League of Legends fans have been treated to thrilling matches at the First Stand 2025 tournament, which kicked off on March 10 and runs through March 16. The event has seen teams from around the world compete fiercely for the inaugural crown, showcasing some exciting esports action and strategic play.
Day three of the tournament provided numerous highlights, particularly for Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) and Karmine Corp (KC). HLE solidified their standing as tournament favorites with convincing wins, defeating CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO) twice with game times of 23 and 27 minutes, respectively. Meanwhile, KC found their footing after earlier struggles, surprising audiences with their first international victory against Top Esports (TES), winning both games within 31 minutes.
The match between HLE and CFO was nothing short of spectacular, particularly with the strategic prowess displayed by HLE. The first game began with Peanut on Vi controlling the jungle and setting the pace, leading to newly-famed champion Zeka’s Yone dominating the mid-lane and enabling Viper’s Ashe to neutralize CFO’s bot. HLE finished with a commanding 19-4 kill lead. The second game escalated the excitement even more, as HLE took risks with bold picks like Vladimir, Nidalee, Zed, Miss Fortune, and Rell, which paid off handsomely.
Post-game, HLE's support, Delight, reflected on the significance of maintaining focus even during their dominance, stating, “No result is set in stone.” This attitude may well serve them well as the tournament progresses.
Karmine Corp faced their own challenges but managed to flip the script with their match against TES after two earlier losses. The pressure was high for KC as they needed this win to keep playoff hopes alive. The team rallied behind Yike’s Skarner and Targamas’ Karma in game one, where they seized control early. Despite facing strong competition, they maintained their composure, ending game one with a notable 33-16 kill lead.
With the pressure mounting, Karmine Corp swiftly found and executed key team fights to secure the match. TES struggled to keep pace with KC’s aggressive strategies and flawless execution, leading KC to their significant first international victory.
But it didn’t end there for KC as they faced HLE on March 13. Facing the unbeatable Korean powerhouse, they needed to win to secure any chances for playoffs. Unfortunately, after winning one game, HC took both the first and last match, concluding the round robin on top with three solid wins under their belt. HLE’s performance was described as mechanical and strategic superiority as they took the match 2-1.
Matchups like these not only captivate audiences but also draw tremendous viewership. According to Esports Charts, the match of HLE against TES on Day 1 attracted 698,844 peak viewers. Even KC's match-ups commanded their share, with the contest against TL reaching 608,070 peak viewers. Speculation suggests numbers could have surged even higher if other factions engaged fully. This tournament has aimed for between 40 million and 52 million hours of watch time over its course.
HLE’s overwhelming success has called attention to the gaps between their performance and those of other teams. With strong dominance demonstrated, analysts note exceptional match control and engagement at all stages of gameplay, enhancing their lead against competitors. Whether HLE continues this streak remains to be seen, but as of now, they are undoubtedly the team to beat.
On the horizon, Karmine Corp, with their mixed results, eyes another opportunity against Team Liquid following their clash with HLE. While fans may have been left holding their breath, the expectations remain soaring, reflecting hope and spirit across the EMEA region. Can KC reverse their fortunes and enter the playoffs? The upcoming days will be pivotal.
Esports continues to bridge communities, and events like the First Stand not only showcase gameplay but also fuel the passionate rivalry between regions and teams. With every matchup, the stakes rise, and audiences only wait to see which teams will rise to the occasion next. With HLE’s prowess intact and KC daring to dream, the competition remains fierce and exhilarating.