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Team Secret Whales Eliminate Top Esports from 2026 MSI in Stunning Upset
Team Secret Whales successfully landed a decisive knockout blow against the LPL 2nd seed today. The Bo5 series at the 2026 League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) did not go the way most expected, with the LCP representative coming away with a series victory in 4 games.
Top Esports’ elimination marks them as a first team to exit 2026 MSI in the Bracket Stage, and a stark disappointment for a team looking to make another deep run internationally. Team Secret Whales are now bound for a showdown between either Bilibili Gaming or LYON.
History in the Making: Team Secret Whales Upset at MSI
This victory is a historical moment for competitive League of Legends, with it being the first time an LCP team has ever beaten an LPL team in a Bo5 since the inception of both leagues.
Team Secret Whales are now guaranteed a 5th-6th place finish as they proceed to the Lower Bracket Round 2 — matching CTBC Flying Oyster’s performance at last year’s MSI.
Across the 2 series played thus far from this Vietnamese squad, Top Laner Nguyễn “Pun” Đăng Khoa is making a name for himself in his 3rd ever international event. With his unconventional champion picks and confident playmaking, he has quickly become one of the fan-favourites for this rising LCP team.
While their first foray of the year at First Stand may have been swift and disappointing, this time, they are delivering. Can they continue this dream run at the 2026 MSI?
MSI 2026 Begins to Deliver
After a flat Play-Ins, the Bracket Stage has delivered. From G2's historical reverse sweep against Top Esports on Day 1, to T1's loss to Bilibili Gaming yesterday, and now Team Secret Whales delivering on the big stage, MSI is finally in full swing. Day 3 continues with a clash between Europe's best — G2 Esports — and tournament favorites Hanwha Life Esports.
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Featured Image Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
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