New esports competition is latest addition to EA SPORTS FIFA 19
Global Series
LONDON & REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Today, the Premier League and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announce
the inaugural ePremier League (ePL) tournament, offering UK-based
players the chance to compete for and represent their favourite Premier
League club for the first time ever in competitive gaming.
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Premier League and Electronic Arts announce ePremier League, a new esports competition that is the latest addition to EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series. (Graphic: Business Wire)
All 20 Premier League clubs are represented in the tournament, giving
players the chance to live their dream of winning a title for their
favourite club. The ePL Final will be played in London on March 28-29,
2019 and broadcast live on Sky Sports and Premier League social media
channels. It is the newest league partner to be added to the EA
SPORTS™ FIFA 19 Global Series.
“EA SPORTS is a fantastic partner for the Premier League and we are
looking forward to launching ePremier League with them,” said Richard
Masters, Premier League Managing Director. “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.”
The ePL competitive gaming tournament on EA SPORTSFIFA 19
kicks off in January 2019 and players will compete for three months
across three rounds: online qualification, live club playoffs and the
eventual live ePL Final. All 20 Premier League clubs will have a live
playoff round allowing two EA SPORTSFIFA 19 competitors,
one per platform (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One), a final shot to advance
to the Final. Registrations for the tournament will open in December.
“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,” Todd Sitrin, SVP
and GM of the EA Competitive Gaming Division. “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.”
Performing well in the ePL will also earn players the bonus of valuable
season-long EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series Points used to qualify for
the EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series Playoffs. Competitors
intending to participate in the ePL who want to also be eligible for
these points will need to register on FUTChampions.com
by Oct 31, 2018 and be FUT
Champions Verified.
“The inclusion of the ePL will undoubtedly enhance the player and
spectator experience,” said Brent Koning, EA SPORTS FIFA Competitive
Gaming Commissioner. “Having the most popular football league in the
world commit to competitive gaming in this expansive fashion we believe
only accelerates the community’s enthusiasm for both FIFA Competitive
Gaming and the Premier League.”
The ePL will be operated by esports tournament organisers Gfinity PLC.
For more information visit www.premierleague.com/epl.
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ePremier League Tournament Key Dates:
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3 December 2018
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Registration opens
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January 2019
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Online qualification
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February – March 2019
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Club playoffs
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28 & 29 March 2019
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ePremier League final
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Further tournament details including registration information will be
released in the coming months.
About the Premier League
The Premier League produces some of the most competitive and compelling
football in the world. The League and its clubs use the power and
popularity of the competition to inspire fans, communities, and partners
in the UK and across the world. The Premier League brings people
together from all backgrounds. It is a competition for everyone,
everywhere and is available to watch in 1 billion homes in 189 countries.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive
entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and
online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and
personal computers. EA has more than 300 million registered players
around the world.
In fiscal year 2018, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $5.15 billion.
Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a
portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as The
Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Need for Speed™,
Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is
available at www.ea.com/news.
EA SPORTS, Battlefield, The Sims, Need for Speed, Dragon Age, and Plants
vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. NFL and FIFA are the
property of their respective owner and used with permission.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181004005405/en/
Electronic Arts Inc.
Caitilin Doherty, +41 7544 22264
International
PR Lead
cadoherty@ea.com
Source: Electronic Arts Inc.