HLE takes on BLG for MSI 2026 Trophy: Preview, Predictions, Stream Details and More

And then there were two! After two weeks of intense League of Legends action, we have the two teams set to face each other for the MSI 2026 title.

The first— Bilibili Gaming—has not dropped a single series yet. Their competition—Hanwha Life Esports—has come back from the lower bracket for revenge, with the trophy acting as the icing on the cake for the LCK squad. 

Be it BLG or HLE, tomorrow, July 12, we will crown a first-time MSI Champion. Let’s see what the Grand Finals have in store for us. 

On the Golden Road— Bilibili Gaming

With the LPL Split 1 and 2, and First Stand titles, BLG are very much on the road to Golden glory. Tomorrow, it will not just be the MSI trophy that has eluded the Chinese team; it’ll also be another brick laid on the Golden Road.

Many have attempted to complete the gauntlet, but have always failed. The good news here is that BLG looks unstoppable. If we discounted the loss to Team WE during Split 2, the team led by Bin and knight is visibly untouchable. 

Not to mention, they have already convincingly taken down HLE in the upper bracket finals, and they simply have to repeat the feat tomorrow. 

Can HLE Rise to the Occasion?

After a troubling early exit from the LCK Cup at the start of the year, doubts surrounded the HLE squad. But their dominant performance during the LCK Spring Split helped them take down T1 and win the Road to MSI, toppling the power rankings around the world.

While they maintain their dominant form at the MSI, they have looked tamer than their previous performance. Especially against LYON, they would have been eliminated if it weren’t for Zeus and Kanavi’s Game 4 performances.

The squad still has high-highs, but they have to maintain them if they want to win the MSI trophy tomorrow. 

BLG vs. HLE Preview & Prediction: LPL vs LCK for MSI once more?

Tomorrow will be the seventh time the LPL and LCK clash for the MSI title. As opposed to Worlds—where LCK is indomitable—at MSI, the LPL reigns supreme. The region has won five of the previous six clashes.

Tomorrow will likely be the continuation of the LPL domination. While HLE is definitely a top team, BLG is undoubtedly the better team at the moment. Moreover, they have displayed a much better performance at the event and have previously defeated HLE without breaking a sweat.

Yet the LPL overlords should not underestimate HLE. With three Worlds champions, the squad has ample talent to step up when the stakes are high and take down tournament favorites.

With the solo lanes almost evenly matched, the jungle match-up of Kanavi and XUN would likely decide the series. If BLG and XUN cannot rein in Kanavi, they will lose the series and the tournament. HLE is fighting an uphill battle, but if they can minimise the mistakes they have made until now, they can take down any opponent.

While we think BLG should win MSI 2026 with a 3-2 Grand Finals win, HLE winning won’t be an upset either. 

Where to watch the MSI 2026 Grand Finals?

Before the LPL and the LCK clash for the MSI 2026 title, Dajeon will witness the unveiling of League Classic—a new mode that will act as a time capsule for players to revisit the early days of League of Legends. 

The game devs will reveal the details of the mode, the champs, and former pro players will showcase the mode live on stage in a showmatch.

The Grand Finals will follow thereafter. Riot Games will broadcast the final day on Twitch and YouTube starting tomorrow, July 12, 8:00 am CEST / 3:00 pm  KST. You can also follow the Grand Finals on Strafe. 

Follow Strafe Esports for the latest League of Legends news, and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe's YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

Read more:

G2 Esports Announce Perkz as New LoL Head Coach

LYON Eliminate G2 Esports from 2026 MSI in Stunning Sweep

The 2026 LEC Summer Finals Are Headed to France!