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 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 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 competition is fierce. The winner 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, where each team plays a best-of-three (Bo3) match against every other team. The team with the lowest win rate will be eliminated. The remaining four teams then advance to a single-elimination playoff, playing best-of-five (Bo5) matches until a champion is crowned.

All matches utilize the Fearless Draft system, prohibiting the reuse of any champion once selected within a series. While this creates exciting champion diversity, it also presents challenges for players accustomed to their main champions. However, as the first international tournament of the season, it provides an excellent opportunity for experimentation and strategic innovation.

Why is First Stand 2025 Important?

While seemingly a pre-season warm-up, First Stand 2025 carries significant weight. A strong performance can propel a team towards success at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and even Worlds.

The First Stand champion earns their region's second seed, securing an automatic group stage spot at MSI. Furthermore, the two top-performing regions at MSI gain an additional slot for Worlds. This makes First Stand 2025 crucial for regional standing and future tournament success. Teams are competing not just for prize money but also for their region's overall chances at global dominance.

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 the official stream and numerous co-streams. Visit lolesports.com to find the best viewing experience for you.