Next week, all eyes in the League of Legends community will be on Seoul, where the champions of the Winter competition will clash in the highly anticipated First Stand 2025. This article is your ultimate guide to understanding everything you need to know about this thrilling 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 excitement is building as the champions from the five major regions prepare to compete. Here are the teams:
- CTBC Flying Oyster (LCP)
- Hanwha Life Esports (LCK)
- Karmine Corp (LEC)
- Team Liquid (LTA)
- Top Esports (LPL)
Riot Games has set up an impressive prize pool of $1 million, distributed with 30% going to the champion and even the last-place team taking home $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 Best of 3 (Bo3) matches. The team with the worst record will be eliminated, and the remaining four will advance to a single-elimination playoff, playing first-to-3 matches.
All games will adhere to the Fearless Draft system, where once a champion is picked in a series, it cannot be used again. This unique format has sparked discussions among fans and players alike. While it encourages variety and experimentation, it can also prevent players from using their signature champions consistently. Given that this is the first international event of the season, it's an excellent opportunity for teams to test new strategies.
Why is First Stand 2025 important?
At a glance, First Stand 2025 might seem like a mere warm-up, but its implications are far-reaching. A strong showing here can have a domino effect, potentially setting the stage for success at the World Championship.
The winner of First Stand 2025 will secure their region's second seed an automatic slot in the group stage of the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Furthermore, the two highest-performing regions at MSI will earn an additional slot for the World Championship. This makes the tournament a crucial battleground not just for individual team glory and Riot's prize money, but for the future of their entire region's competitive scene.
What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?
The schedule is packed with action, featuring two matches 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
- 9:00 — Grand Final
Where to watch First Stand 2025?
Riot Games ensures fans have numerous ways to catch the action, including a variety of co-streamers. Head over to lolesports.com to choose the viewing option that suits you best.
