Next week, the attention of League of Legends fans will be riveted on Seoul, South Korea, as the Winter competition's five champions converge for the thrilling First Stand 2025 tournament. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into every crucial aspect of this highly anticipated 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 stage is set for an epic showdown featuring the 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 generously allocated a $1 million prize pool for the event, ensuring a fair distribution where the champion will claim 30% of the total, while even the last-place team secures a substantial $130,000.
What is the format of First Stand 2025?
The tournament kicks off with a round-robin stage, where each team competes in a Best of 3 (Bo3) format against all others. The team with the least favorable record will be eliminated, leaving the top four to advance to a single-elimination playoff, where matches are first to 3 wins.
A unique element of First Stand 2025 is the implementation of the Fearless Draft system, which prohibits the reuse of a champion once picked within a series. This rule has stirred some controversy among fans and players alike; while it promotes variety and unpredictability, it also prevents players from relying on their signature champions. However, as the inaugural international event of the season, it provides an excellent platform for strategic experimentation.
Why is First Stand 2025 important?
While it might appear as a casual warm-up at first glance, First Stand 2025 holds significant implications. The tournament acts as a catalyst, potentially setting the trajectory for teams' performances throughout the year, much like a butterfly effect leading to success at the World Championship.
The winner of First Stand 2025 not only secures a prestigious title but also earns their region’s second seed an automatic group stage slot at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Furthermore, the two regions that perform best at MSI will be awarded an additional slot for the World Championship, making this event a pivotal battleground for regional supremacy. Teams are thus vying not only for personal glory and Riot's generous prize pool but also for the future prospects of their entire region.
What is the First Stand 2025 schedule?
The tournament schedule is packed with action, featuring two matches per day (except for the final), all times listed 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 ample viewing options, including a variety of co-streams. To catch all the action, head over to lolesports.com and select the most comfortable and enjoyable way to watch the tournament unfold.
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