LoL First Stand 2025: Importance Explained

Next week, the excitement in the League of Legends community will be centered in Seoul as the top teams from the Winter competition come together for the First Stand 2025. In this article, we delve into all the essential details you need to know about this thrilling 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 champions from the five major regions will be competing, showcasing their skills on the global stage. The lineup includes:

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

Riot Games has set aside a substantial prize pool of $1 million, with a fair distribution plan: the winner will take home 30% of the total, while even the fifth-place team will receive $130,000.

What is the format of First Stand 2025?

The tournament will kick off with a round-robin stage, where each team will face off against the others in a Best of 3 (Bo3) match format. The team with the lowest record will be eliminated, and the remaining four will advance to a single-elimination playoff, where matches are played as first to 3 wins.

All games will utilize the Fearless Draft system, where a champion picked in a series cannot be reused. This approach has stirred debate among fans and players alike. While it brings variety to the matches, it can prevent players from using their signature champions consistently. Nonetheless, being the first international event of the season, it's an ideal opportunity for strategic experimentation.

Why is First Stand 2025 important?

At a glance, First Stand 2025 might appear as a friendly warm-up, but its implications could be far-reaching. A strong showing here can significantly influence a team's trajectory leading up to the World Championships.

The winner of First Stand 2025 will secure an automatic group stage slot for their region’s second seed at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Moreover, the top two performing regions at MSI will earn an additional slot for Worlds, making this tournament crucial not just for individual team success but for the overall strength of their region.

What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?

The event will feature two matches each day, except for the final day. All times are 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 ensures fans have multiple ways to catch the action, including a variety of co-streamers. Head over to lolesports.com to find the most suitable and comfortable viewing option for you.