LoL First Stand 2025: why this tournament is important

Next week, all eyes in the League of Legends world will be on Seoul, South Korea, for First Stand 2025. Five regional champions will clash in this pivotal early-season tournament, and we've got all the details you need to know.

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 League of Legends 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 begins 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 count is eliminated. The remaining four teams then advance to a single-elimination bracket, playing best-of-five (Bo5) matches until a champion is crowned.

All matches utilize the Fearless Draft system, prohibiting the re-selection of champions within a series. While this format offers exciting champion variety, it also presents a challenge for players accustomed to their main champions. Given this is the first international tournament of the season, it provides an excellent opportunity for strategic experimentation.

Why is First Stand 2025 Important?

While seemingly a pre-season warm-up, First Stand 2025 carries significant weight. A strong showing can significantly impact a team's performance throughout the year. The winner secures their region's second seed and an automatic group stage berth at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI).

Furthermore, the top two performing regions at MSI earn an extra slot for the World Championship. This makes First Stand 2025 crucial for regional success, as teams compete not only for individual glory and prize money, but also for their region's future prospects.

What is the First Stand 2025 Schedule?

Each day, except for the final, features 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 will offer various viewing options, including numerous co-streams. Head over to lolesports.com to find the best viewing experience for you.