Multiple elite squads from the LCK and LPL have locked in qualification with strong summer form and international pedigree, creating parity that keeps implied probabilities tightly clustered near 50%. Hanwha Life Esports enters as MSI 2026 champions, Gen.G and T1 bring deep playoff runs and recent title contention, while Bilibili Gaming has dominated LPL splits. Dplus KIA rounds out a loaded Korean contingent, and Western representatives like G2 Esports and Karmine Corp add competitive depth without clear separation. Recent head-to-head results and regional power rankings show no dominant frontrunner, leaving room for upsets in the Swiss stage and bracket once play begins in North America.