The competitive landscape of League of Legends has witnessed a significant shift over the years, with Chinese teams rising to prominence as dominant forces in the game. Recent reports suggest that the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) of 2024 is set to return to China, marking a homecoming after an eight-year hiatus.

Chengdu, the bustling city in southwestern China, is the rumored host city for MSI 2024, according to sources at Korean news outlet Naver. However, it's important to note that Riot Games has not yet officially confirmed this news. Despite the absence of an official announcement, the League of Legends community is already buzzing with excitement about the prospect of returning to mainland China for this prestigious tournament.

The last time MSI was held in China was back in 2016 when it graced the shores of Shanghai. That year, the legendary Faker and the indomitable SK Telecom T1 clinched yet another title, establishing their dominance. Royal Never Give Up faced a formidable challenge against the Korean powerhouse in the semifinals, while CLG overcame Flash Wolves to secure their spot in the finals.

Since 2018, the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) has maintained a firm grip on the MSI crown. Although G2 Esports managed to secure the trophy in 2019, the LPL's RNG has emerged victorious in three of the last five MSI editions. The region's supremacy has been evident, even with the introduction of a new format that allows two representatives from each region to participate in the tournament.

The recent MSI showcased the prowess of Chinese teams, with JD Gaming clinching the title after a convincing victory over Bilibili Gaming. With their sights set on the elusive Grand Slam, JDG and BLG proved their mettle by outperforming other top-tier teams like T1, Gen.G, G2 Esports, Cloud9, and MAD Lions. The possibility of having homefield advantage in Chengdu in 2024 could further enhance their performance.

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As fans eagerly await the official announcement from Riot Games, they can catch the action as Bilibili Gaming and JD Gaming continue to battle it out in the ongoing Worlds 2023, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 26 at 2am CT. The return of MSI to China promises to be a thrilling spectacle that could rekindle memories of past glory and set the stage for a new era of competition in the League of Legends world.