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. Five regional champions will clash in this pivotal early-season tournament. This article covers all the essential 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 regions are:

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

Riot Games has put up a $1 million prize pool, with a surprisingly generous distribution: the winner takes home 30%, while even the last-place team receives $130,000.

What is the format of First Stand 2025?

The tournament 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 rate is eliminated. The remaining four teams then advance to a single-elimination playoff bracket, where matches are best-of-five (Bo5).

All matches will utilize the Fearless Draft system, preventing champions from being picked more than once within a series. This format is generating discussion; while fans appreciate the champion variety, it may limit players' ability to showcase their skills on their main champions. However, as the first international tournament of the season, it provides a valuable opportunity for experimentation and strategic exploration.

Why is First Stand 2025 important?

While it might seem like a pre-season warm-up, First Stand 2025 has significant implications. A strong showing here could be a major predictor of success at Worlds.

The First Stand champion earns their region's second seed, guaranteeing a group stage spot at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Furthermore, the two top-performing regions at MSI receive an extra slot for Worlds. This makes First Stand 2025 crucial for regional standing and future success. Teams are competing not just for prize money, but for their region's overall chances at Worlds.

What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?

Each day, excluding 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 offers various viewing options, including numerous co-streams. Head to lolesports.com to find the best viewing experience for you.