This is the first year of UEFA and EA Sports’ joint esports venture, the eChampions League – and European football’s governing body has announced that the final of the inaugural competition will take place in Madrid on May 31st, just a day before the Champions League final at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Back in April, 64 players took part in the group phase in Manchester, where just eight players won a place on Friday night’s esports final, the winner of which will lift the trophy before Saturday’s showpiece Champions League final between Premier League sides Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

DrNightWatch (Bulgaria)
AlanAvi (USA)
coL Joksan (USA)
TG Zezinho (Brazil)
Rafsou (France)
NYC_Chris (USA)
Marcuzo (Denmark)
xLevVinken (Netherlands)

That list comprises the best FIFA 19 players of this year, and each of the participants will play exclusively on PlayStation – itself an official Champions League partner.

The competitors and their coaches will participate in an eChampions League draft and will go head to head to pick their teams, containing footballers who were involved in this season’s UEFA Champions League group stage.

The eight finalists will then play quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final of the competition. As well as the trophy, the winner will also win $100,000 and a VIP ticket to the Champions League final, while there’s a full $280,000 prize pot on offer in total.

The eChampions League final will be streamed on EA Sports Twitch and the EA Sports YouTube Channel.

“EA Sports FIFA captivates tens of millions around the world, and our deep integration within the many in-game experiences gives us exciting opportunities to connect the UEFA Champions League to players,” said Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA marketing director.

“We see the eChampions League competition as an important step in connecting with existing and new fans of the UEFA Champions League.”

Brent Koning, EA SPORTS FIFA competitive gaming commissioner added, “Bringing the excitement of the UEFA Champions League to the EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series created riveting competition for our spectators.”

“The eChampions League final will see players represent countries from all over the world as they go head-to-head in the digital pinnacle of club football – this is a true testament of how eSports and sports can be a powerful and connective fan experience.”