LoL First Stand 2025: Importance Explained

Next week, the eyes of the League of Legends community will be set on Seoul, where the champions from the Winter competition will clash in the exciting First Stand 2025 event. In this article, we dive deep 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 First Stand 2025 will showcase the champions from the five major regions:

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

Riot Games has set up a substantial prize pool of $1 million, with a balanced distribution: the champion will claim 30% of the total, while even the last-place team will secure a respectable $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-Three (Bo3) match against every other team. The team with the weakest performance will be eliminated, and the top four teams will advance to a single-elimination playoff, competing in first-to-3 matches.

All games will adhere to the Fearless Draft system, meaning once a champion is picked within a series, it cannot be selected again. This format has stirred discussions among fans and players alike. While it introduces variety and excitement, it also prevents players from consistently showcasing their prowess with their signature champions. Given that this is the first international event of the season, it's an ideal opportunity for experimentation.

Why is First Stand 2025 important?

Although it may appear as a friendly warm-up at first, the impact of First Stand 2025 could be monumental. It's akin to the butterfly effect where a strong performance here can set the tone for success at the World Championships.

The winner of First Stand 2025 will secure their region's second seed an automatic slot in the group stage at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Moreover, the two regions that perform the best at MSI will gain an additional slot for Worlds, making this event pivotal for regional standing. In essence, teams are not just competing for personal glory and Riot’s prize money, but also for the future prospects of their entire region.

What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?

Each day, except for the final, will feature two matches (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 ensures fans have multiple options to catch the action, including a variety of co-streamers. Head over to lolesports.com to find the most convenient and enjoyable way to watch the tournament unfold.