TES Faces Early Hurdle at First Stand 2025
Top Esports (TES) is set to kick off their campaign at League of Legends’ First Stand 2025 with a high-stakes matchup against Hanwha Life Esports (HLE). The tournament, which is a crucial stepping stone toward securing an extra spot in the 2025 Mid Season Invitational (MSI), brings together the best teams from different regions, making it a must-watch event for LoL fans. In a recent interview with Dot Esports, TES’ top laner Bai “369” Jia-Hao shared his thoughts on the team’s preparation, their primary focus, and his personal goals.
Acknowledging the Growth of Western Teams
369 has been a consistent presence on the international LoL stage for the past three years, and his experience is evident in his insights. During the MSI 2024, he noted that Western teams had made significant progress in their competition against Eastern teams. However, at the World Championship ( Worlds 2024), that momentum waned. When queried about the prospects of Western teams in First Stand, 369 was optimistic. “For the first time, Western teams got a big chance to have a very good result,” he said, highlighting the tournament’s tight schedule as a potential advantage. Western teams have shown a remarkable ability to adapt quickly to new metas, and the Fearless Draft system, which introduces unconventional picks, could further play to their strengths. 369 mentioned rumors of a potentially off-meta Teemo pick by Karmine Corp, indicating that these teams might have some surprises in store.
Emphasizing Fundamentals Over Innovation
While 369 respects the innovation and adaptability of Western teams, he believes that fundamentals are key to success at the highest level. “You need to really do the fundamental things well, and after that, you can experiment with special picks or playstyles,” he explained. This philosophy has led him to stick with a more traditional champion pool for the tournament. He recognizes that at the elite level, minor differences in mechanics or game sense can be the deciding factors, and these are areas where Eastern top laners often excel. This is a "fun fact," as 369 put it, noting that all the top laners in First Stand are from Eastern countries, making the tournament a true test of the East’s dominance in the top lane.
A Burning Desire for Revenge
The opening match against HLE is particularly significant for 369. HLE’s top laner, Zeus, formerly of T1, was the player who eliminated TES from Worlds 2024. This personal grudge adds an extra layer of motivation for 369. “I really have a strong desire for revenge against them, and I need to do my best to make this revenge happen,” he declared. The match will not only be a showdown between two of the best top laners in the world but also a critical test of the LPL’s strength against the LCK. As the tournament begins, HLE is favored by many, sitting atop numerous power rankings, while TES, despite a less impressive start to the year, is determined to prove that their region remains a powerhouse.
Continuous Improvement as the Key to Victory
For TES, the tournament is a chance to showcase their growth and improvement. 369 emphasized the team’s commitment to continuous development. “Our goal is always to do better and better in every single game, every single series,” he said. This relentless pursuit of excellence is what fuels the team’s ambition. 369 believes that if TES can maintain this trajectory and keep refining their strategies and mechanics, they have a strong chance of securing the championship. The team’s potential to rise to the occasion and challenge the tournament favorites is a testament to their resilience and determination.
Navigating the Challenges Ahead
As TES enters the First Stand, they are a formidable team with a wealth of international experience. However, their journey is far from guaranteed. The biggest challenge they face is maintaining consistency, especially given the competitive nature of the event. The team has been working tirelessly to address any weaknesses and to ensure that they are at their peak form by the time the tournament rolls around. 369’s focus on fundamentals and his team’s commitment to improvement are their greatest assets in this quest. If they can outperform the favorites, TES could emerge as the champions and solidify their position as one of the top teams in the world.
Looking Forward to a Competitive and Entertaining Tournament
Despite the intense competition and the pressure of the international stage, 369 remains excited and optimistic about the tournament. The Fearless Draft system adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability, making each match a potential spectacle. TES, led by 369’s dedication and the team’s unwavering focus, are poised to make a strong showing. Whether they will achieve their goal of revenge and prove the LPL’s dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: First Stand 2025 promises to be a thrilling and competitive event, and TES is ready to take on all comers.
