What's up with the small ass studio for MSI?

For whatever reason, the group stage is also being held in the EU LCS studio. This is different from previous years where they were held in arenas of some sort (2017 Play In was held at the CBLOL Studio but still...)

I agree it's definitely an international downgrade. I can only assume each group stage had its share of spacious seating so renting out arenas for just the playoffs would be more feasible and a save of money.

I think after enough years and even experiencing MSI myself I'm just fine with watching with whatever audience as long as there's an audience.

I just remember All-Star 2013 and watching it as a young kid. I could not help but think the studio was some sort of future fantasy steam punk. That studio where I watched Toyz one v one Misaya is where I fell in love with this game. I think it was in China but I am not sure. Either way I was super disappointed wit the venue as well. It took away from the epic community that supports this game. Its like the NFL holding the Superbowl in my high school stadium. Poor play rito.