LoL First Stand 2025: Importance Explained

All next week, League of Legends fans will turn their attention to Seoul, where the champions of the Winter competition will battle it out during the highly anticipated First Stand 2025. This tournament promises to deliver thrilling matches and set the tone for the esports season ahead. In this article, we’ll dive into every detail you need to know about the 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 of the five major regions will compete in this tournament:

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

Riot Games has announced a total prize pool of $1 million, distributed fairly among the participating teams. The champion will take home 30% of the prize pool, while even the team finishing last will receive $130,000.

What is the Format of First Stand 2025?

The tournament will kick off with a round-robin stage, featuring Bo3 matches between all five teams. At the end of this stage, the team with the lowest standing will be eliminated, leaving four teams to compete in a single-elimination playoff. Matches in the playoff stage will be played until one team reaches three wins.

All games will utilize the Fearless Draft system, ensuring that once a champion is picked in a series, they cannot be selected again. While this format encourages diversity and keeps matches exciting, it also presents challenges for players who rely heavily on specific champions. Despite the debates surrounding this rule, it serves as a great opportunity for experimentation at the start of the season.

Why is First Stand 2025 Important?

At first glance, First Stand 2025 may appear to be just another friendly warm-up event, but its significance runs deep. Think of it as the foundation for regional dominance in the upcoming seasons. Success here could have ripple effects, influencing performance at the World Championship.

The winning team will secure their region’s second seed for the MSI, guaranteeing a direct spot in the group stage. Moreover, the two strongest regions at MSI will earn an additional slot at Worlds, making this event crucial for regional pride and strength. In essence, teams aren’t just fighting for the prize money—they’re playing for their region’s future.

What is the First Stand 2025 Schedule?

The tournament schedule features two matches per day (except for the final), with all times listed in CET.

March 10

• 9:00 — Team Liquid (TL) vs. Karmine Corp (KC)
• 12:00 — Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) vs. Top Esports (TES)

March 11

• 9:00 — CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO) vs. Karmine Corp (KC)
• 12:00 — Team Liquid (TL) vs. Top Esports (TES)

March 12

• 9:00 — CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO) vs. Hanwha Life Esports (HLE)
• 12:00 — Karmine Corp (KC) vs. Top Esports (TES)

March 13

• 9:00 — Team Liquid (TL) vs. CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO)
• 12:00 — Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) vs. Karmine Corp (KC)

March 14

• 9:00 — CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO) vs. Top Esports (TES)
• 12:00 — Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) vs. Team Liquid (TL)

March 15

• 9:00 — Semifinal Match 1
• 12:00 — Semifinal Match 2

March 16

• 9:00 — Grand Final

Where to Watch First Stand 2025?

As always, Riot Games offers multiple ways to catch all the action. Head over to lolesports.com to find your preferred viewing option. Whether you prefer the official stream or a co-streamer, you’ll have plenty of choices to suit your preferences.

Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds!