in Vietnam before later knockout rounds were held in Taipei.
Vietnam participated as an independent competitive region under the VCS, and the country hosted both early-stage fixtures and the group-stage phase, giving local fans a chance to see international teams on home ground. Official scheduling placed the tournament across multiple venues to accommodate different stages of the competition.
Key features and highlights of the event
The 2019 MSI used a staged format. Fourteen teams entered the play-in phase to compete for places in the main group stage. After initial rounds, a set of teams advanced to a group competition featuring double round-robin matchups.
Match structure and locations were split by stage: the play-in rounds took place in Ho Chi Minh City at the GG Stadium (the VCS studio), the group stage moved to the National Convention Center in Hanoi, and the semifinal and final matches were scheduled in Taipei. Matches during the earlier stages were mostly Best-of-One fixtures in round-robin groups.
- Play-in stage: 14 teams; multiple rounds to decide qualifiers.
- Group stage: double round robin with Best-of-One matches.
- Final rounds: knockout-format semifinals and final held in Taipei.
Practical tips for attending matches and planning travel
Tickets for the MSI 2019 stages in Vietnam were released around mid-March and were sold through online channels. Purchases required an email for registration; many buyers selected online payment, though delivery options were sometimes offered. Accounts were limited to a maximum of four tickets each, so group buyers were advised to plan accordingly.
Most matches in Vietnam were scheduled for the evening, commonly starting at about 6:00 p.m., which left mornings and afternoons available for sightseeing or day trips. For example, visitors arriving in Ho Chi Minh City who want to visit Ha Long Bay can consider travel options and time needed to reach northern destinations.
- Bring the email you used to register when collecting tickets or attending official check-ins.
- Expect evening match start times; plan daytime activities around transit time to venues.
- Book accommodation close to the venue to reduce commute on match days.
For those looking to add a coastal excursion to their trip, there are a range of cruise options out of Ha Long. For planning where to stay and which cruise types suit your itinerary, see practical notes on where to stay in Halong Bay.
Cultural and local context for visitors
Vietnam offers diverse daytime experiences that contrast with evening esports schedules. City tours, street-food samplings and short cultural excursions are common choices for attendees who have free hours before matches. Half-day tours in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City provide a condensed introduction to local history and daily life reported by many travelers.
For a local culinary specialty unique to Hanoi, consider trying the city's egg coffee; guidebooks and visitor reports explain how it’s prepared and where most travelers choose to order it. Readers interested in specifics can read more about Hanoi egg coffee.
- Morning markets and museum visits fit well into match-day schedules.
- Local transport options ( taxis, ride-hailing apps, and short motorbike tours) can speed travel between accommodation and venues.
Who this event best suits
The tournament will appeal primarily to esports fans who want to see international League of Legends teams live and follow competitive matches in person. Because multiple stages were hosted across cities, it also suited travelers who planned short multi-city stays to combine matches with sightseeing.
Visitors who prefer a quieter pace or who travel with family may find that allocating a day or two for nearby attractions—rather than attending every match—provides a better balance. Those aiming to see several stages should budget for intercity travel time and book accommodations near venues in advance.
- Best for: dedicated esports followers and travelers who enjoy mixing events with local tours.
- Not ideal for: visitors unwilling to navigate evening crowds or those with tight single-day itineraries.
Comparisons and alternatives
Choosing which stage to attend depends on what a visitor prioritizes: the intensity of early-round play-ins in Ho Chi Minh City, the larger production at the Hanoi group stage, or the high-stakes knockout matches held in Taipei. Each option has trade-offs in terms of travel and atmosphere.
The table below summarizes the main differences between the event stages, including dates, venues and match format, to help visitors decide which part of the tournament to attend.
| Stage | Dates | Location | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play-in Round 1 | May 1–4, 2019 | GG Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City | Multiple groups; Best-of-One matches | 14 teams entered initial play-ins |
| Play-in Round 2 | May 5–7, 2019 | GG Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City | Continuation of qualifiers | Winners progressed to group stage |
| Group Stage | May 10–14, 2019 | National Convention Center, Hanoi | Double round-robin; Best-of-One | More polished production and larger venue |
| Knockout Stage | May 17–19, 2019 | Taipei | Semifinals and final; knockout format | Higher stakes; single-elimination matches |
Travelers planning to connect esports attendance with regional sightseeing will find well-established transport links. For guidance on moving from Ho Chi Minh City up to Ha Long Bay areas, consider practical options in this route guide to Ho Chi Minh to Halong Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did MSI 2019 take place in Vietnam?
MSI 2019 stages in Vietnam ran from May 1 to May 19, with play-in matches in early May and the group stage held May 10–14.
Which cities hosted MSI 2019 matches?
Ho Chi Minh City hosted the play-in rounds at the GG Stadium (VCS studio), Hanoi hosted the group stage at the National Convention Center, and the semifinals and final were held in Taipei.
How were tickets sold for the Vietnam stages?
Tickets went on sale around mid-March and were available online. Purchase required an email account for registration and accounts were typically limited to four tickets each. Buyers could choose online payment or delivery where offered.
Are match times suitable for daytime sightseeing?
Many fixtures in Vietnam started in the evening (around 6:00 p.m.), which left mornings and afternoons open for tours and excursions. Visitors commonly scheduled half-day or full-day activities before attending evening matches.
What are recommended nearby attractions to combine with match attendance?
Popular daytime options include city tours in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, local food experiences, and trips to Ha Long Bay for cruises ranging from one-day outings to multi-night itineraries. See local guides for accommodation and cruise choices in Ha Long Bay.