LoL First Stand 2025: Importance Explained

Next week, all eyes in the League of Legends community will be on Seoul, where the top teams from the Winter competition will clash in the First Stand 2025 event. In this article, we'll delve into all the essential details you need to know about this thrilling tournament.

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 champions from the five major regions will be battling it out in Seoul:

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

Riot Games has set up a hefty prize pool of $1 million, with a fair distribution where the winner takes home 30% of the total, and even the last-placed team secures $130,000.

What is the format of First Stand 2025?

The tournament kicks off with a round-robin stage, featuring best-of-three (Bo3) matches among all teams. The team with the poorest record will be eliminated, and the remaining four will advance to a single-elimination playoff, competing in a first-to-3 series.

All matches will adhere to the Fearless Draft system, where once a champion is selected in a series, it can't be picked again. This format has stirred discussions within the community: while fans appreciate the variety it brings, some players feel it limits their ability to shine with their signature champions. Nonetheless, being the first international event of the season, it's an ideal setting for teams to experiment and refine their strategies.

Why is First Stand 2025 important?

Although it may seem like a casual warm-up, First Stand 2025's impact could be monumental. It's akin to the butterfly effect; a strong showing here can set a team up for success at the World Championships.

The winner of First Stand 2025 earns their region's second seed an automatic group stage slot at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Furthermore, the top two performing regions at MSI will receive an additional slot for the World Championships. Thus, teams are not just fighting for their own glory and the prize money from Riot but also for the future prospects of their entire region.

What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?

The tournament will feature two matches per day, except for the final day, with all times listed in Central European Time (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 offers numerous viewing options, including various co-streamers. Head over to lolesports.com to find the most suitable and comfortable way to watch the action unfold.