LoL First Stand 2025: Key Tournament Highlights

League of Legends fans worldwide are turning their attention to Seoul next week as five champion teams from the Winter competition clash in First Stand 2025. Here's everything you need to know about this premier esports event.

Who is playing in First Stand 2025?

The tournament features champions from five major regions:

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

Riot Games has allocated a $1 million prize pool with fair distribution - the champion claiming 30%, while even the last-place team earns $130,000.

What is the format of First Stand 2025?

The competition begins with a round-robin stage where all teams compete in best-of-three matches. The lowest-performing team gets eliminated, while the top four advance to single-elimination playoffs (best-of-five matches).

The tournament introduces Fearless Draft - once a champion is picked in a series, they become unavailable for remainder of that series. While this creates exciting champion diversity, it also limits players' ability to showcase signature picks. As the season's first international event, it serves as an ideal testing ground for innovative formats.

Why is First Stand 2025 important?

Far from being just an exhibition, this tournament carries significant competitive implications:

• The winning region secures an automatic MSI group stage slot for their second seed
• Top two performing regions at MSI gain an additional Worlds qualification spot
• Strong showing here can build crucial momentum toward Worlds qualification

Teams aren't just competing for prize money - they're fighting for their entire region's competitive future.

What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?

All matches follow CET timezone (two matches daily except finals):

March 10

• 09:00 — TL vs. KC
• 12:00 — HLE vs. TES

March 11

• 09:00 — CFO vs. KC
• 12:00 — TL vs. TES

March 12

• 09:00 — CFO vs. HLE
• 12:00 — KC vs. TES

March 13

• 09:00 — TL vs. CFO
• 12:00 — HLE vs. KC

March 14

• 09:00 — CFO vs. TES
• 12:00 — HLE vs. TL

March 15

• 09:00 — Semifinal 1
• 12:00 — Semifinal 2

March 16

• 09:00 — Grand Final

Where to watch First Stand 2025?

Riot Games offers multiple viewing options including official broadcasts and co-streams. Visit lolesports.com to find your preferred viewing method.

The action begins March 10 - mark your calendars for this exciting start to the 2025 competitive season!