Solitary, cold, methodical and unencumbered by scruples or regrets, a killer waits in the shadows, watching for his next target. Yet, the longer he waits, the more he thinks he's losing his mind, if not his cool.
The first player can't guarantee a win, and the second player can't guarantee a win either. This is assuming both players make no mistakes in their moves. Therefore, neither going first nor going second guarantees a win if both players are playing their best. Tic-Tac-Toe is a solved game.