A new competition called the Asia Invitations ASI is being introduced, bringing together mid-table teams from Asia’s three major leagues: the LCP, LCK, and LPL. The tournament will be held from October 6 to 12, just before Worlds kicks off in China on October 14. It will feature the teams finishing between 5th and 7th place in the LCK and LPL, along with the 4th and 5th place teams from the Pacific.

The format and schedule will be as follows: first, a group stage played in best-of-threes over four days. The first group will consist of two LPL teams, one LCK team, and one LCP team. The second group will feature two LCK teams, one LPL team, and one LCP team. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the next stage, a double-elimination bracket played in best-of-threes, with the grand final being a best-of-five.

The potential qualifiers

If the participating teams have not yet been announced, we can still get a clear picture of the likely contenders. For the LCK, the three expected teams are BNK FearX, Nongshim RedForce, and the loser of the decisive series between T1 and Dplus KIA for a Worlds spot. In the LPL, the situation is less clear as the regional finals are still to be played to determine Worlds qualification. It should therefore be the two losing teams from the regional finals, while the final spot will likely come down to EDward Gaming or Ninjas in Pyjamas, who both finished 7th–8th in the split and were eliminated at the same stage.

As for the LCP, GAM Esports should be one of the representatives after falling short in their do-or-die match against Team Secret Whales, while the second slot is expected to go to MGN Vikings Esports, who will take part in this event right after their LCP promotion tournament. The competition is also expected to be held online rather than in-person, according to rumors.

Major contenders

Even though this tournament features only mid-table teams from these leagues, with the heavyweights like Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports, Bilibili Gaming, and CTBC Flying Oyster representing their regions at Worlds, these leagues are so strong that even their mid-tier teams can be serious contenders for a Worlds spot.

The LCK could send players like Heo "ShowMaker" Su or Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, while the LPL might send Weibo, JD Gaming, Invictus Gaming, or even Top Esports and Anyone’s Legend. This tournament is therefore designed to give visibility and more matches to these top-class players who just missed out on qualifying for the biggest event in the world, Worlds, which will be held this year in China from October 14 to November 9.