First Stand: Riot Introduces New International LoL Esports Tournament

First Stand: Riot Introduces New International LoL Esports Tournament

4. November 2024 by Valentin Pasetti

As anticipation builds for the League of Legends World Championship final, Riot Games has officially unveiled First Stand, the first international tournament of 2025. This announcement comes as the developer prepares for the next competitive season, promising exciting changes and innovations.

Key Details About First Stand

First Stand: Riot Games Introduces New International LoL Tournament for 2025

  • Dates: March 10-16, 2025
  • Location: LoL Park, Seoul, South Korea
  • Participating Regions: LCK (Korea), LPL (China), LTA (Americas), LCP (Pacific), and LEC (Europe)
  • Format: Round Robin, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs

Noteworthy Features of First Stand

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  1. Fearless Draft: This new draft mode will be implemented across all regions during Split 1. Once a champion is picked by a team in a match, that champion will be banned for the remainder of the series for both teams, adding a strategic layer to champion selection.
  2. International Competitors: The tournament will feature the champions from the first split of each participating region, creating a highly competitive environment.
  3. Playoff Structure: Following the Round Robin stage, the top four teams will enter the playoffs to compete for the title of the first international champion of the season.
  4. Qualification for MSI: While First Stand will be a significant event in the 2025 season, the champion will not receive a direct qualification spot for the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Riot has indicated that formats may change annually, impacting qualification routes.

Conclusion

The introduction of First Stand marks a significant addition to the League of Legends competitive calendar in 2025. With its unique Fearless Draft format and participation from top teams across regions, this tournament is poised to become a key event in the LoL esports landscape.

As fans await the World Championship final, the excitement for the upcoming season grows, setting the stage for thrilling gameplay and fierce competition.

Confirmed Venues and Dates for Worlds, MSI, and First Stand of LoL in 2025