Next week, all eyes in the League of Legends world will be on Seoul for First Stand 2025. This tournament pits five regional champions against each other in a thrilling competition. Let's dive into the key details.
The champions representing the five major regions are:
Riot Games has put up a $1 million prize pool, with a generous distribution: the winner takes home 30%, while even the last-place team receives a substantial $130,000.
The tournament 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 is eliminated. The remaining four teams then advance to a single-elimination playoff, with matches continuing until a team secures three wins.
All matches will utilize the Fearless Draft system, where once a champion is selected in a series, it cannot be picked again. This format has generated discussion; while fans appreciate the champion variety, it can limit players from showcasing their mastery of signature champions. However, as the first international tournament of the season, it provides a valuable opportunity for experimentation and strategic exploration.
While it might seem like a pre-season warm-up, First Stand 2025 carries significant weight. A strong performance can set the tone for the rest of the competitive year. The winner earns their region's second seed, securing an automatic group stage spot at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Furthermore, the two best-performing regions at MSI gain an additional slot for Worlds, making this tournament crucial for regional success. Teams are competing not only for the prize money but also for their region's future at the highest levels of competition.
Each day, except for the final, features two matches (all times in CET):
March 10
March 11
March 12
March 13
March 14
March 15
March 16
Riot Games offers various viewing options, including numerous co-streams. Head over to lolesports.com to find the best viewing experience for you.