LoL First Stand 2025: why this tournament is important

Next week, the League of Legends world turns its eyes to Seoul for First Stand 2025, a showdown between five regional champions vying for glory. This article breaks down everything you need to know about this pivotal 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?

Five regional champions will clash:

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

With a $1 million prize pool, the competition is fierce. The champion takes home 30%, while even the last-place team receives a substantial $130,000.

What is the Format of First Stand 2025?

First Stand 2025 kicks off with a round-robin stage, where each team plays a best-of-three (Bo3) match against every other team. The team with the lowest win rate is eliminated. The remaining four teams then advance to a single-elimination playoff, playing best-of-five (Bo5) matches until a champion is crowned.

All matches utilize the Fearless Draft system, prohibiting the re-selection of any champion once picked within a series. This unique format offers exciting champion variety but also presents challenges for players accustomed to their signature champions. As the first international tournament of the season, it provides a valuable opportunity for experimentation and strategic innovation.

Why is First Stand 2025 Important?

While seemingly a pre-season warm-up, First Stand 2025 has significant implications. A strong performance here can significantly impact a team's trajectory towards Worlds. The winner earns their region's second seed, guaranteeing an automatic group stage slot at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Furthermore, the top two performing regions at MSI gain an additional slot for Worlds, making First Stand 2025 crucial in determining regional representation and competitive strength on the global stage. Teams are competing not only for prize money but also for their region's future success.

What is the First Stand 2025 Schedule?

(All times 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 offers various viewing options, including official streams and numerous co-streams. Head to lolesports.com to find the best viewing experience for you.