The eSports presence of EA’s FIFA series is ever-growing, and EA is taking things one step further by partnering with the Premier League in the UK to create the ePremier League Tournament, stylized as ePL, which will begin in January 2019.
FIFA is one of EA’s most popular franchises worldwide, and the Premier League is the most prominent British Soccer (Football) League, so it makes sense for the two to partner. Obviously, FIFA 19 will be the title players compete in across three rounds: online qualification in January 2019, live club playoffs in February and early March 2019, and the ePL Final on March 28 and 29, 2019.
As that second round’s title suggests, all 20 of the clubs within the Premier League will be represented in both the PS4 and Xbox One tournaments. Doing well in the ePL will net FUT Champions players FIFA 19 Global Series Points, which are used to determine who qualifies for the FIFA 19 Global Series Playoffs. Richard Masters, Premier League’s Managing Director, commented on partnering with EA for the tournament:
“EA Sports is a fantastic partner for the Premier League and we are looking forward to launching ePremier League with them. 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. We can’t wait to get started with the opening online rounds in January 2019.”
Meanwhile, General Manager of EA’s Competitive Gaming Division Todd Sitrin discussed how the Premier League’s reach will allow EA to grow the the FIFA series’ eSports potential further:
“The Premier League’s global reach and intensely passionate fanbase pushes 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.”
EA and the Premier League are planning on ePL to occur yearly from 2019 onwards. FIFA 19 is available now on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, and you can currently read our review or pick up the game on Amazon.
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