NA LoL in trouble following Team Liquid’s First Stand elimination

Team Liquid’s Disappointing Exit from First Stand 2025

Team Liquid has been eliminated from First Stand 2025, raising concerns about North America’s standing in the competitive world of League of Legends esports.

Despite Team Liquid’s unexpected exit, Sean ‘Yeon’ Sung remains confident in the region’s strength. In a post-match interview with Esports Insider, Yeon expressed that their performance does not accurately represent the overall quality of North America’s esports scene.

Team Liquid’s Results in First Stand

  • March 10: Team Liquid 2-1 Karmine Corp
  • March 11: Team Liquid 0-2 Top Esports
  • March 13: Team Liquid 0-2 CBTC Flying Oyster
  • March 14: Team Liquid 1-2 Hanwha Life Esports

Team Liquid, a prominent name in the NA League of Legends community, suffered a series of defeats in the tournament, leading to doubts about the region’s competitiveness.

Yeon acknowledged their shortcomings in the matches, stating, “I think it was very lackluster and we were not actively trying to win.”

Impact of the Fearless Draft Format

The introduction of the Fearless Draft format in First Stand added a unique challenge for teams, as they were restricted from picking champions they had already used in a series. When asked about the new rules, Yeon mentioned that while it may have had some impact, it was not the primary reason for their underwhelming performance.

Team Liquid’s First Stand Exit Casts Doubt Among NA Fans

Heading into the Knockout Stages, here are the current placements:

  • 1. Hanwha Life Esports
  • 2. CBTC Flying Oyster
  • 3. Karmine Corp
  • 4. Top Esports
  • 5. Team Liquid (Eliminated)

Team Liquid’s defeat allowed Chinese team Top Esports to secure the fourth spot in the standings, adding to the disappointment of NA fans.

Despite the setback, Yeon emphasized that North America still maintains a strong position in the international esports landscape, pointing out the capabilities of the region’s top teams.

Looking ahead, Team Liquid’s departure from First Stand highlights the challenges that NA teams face in the global esports scene, sparking anticipation for when the West will achieve victory.