Next week, the eyes of the League of Legends community will be set on Seoul as the champions from the Winter competition clash in the much-anticipated First Stand 2025. In this article, we'll delve into all the essential details you need to know about this exciting 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 event will feature the top teams from five major regions:
- CTBC Flying Oyster (LCP)
- Hanwha Life Esports (LCK)
- Karmine Corp (LEC)
- Team Liquid (LTA)
- Top Esports (LPL)
Riot Games has set aside a prize pool of $1 million, with an equitable distribution: the winning team will receive 30% of the total, while even the last-place team will take 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 Three (Bo3) matches. The team with the poorest performance will be eliminated, and the remaining four teams will advance to a single-elimination playoff, competing in first-to-3 matches.
All games will adhere to the Fearless Draft system, where a champion picked in a series cannot be used again. This format has sparked some debate among fans and players. While it introduces a variety of gameplay, it can sometimes hinder players from showcasing their best on their preferred champions. Nevertheless, as the first international event of the season, it's a prime opportunity for experimentation.
Why is First Stand 2025 important?
Though it might initially appear as a casual warm-up, the First Stand 2025 tournament holds significant implications. It's akin to the butterfly effect; a strong showing here could lay the groundwork for success at the World Championships.
The winner of First Stand 2025 will secure their region's second seed a direct entry into the group stage at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Moreover, the two highest-performing regions at MSI will earn an additional slot for Worlds, making this event crucial for determining regional strength. Essentially, teams are competing not only for their own glory and the prize money from Riot but also for the future prospects of their entire region.
What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?
The tournament will unfold over several days, with two matches scheduled 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 options to catch the action, including a wide array of co-streamers. Head over to lolesports.com to find the most convenient viewing option for you.
