Riot Games is raising the stakes for League of Legends’ new competitive season by introducing the First Stand, an international tournament with a significant reward.
The champion of the First Stand will secure a direct spot in the playoffs of the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2025, bringing even more motivation for professional teams to shine early in the year.
First Stand: A New International Tournament
The 2025 professional season of League of Legends kicks off with several changes, and one of the most exciting additions is the First Stand tournament. This event gathers the top-performing teams from the first split across five major leagues to compete for the title of the year’s first champion.
Scheduled from March 10 to March 16, 2025, at LoL Park in South Korea, the First Stand aims to showcase the best early-season matches from top regional teams. Riot’s esports team explained their goal:
“We want the First Stand to be an unforgettable moment of the year, with guaranteed top-tier matches that highlight the best of the early season,” said Chris Greeley, Global Head of LoL Esports.
MSI Playoff Spot and Regional Benefits
Riot Games announced a unique incentive for the First Stand champion. Not only will the winner skip the initial stages of the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), securing a direct berth in the playoffs, but their region will also receive an additional slot at MSI 2025.
This format encourages teams to perform at their peak during the First Stand, as it provides both individual and regional advantages. For fans, this guarantees that MSI will feature even more competitive and diverse matchups, with regions like the LCK, LEC, LCS, LPL, and PCS likely vying for supremacy.
The MSI 2025 will take place in Vancouver, Canada, from June 27 to July 12, promising another thrilling chapter in international competition.
What’s Next for the Competitive Season?
As we look ahead to the First Stand and beyond, fans can prepare for an action-packed season. Regional leagues are set to begin soon, laying the groundwork for teams to qualify for this exciting new tournament. Riot’s changes to the competitive structure signal their commitment to delivering memorable moments for players and fans alike.
For information on the start dates of regional leagues and more details about the professional season, stay tuned to Riot’s official updates.
Conclusion
The introduction of the First Stand tournament adds a thrilling dynamic to the League of Legends esports calendar. With a direct MSI playoff spot on the line and the opportunity to elevate a region’s chances, the First Stand is shaping up to be a must-watch event in 2025.
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