Worlds 2023 Knockout Stage: Semifinals Preview, Schedule, and Predictions
Continuing into the Knockout Stage of Worlds 2023, we now enter the Semifinals. With only 4 teams remaining, which of them will make it to the Grand Finals and secure themselves a chance to take home the Summoner’s Cup?
The Four Teams Remaining at Worlds 2023
Below is listed the 4 teams who have survived the Quarterfinals of the Knockout Stage. Thus, they are guaranteed at least a top 4 finish.
- JD Gaming [LPL 1st seed]
- T1 [LCK 2nd seed]
- Weibo Gaming [LPL 4th seed]
- Bilibili Gaming [LPL 2nd seed]
Last man standing for Korea. T1 is the only survivor from the Quarterfinals left to represent Korea in the next round. Credit: Yicun Liu/Riot Games
Worlds 2023 Knockout Stage Format
The top 8 teams from the Swiss Stage qualify to the Knockout Stage. This section of the tournament will be single-elimination. All series played during this part of Worlds 2023 will be in Bo5 format. For more information and any further questions, check out our all-in-one Worlds 2023 tournament guide (updated).
Worlds 2023 Knockout Stage Semifinals Schedule
The conclusion of Worlds 2023 Quarterfinals will now result in a short break once more. Worlds 2023 will resume on the 11th of November. The Semifinals is set to run from the 11th until the 12th of November.
Worlds 2023 Semifinals Visual Graphic of Bracket. Credit: LoL Esports // Riot GamesBilibili Gaming vs Weibo Gaming [8am GMT | 11th Nov]
In the first round of the Semifinals, we have an old Summer matchup back in town in Bilibili vs Weibo. The last time these teams faced off, BLG came away with the victory, even pulling off the reverse sweep. However, that was the LPL regular season. This is Worlds.
For Weibo, having to face and beat NRG in the Quarterfinals was a necessity. To face their growth and silence doubters, it had to be a clean series. But this series will be their golden chance to truly rise and do something incredible. To face a higher seeded LPL team, and win.
Weibo face a massive wall in the form of BLG in the Semifinals. This match will also be Weibo’s second match against an Eastern team at Worlds 2023. Credit: Yicun Liu/Riot GamesNevertheless, their rise this year has already been unprecedented. Not only is Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song and Kang “TheShy” Seung-lok returning to the scene of their respective victories, Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao returns to the grand stage after his fall last year with RNG.
For BLG, victory in this series will confirm them for a second Grand Finals appearance internationally this year. The sensational rise of this LPL roster has been incredible. From underdogs and discounted 2nd seeds, to now potentially making the finals of Worlds.
BLG the Godslayers. One step away from the Grand Finals now. Can they do it? Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot GamesTime and again, BLG has been discounted internationally. Despite their players, on paper, not looking gold standard, they have proven their strength through their consistent victories. With their latest conquest being Gen.G, perhaps now they will earn the reputation they deserve.
JD Gaming vs T1 [8am GMT | 12th Nov]
Gods can bleed. Gen.G’s elimination showed us that. JD Gaming now remains as the biggest favorite to win Worlds this year. Likeliest candidate to stand in their way? T1.
For JDG, the path towards victory at Worlds has just been blown massively open. Gen.G was touted as the immovable object to their unstoppable force. The final boss to challenge for JDG’s golden road. The early demise of the Korean superforce has changed all of that.
A predator borne from the depths of the LPL. Built for one purpose. To win. Credit: LoL EsportsFacing BLG or Weibo in the finals would be a dream for JDG, having already beaten both teams this year. T1 remains their only obstacle, and even this JDG has beaten this T1 at MSI this year.
Then we have T1. The narrative surrounding this super team is 3 years in the making. From their incredible run last year domestically, to making the finals of Worlds, looking strong once more this year in Spring, an injury to “Faker” seeing the team on a lose streak in Summer, and now one series away from another finals.
Despite coming into this Worlds not as a favorite to win the whole thing, T1 has shown a steady consistency and reliability in their performance that seems to rarely waver internationally. Teams that they should beat, they do. Against teams that they might beat, they deliver close games and scores. They have steadily built this reputation for not buckling under pressure, but instead rising to it.
Where to Watch Worlds 2023 Knockout Stage?
Worlds 2023 Swiss Stage can be watched on Twitch and YouTube. For the full list of streams in all available languages, check this link here.
Credit: LoL Esports // Riot Games