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?

The champions representing the five major regions are:

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

With a $1 million prize pool, the stakes are high. The winning team 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, featuring best-of-three (Bo3) matches between all teams. The team with the lowest win rate is eliminated, leaving four teams to battle it out in a single-elimination playoff, first to three wins.

All matches will utilize the Fearless Draft system, prohibiting the re-selection of any champion once it's been picked within a series. This format, while generating both excitement and debate amongst fans and players, provides a unique opportunity for strategic experimentation, especially given this is the season's first international tournament.

Why is First Stand 2025 important?

While seemingly a pre-season warm-up, First Stand 2025 carries significant weight. A strong showing here can dramatically impact a team's chances at Worlds. The winner secures their region's second seed and an automatic group stage slot at MSI. Furthermore, the top two performing regions at MSI earn an extra slot for Worlds, making First Stand 2025 crucial for regional success and seeding. Teams are competing not only for individual glory and prize money, but for their region's future.

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 multiple viewing options, including various co-streams. Head to lolesports.com to find your preferred viewing method.