EA to Kick Off FIFA eSports Events

The “FIFA eWorld Cup 2018” will take place in August 2018 and will crown the world champion of “EA Sports FIFA 18.”

GLOBAL–FIFA and Electronic Arts have teamed up to launch “EA Sports FIFA 18 Global Series,” a series of competitive gaming and eSports events that will culminate with the “FIFA eWorld Cup 2018.”

During the eSports event, which kicks off this Friday, Nov. 3, players will qualify through online competition, with EA and FIFA identifying and inviting the top-ranked 128 eligible competitors (64 players for PlayStation 4 and 64 players for Xbox One) to advance to the “EA Sports FIFA 18 Global Series” Playoffs.

Following the playoffs, 32 players will qualify for the “FIFA eWorld Cup 2018” and the winner will be crowned the undisputed world champion of “EA Sports FIFA 18” in August 2018.

“Competitive FIFA is a global entertainment phenomenon that maximizes the combined power of world football and competitive gaming in unprecedented fashion,” said Philippe Le Floc'h, chief commercial officer, FIFA. “We’re thrilled to partner with EA in creating the ‘EA Sports FIFA 18 Global Series’ as the road to the ‘FIFA eWorld Cup 2018’ will increase the ways millions of fans consume football.”

In addition to EA and FIFA’s qualifying round, notable third-party competitive gaming organizations and brands will also host marquee events offering qualifying spots for the “EA Sports FIFA 18 Global Series” Playoffs. Competitors will also be able to represent their favorite real-life clubs through official league competitions; however, specific details on how leagues will be involved will be available at a later date.

Additionally, both companies believe the expanded partnership and event will exponentially increase the scale of competitive FIFA year-over-year.

“Last year was a pivotal achievement for competitive FIFA, engaging millions of competitors and spectators through world football and global competition,” says Todd Sitrin, senior vice president and general manager, competitive gaming, EA. “In partnership with FIFA, we’re accelerating the growth of competitive gaming through the ‘EA Sports FIFA 18 Global Series’ on ‘The Road to the FIFA eWorld Cup 2018,’ producing more competition, attracting more competitors and connecting with more fans than ever before.”