LoL First Stand 2025: why this tournament is important

Next week, all eyes in the League of Legends world will be on 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 battle it out:

• 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, with matches played as best-of-five (Bo5) series.

All matches utilize the Fearless Draft system, prohibiting the re-selection of a champion once it's been picked within a series. This unique format offers exciting champion variety but also presents challenges for players accustomed to their main champions. Given this is the first international tournament of the season, it's an ideal opportunity for strategic experimentation.

Why is First Stand 2025 Important?

While seemingly a pre-season warm-up, First Stand 2025 has significant implications. A strong showing can set the tone for the rest of the year, influencing success at Worlds.

The First Stand champion earns their region's second seed, guaranteeing a group stage slot at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Furthermore, the two top-performing regions at MSI receive an additional slot at Worlds, making First Stand crucial for regional strength. Teams are competing not only for individual glory and prize money but also for their region's future success.

What is the First Stand 2025 Schedule?

(All times in CET) Each day, except the final, features two matches:

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 numerous co-streams. Head to lolesports.com to find your preferred viewing method.