First Stand Tournament Format
The 2025 League of Legends esports season kicks off with an exciting event, the First Stand Tournament. This marks the year's initial international competition, setting the stage for elite regional teams to compete fiercely for the coveted First Stand trophy.
The tournament not only promises thrilling matches but also holds significant ramifications for teams as they vie for advantageous positions in the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational.
Theme for the 2025 First Stand Tournament
The 2025 First Stand Tournament adopts the empowering theme „Yours for the taking.“ This tournament invites participants to chart their own course to success, using methods that may include raw strength, a sharp intellect, innovative tactics, or exceptional skills. It presents an opportunity for players to engage in discovery and showcase their potential to the wider world.
First Stand Tournament Dates and Schedule
The inaugural First Stand Tournament 2025 unfolds from March 10 to March 16 at LoL Park in Seoul, South Korea. The event kicks off with a series of matches known as the Round Robin Stage, scheduled from March 10 to March 14, beginning at 5 p.m. KST. The tournament progresses to the Knockout Stage on March 15, at 1 p.m. KST. The two finest teams then face off in the Final on March 16, starting at 5 p.m. KST. Enthusiasts worldwide can follow the action at different corresponding local times.
2025 First Stand Tournament Competition Structure
Initial Round Stage
The competition kicks off with an initial round stage where each team faces off with others in a series of best-of-three matches. To ensure fairness, the choice of the starting side for the first match in every series is randomly determined prior to the game. This process allows each team to choose their side in two series, while the decision for the remaining two is left to chance. When this stage concludes, the team placed last is removed from the tournament, and the leading four teams progress to the next phase.
Elimination Rounds
In the elimination rounds, the top four teams compete in a straightforward knockout setup. Matches in this phase are best-of-five, designed to pinpoint the ultimate victor. The team with the highest score after the initial round faces the team ranked fourth, and the second seed competes against the third seed in separate semifinals. Those who succeed in these matches face off on March 16th to ascertain the inaugural champion.
Innovative Draft Approach
The tournament features an innovative draft approach, adding a layer of strategic depth. In addition to the standard pre-game bans, any champion chosen in prior matches is rendered unavailable for both teams in subsequent games. Thus, across a series:
- Game 1: Incorporates 10 standard champion bans.
- Game 2: Expands to include a total of 20 bans (standard plus game-related bans).
- Game 3: Includes 30 bans.
- Game 4: Increases to 40 bans.
- Game 5: Peaks at 50 bans.
This evolving draft system challenges teams to continually adapt their strategies throughout the series.
Teams Entering the 2025 First Stand Competition
Here is a list of teams that have earned entry to the 2025 First Stand competition:
- Top Esports from the LPL
- Hanwha Life Esports representing the LCK
- Karmine Corp in the LEC
- Team Liquid Honda showcasing skills from the LTA
- CTBC Flying Oyster of the LCP
Which Game Version Is Used for First Stand Tournament?
The First Stand Tournament utilizes League of Legends patch 25.5.
How to Access Stream Rewards During the First Stand Tournament
To unlock exclusive Drops during the First Stand tournament, fans should watch live on lolesports.com using their Riot ID. Critical in-game events such as pentakills and Baron steals activate a 2025 Esports Capsule reward. During the knockout phase, any series that reaches five games will also grant this valued capsule. Additionally, viewers can earn the limited edition “I Am FUMING” Brand emote by tuning in to the live finals on March 16.
Viewing the First Stand Tournament
Catch the First Stand Tournament on Riot Games‘ official Twitch and YouTube channels. The event is also streamed on the LoL Esports website and through official co-streamer platforms.
