LoL First Stand 2025: The Significance of the Tournament

Next week, the eyes of the League of Legends community will be glued to Seoul, where the champions of the Winter competition will battle it out in the First Stand 2025. In this article, we'll dive into all the essential details of this highly anticipated event.

Table of Contents

• Who is playing in First Stand 2025?
• What is the format of First Stand 2025?
• Why is First Stand 2025 important?
• What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?
• Where to watch First Stand 2025?

Who is playing in First Stand 2025?

The event will feature champions from the five major regions, each bringing their unique flair to the competition:

• CTBC Flying Oyster (LCP)
• Hanwha Life Esports (LCK)
• Karmine Corp (LEC)
• Team Liquid (LTA)
• Top Esports (LPL)

Riot Games has generously set up a prize pool of $1 million, ensuring a fair distribution: the champion team will take home 30% of the total, while even the last-place team will receive a commendable $130,000.

What is the format of First Stand 2025?

The tournament kicks off with a round-robin stage, where each team competes in a Best of 3 (Bo3) match against all other teams. The team with the poorest record will be eliminated, leaving the top four to advance to a single-elimination playoff, where matches are first to 3 wins.

All games will adhere to the Fearless Draft system, meaning once a champion is picked in a series, it cannot be used again. This format has stirred some debate among fans and players. While it introduces variety and excitement, it can also hinder players from showcasing their best on their signature champions. However, as the first international tournament of the season, it's an excellent opportunity for teams to experiment and adapt.

Why is First Stand 2025 important?

While First Stand 2025 may appear to be a friendly warm-up, its implications are far-reaching. A strong performance here can set the stage for success at the World Championship, embodying the butterfly effect in competitive gaming.

The winner of First Stand 2025 secures their region's second seed an automatic slot in the group stage of the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Furthermore, the two best-performing regions at MSI will earn an additional slot at Worlds, making this event crucial for regional prestige and future opportunities. Teams are not just playing for their own glory and Riot's prize money but also for the future of their entire region.

What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?

The tournament will feature two matches each day, except for the final day, with all times listed in CET:

• March 10
  • 9:00 — TL vs. KC
  • 12:00 — HLE vs. TES
• March 11
  • 9:00 — CFO vs. KC
  • 12:00 — TL vs. TES
• March 12
  • 9:00 — CFO vs. HLE
  • 12:00 — KC vs. TES
• March 13
  • 9:00 — TL vs. CFO
  • 12:00 — HLE vs. KC
• March 14
  • 9:00 — CFO vs. TES
  • 12:00 — HLE vs. TL
• March 15
  • 9:00 — Semifinal 1
  • 12:00 — Semifinal 2
• March 16
  • 9:00 — Grand Final

Where to watch First Stand 2025?

Riot Games ensures that fans have multiple ways to enjoy the action. You can tune in through lolesports.com, where you'll find various co-streamers to choose from, allowing you to watch the games in your preferred style and comfort.