LoL First Stand: Format, Teams, and Schedule

Image: Riot Games

Here's everything you know about the inaugural version of LoL First Stand.

International League of Legends esports action is coming early, with the inaugural version of the LoL First Stand Tournament coming in just two weeks.

First Stand is an annual, international tournament that will happen at the conclusion of the first of three splits in the game’s revamped LoL esports calendar. Featuring the top teams from each major region, First Stand not only determines the first international champion of the year, but also impacts seeding for the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI).

And if you’re looking forward to seeing all the action unfold, here’s everything you need to know.

When and where will First Stand happen?

The inaugural First Stand tournament will take place at LoL Park in Seoul, South Korea from 10-16 March, 2025.

Tournament schedule

Round Robin Stage (10-14 March):

• 5:00 PM KST  
• 4:00 PM SGT
• 09:00 AM CET
• 01:00 AM PDT 

Knockout Stage (15/14 March): 

• 1:00 PM KST 
• 12:00 PM SGT
• 05:00 AM CET
• 9:00 PM (14 March) PDT 

Finals (16 March): 

• 5:00 PM KST
• 4:00 PM SGT 
• 09:00 AM CET
•  01:00 AM PDT  

Prize Pool

The prize pool of US $1,000,000 will be divided into the following:

• 1st: US $ 300,000
• 2nd: US $ 225,000
• 3rd-4th:  US $ 172,500
• 5th:  US $130,000

Participating Teams:

LPL (China): Qualifies on 2 March

LCK (Korea): Hanwha Life Esports

• Choi “Zeus” Woo-je (Top)
• Wang-Ho “Peanut” Han (Jungle)
• Geon-woo “Zeka” Kim (Mid)
• Park “Viper” Do-hyeon (Bottom)
• Hwan-joong “Delight” Yoo (Support)

LEC (Europe): Qualifies on 2 March

LTA (Americas): Team Liquid

• Eon-Yeong “Impact” Jeong (Top)
• Eom “UmTi” Seong-hyeon  (Jungle)
• Eain “APA” Stearns (Mid)
• Sean "Yeon" Sung (Bottom)
• Yong-in “CoreJJ” Jo (Support)

LCP (APAC): CTBC Flying Oyster

• Shih-Chieh “Rest” Hsu (Top)
• Shen “Driver” Tsung-hua (Top – substitute)
• Chun-chia “Junjia” Yu (Jungle)
• Tsai “honQ” Ming-hong (Mid)
• Chiu “Doggo” Tzu-chuan (Bottom) (Bottom)
• Kai Wing “Kaiwing” Ling (Support)

Teams and rosters will be updated once teams from other regions qualify.

Tournament Format

The competition is divided into two stages:

Round Robin Stage (10-14 March)

The Round Robin Stage features a best-of-three (Bo3) format where each team competes against every other team. Side selection for Game 1 in each series is pre-determined to ensure balanced advantages across matchups. At the end of this stage, the lowest-ranked team is eliminated, while the top four teams move on to the Knockout Stage.

Knockout Stage (15-16 March)

The Knockout Stage follows a single-elimination bracket. The 1st seed from the Round Robin Stage faces the 4th seed, while the 2nd seed plays against the 3rd seed. These matches are played in a best-of-five (Bo5) format, culminating in a grand final on 16 March to determine the First Stand champion.

Fearless Draft System

The tournament will introduce the Fearless Draft system, which progressively removes champions from play within a series. Once a champion is picked in any game, it becomes unavailable for both teams in subsequent matches.

• Game 1: 10 standard bans
• Game 2: 10 additional "Fearless Bans" (20 total)
• Game 3: 20 Fearless Bans (30 total)
• Game 4: 30 Fearless Bans (40 total)
• Game 5: 40 Fearless Bans (50 total)

This format challenges teams to demonstrate deep champion pools and adaptability throughout the series.

Watch Rewards and Viewing Experience

Fans watching live on LoLEsports.com with their Riot ID linked can earn exclusive Drops:

• Pentakills & Baron steals: Reward a 2025 Esports Capsule.
• Five-game series (Knockout Stage): Additional 2025 Esports Capsule.
• Finals Exclusive: "I Am FUMING" First Stand Brand emote.

A redesigned Heads-Up Display (HUD) will also be introduced, aimed at enhancing clarity and engagement for both new and veteran viewers.

Co-Streaming and Global Power Rankings

The tournament will feature co-streaming, with 75 creators expected to broadcast every match. Official team co-streams will also be available. The full list of co-streamers will be revealed on 3 March.

Meanwhile, the Global Power Rankings, powered by AWS, will return on 2 March, providing real-time insights into team performances throughout the year.

First Stand 2025 Merchandise

A dedicated merch collection featuring First Stand’s signature colours and Noxian-inspired designs will be available at LoL Park, with select items launching online from 4 March:

• NA/EU: merch.riotgames.com
• KR:Riot Store, Musinsa
• CN:Tmall, Douyin

With regional pride on the line and MSI seeding at stake, First Stand 2025 promises intense competition as the world's top teams battle for their first title of the year.