The Asia Invitational 2025 added an unexpected twist to its League of Legends broadcast this week. A live insect featured on stream to predict match outcomes before games started.
The broadcast team presented a cricket, though eagle-eyed viewers quickly identified it as a katydid, also known as a bush cricket. The insect “picked” winners through some on-screen method, with the broadcast providing updates on its prediction throughout matches.
According to multiple viewers tracking the segment, the insect predictor maintained a perfect accuracy rate across several games. The specific method of how picks were determined hasn’t been fully detailed, but the segment clearly resonated with the audience watching the pre-Worlds exhibition event.
Things got interesting during the JDG versus Dplus KIA match. At least one viewer claimed the prediction switched from JDG to DK mid-game when JDG started falling behind. If true, this would mark either a remarkably timed shift or a cheeky production call.
The Asia Invitational serves as a warmup event featuring top teams from the LPL and LCK regions ahead of the 2025 World Championship. The tournament’s name hints at its lighthearted nature, prioritizing entertainment alongside competitive play.
JDG and Dplus KIA are both powerhouse organizations with strong international track records. DK, formerly DAMWON Gaming, won Worlds in 2020.
Paul the Octopus started this
Animal predictors aren’t new to competitive events. Paul the Octopus became a global sensation during the 2010 FIFA World Cup by correctly predicting multiple match outcomes. Esports has dabbled in similar gimmicks before, including a chicken predictor at a CS:GO Major.
The insect segment adds personality to what could otherwise be standard exhibition matches. It gives viewers something to track beyond the gameplay itself and creates conversation around the broadcast production. Whether the katydid maintains its winning streak or gets exposed as a fraud remains to be seen as the tournament continues.
