LoL - LCP: CFO defeats TALON 3-1 in the Grand Final and Qualify for First Stand

The new League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP), formed from the merger of the APAC leagues in the ecosystem, has crowned its first champion of the year's opening split: the CTBC Flying Oysters (CFO). The new champions defeated Talon (formerly PSG Talon) with a 3-1 victory, securing their spot in the year's first international event, the First Stand, set to take place at LoL Park in South Korea.

CFO can be more than satisfied with their performance this split. Considered a top contender from the start, they finished the group stage in first place alongside Talon, who carried the expectations of being the league’s ultimate favorites. Indeed, Talon had reigned the PCS for the past five years, consistently securing the top spot and making multiple MSI and Worlds appearances. However, the team had to rebuild this year, welcoming two high-profile additions to their roster: jungler Hung "Karsa" Hao-Hsuan and midlaner Chu "FoFo" Chun-Lan.

But the gap in level and form between the two teams became evident during the playoffs. CFO cruised through the winner’s bracket, dismantling their opponents one by one—first GAM (2-0), then MGN Vikings Esports (MVKE) (3-1). Meanwhile, Talon stumbled early, losing 2-1 to MVKE and battling their way through the lower bracket to reach the finals, even having to go to game 5 against MVKE again in the loser bracket.

The grand final’s outcome followed expectations. Despite losing the opening game—largely due to Karsa’s Maokai controlling the tempo—CFO responded with authority, winning the next three games. A standout performance came from their 17-year-old midlaner, Tsai "HongQ" Ming-Hong, who shined throughout the series and was rightfully named MVP of the match.

CFO, who entered the PCS in 2022, will make their second international appearance after competing at Worlds 2022. They become the second team to qualify for the First Stand 2025, following Hanwha Life Esports, who earned their spot with a 3-2 win over Gen.G in the LCK Cup final. Fans can expect to see CFO in action when the tournament kicks off on March 10.