What is the ePremier League?

The ePremier League is an exciting FIFA 19 tournament where all 20 Premier League teams are represented by two players each.

These players compete in the virtual version of the Premier League, with one representing their team on Xbox One and the other on PlayStation 4. The players are selected through online qualifiers and live club playoffs that take place in early 2025.

The tournament has caught the attention of football fans, gamers, and esport enthusiasts alike, as this is the first time the Premier League has officially partnered with a video game to bring such an event to life. With the ePremier League, EA Sports has not only changed the way we watch football but also opened the doors to new opportunities for players in the esports industry.

How Did the ePremier League Come to Life?

The idea for the ePremier League came about when EA Sports teamed up with the Premier League to bring a virtual twist to the real-life competition. After an online qualifying stage in January, the best players were selected to compete for the chance to represent their clubs. These qualifiers took place over various rounds, with players from all skill levels aiming for a spot in the finals.

By February and March, the top players from each console participated in the club playoffs, which ultimately determined the final Xbox and PlayStation representatives for each team. These two players will now face off against the best from other clubs in a thrilling two-day tournament in March, broadcast live on Sky Sports and other Premier League digital platforms.

The Structure of the ePremier League

The ePremier League finals are set up in a group stage format, where players are divided into groups based on their platform – either Xbox or PlayStation. Each group consists of five teams, and the players will compete in a round-robin style, where the top two players from each group move on to the knockout rounds. The competition will culminate in a final showdown, where the winners from Xbox and PlayStation face each other to crown an overall cpion.

This format ensures that the best players from each team have a fair chance to showcase their skills while keeping things competitive and exciting for the viewers. The knockout rounds, held the day after the group stage, will reveal who will take home the coveted title of ePremier League cpion.

The Reward for the Winner

Unlike traditional esports tournaments that offer a prize pool, the ePremier League has a different kind of reward. The winner of the tournament will receive 850 FIFA Global Series points, which go towards their qualification for the FIFA eWorld Cup, the largest FIFA esports competition of the year. Although there’s no monetary prize, the prestige and recognition of winning the ePremier League could be life-changing for any aspiring FIFA player.

Moreover, the tournament’s exposure to a mainstream audience, thanks to its broadcast on Sky Sports and online, provides players with an excellent branding opportunity. For many participants, this event could be the start of a professional esports career.

Where and How Can You Watch the ePremier League?

For those who can’t make it to the event in person, the ePremier League finals will be available for viewing in the UK via Sky Sports and on the Premier League’s digital platforms. Fans will be able to witness the high-stakes matches unfold live, from the comfort of their homes.

Additionally, for anyone eager to get closer to the action, the event will be held at the Gfinity Arena, located in London’s FulBroadway Retail Centre. This venue will provide an immersive experience for fans, allowing them to cheer on their favorite players in person.

The Rules and Regulations

In the ePremier League, players are only allowed to use athletes from the Premier League, even though they can pick any player card they like for the event, even if they don't own those cards. This ensures that the competition remains fair and within the scope of the actual Premier League, while still allowing for some strategic flexibility when it comes to player selection.

An interesting aspect of the rules is that players aren’t required to use players from the clubs they are representing. This gives players the freedom to choose from the best available talent within the Premier League, leading to a more dynamic and unpredictable tournament.

The Rising Stars of the ePremier League

Some of the biggest names in FIFA esports will be competing in the ePremier League, with favorites such as Donovan 'F2Tekkz' Hunt, who is known for his outstanding skills and impressive track record. This 17-year-old FIFA sensation has already won three of the five FUT Cpions Cups this season and is expected to dominate the competition.

There are also strong contenders from other teams, such as Chelsea’s Ryan Pessoa and Jas 'Jas1875' Singh, as well as notable professional players representing clubs like Arsenal and Huddersfield. Even teams like West United and Manchester City are bringing in their esports players to compete in the tournament.

Why You Should Watch the ePremier League

The ePremier League is not just another FIFA tournament. It’s a landmark event in the world of esports, combining the excitement of football with the ever-growing esports scene. Whether you're a fan of football, esports, or both, the ePremier League promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

So, don’t miss out on this revolutionary event. Join us in March and witness the future of football unfold before your eyes.

We look forward to seeing you there, cheering for your favorite teams and players. Let's enjoy this exciting new chapter of the Premier League together!

ePremier League Champion's Advice for Aspiring Professional Gamers 🎮 ⚽️ | Newsround

Video by BBC Newsround