
Next week, the eyes of the League of Legends community will be set on Seoul, where the excitement of the First Stand 2025 event will unfold. This tournament marks the clash of the titans from the Winter competition, and we're here to give you a comprehensive rundown of what to expect.
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 are set to compete:
- CTBC Flying Oyster (LCP)
- Hanwha Life Esports (LCK)
- Karmine Corp (LEC)
- Team Liquid (LTA)
- Top Esports (LPL)
Riot Games has sweetened the pot with a $1 million prize pool, ensuring a competitive edge. The champion team will claim 30% of the total, while even the last-place team will take home a respectable $130,000.
What is the format of First Stand 2025?
The tournament kicks off with a round-robin stage, where each team will face off in a Best of 3 (Bo3) match against the others. The team with the lowest record will be eliminated, and the remaining four will advance to a single-elimination playoff, competing in first-to-3 matches.
All games will employ the Fearless Draft system, prohibiting the reuse of a champion once picked in a series. While this format encourages diversity in gameplay, it has sparked a debate among fans and players about the balance between showcasing variety and playing signature champions. Given that First Stand 2025 is the first international tournament of the season, it's an ideal time for such experimentation.
Why is First Stand 2025 important?
Although it might appear as a casual warm-up, the impact of First Stand 2025 could be significant. A strong showing here can set the tone for the rest of the season, potentially influencing performance at the World Championship.
The winner will secure their region's second seed an automatic spot in the group stage of the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Moreover, the top two performing regions at MSI will earn an additional slot for the World Championship, making First Stand 2025 a pivotal event for regional competitiveness. Teams are not just battling for personal glory and Riot's prize money; they're fighting for their region's future on the global stage.
What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?
The schedule for First Stand 2025 is packed with action, with two matches scheduled each day except for the final day (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
Where to watch First Stand 2025?
Riot Games offers numerous viewing options for fans, including a variety of co-streamers. Head over to lolesports.com to choose the viewing experience that suits you best.