Next week, the spotlight of the League of Legends community will shine on Seoul, as the champions of the Winter competition come together for the highly anticipated First Stand 2025. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into all the essential information about the event, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the action.

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 stage is set for an epic showdown among the champions from the five major regions:

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

Riot Games has sweetened the deal with a hefty prize pool of $1 million, distributed with a commendable equity: the champion will claim 30% of the total, while even the team finishing in last place will secure $130,000.

What is the format of First Stand 2025?

The tournament kicks off with a round-robin stage, where each team will battle it out in a Best of Three (Bo3) format against every other team. The team with the least successful record will be eliminated, leaving the remaining four to advance to a thrilling single-elimination playoff, where matches are played to the first to win three games.

A unique twist to this competition is the implementation of the Fearless Draft system. Once a champion is selected within a series, it cannot be picked again, promoting diversity in gameplay. This system has stirred debate among fans and players alike; while it introduces variety, it also means players might not always get to showcase their mastery over their signature champions. However, as the first international event of the season, it offers a perfect platform for teams to experiment and adapt.

Why is First Stand 2025 important?

While it might appear as a mere warm-up at first glance, the impact of First Stand 2025 extends far beyond. This event is akin to a butterfly effect; a stellar performance here can lay the groundwork for success at the World Championship.

The stakes are high: 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). Moreover, the two regions that perform best at MSI will earn an additional slot for the World Championship, making this tournament a pivotal moment for the future of regional competitions. Teams are not just fighting for personal glory and the enticing prize money from Riot Games; they are also battling for the prestige and future opportunities of their entire region.

What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?

The tournament will unfold over several days, with each day (except for the final) hosting two matches. All times are in Central European Time (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 that fans have multiple avenues to enjoy the tournament. From the official streams on lolesports.com to a variety of co-streamers, you can select the viewing option that suits you best. Make sure to visit lolesports.com to find the perfect way to experience every thrilling moment of First Stand 2025.