UK-based players get chance to represent their favourite Premier League club for the first time in competitive gaming.
The Premier League is joining forces with Electronic Arts to launch the inaugural ePremier League tournament.
The ePL will give UK-based players the chance to compete for and represent their favourite Premier League club for the first time in competitive gaming, according to Sports Industry.biz.
All 20 Premier League clubs will be represented, with the tournament being operated by esports specialist, Gfnity.
The ePL competitive gaming tournament on EA Sports FIFA 19 begins in January 2019, with players competing for three months across three rounds: online qualification, live club playoffs and the eventual live ePL Final.
The ePL Final will be played in London on March 28-29, 2019 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and Premier League social media channels.
“We know that millions of fans play FIFA and this new esports competition will provide our clubs with an exciting opportunity to engage with them,” said Richard Masters, md of the Premier League. “We can’t wait to get started with the opening online rounds in January 2019.”
Todd Sitrin, svp and gm of the EA Competitive Gaming Division, added: “The Premier League’s global reach and intensely passionate fanbase pushes EA Sports FIFA competition to unprecedented heights as we accelerate esports growth through traditional sports.
“Through the ePL, this partnership carves a critical path forward in expanding competition not only for players, but for the hundreds of millions watching Premier League games who now can support their club on the virtual and the traditional pitch.”
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