Competitors Head to Istanbul to Hoist the eCL Trophy Ahead of 2023 UEFA Champions League final and Earn Their Spot at the EA SPORTS FIFA 23 Global Series Playoffs
The eChampions League (eCL) approaches its pinnacle with the eCL Finals on June 7 in Istanbul, Turkey. In the leadup to the 2023 UEFA Champions League final, Europe’s best EA SPORTS™ FIFA 23 competitors will look to take home their share of the $280,000 USD prize pool, the coveted eCL trophy, and European glory.
“EA SPORTS FIFA esports continues to offer players and fans unique and exciting ways to celebrate their love of football,” said Sam Turkbas, Sr. Director, Esports & Commissioner, Football Esports, Electronic Arts. “We look forward to closing out another successful season of the eChampions League, in Istanbul with a live audience, featuring epic Finals matchups on the virtual pitch”.
After two previous events of high-stakes competition this season, the pool of over 1,000 hopefuls has been narrowed down to eight, who will face off live on stage at Turkey’s ESA Espor Arena. Gameplay kicks off as four competitors on the brink of elimination clash through an additional qualifying round in the lower bracket, while the four top-seeded competitors vye for a direct spot in the semi-finals through the upper bracket. The eventual eCL champion will get the unique opportunity to hoist the trophy live from the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in the evening of the UEFA Champions League final on June 10. Both the winner and runner-up will also punch their ticket to the EA SPORTS FIFA 23 Global Series Playoffs, while the third and fourth seeds have a chance to qualify through the Play-Ins.
In addition to cheering on their favorite competitors, fans in attendance will have an opportunity to engage with a number of onsite activities. Attendees will be able to take photos with the UEFA Champions League trophy ahead of the eCL Finals and see football legends and UEFA Champions League winners Kaká and Ruud Gullit, who will also be joining the event and broadcast.
