Gfinity has today announced some more big news ahead of its third Elite Series season.
Alpha Republic of Esport (Ares), will take the roster spot previously held by Team Endpoint. This is the first season in which ten teams will compete, and previously announced new orgs include Fnatic and Team Vitality. They’ll compete in FIFA 18, Rocket League and Street Fighter V, for part of the £250,000 prize-pool. The tournament kicks-off on Friday 9th March at Gfinity’s London home.
Ares Esport is based in Paris but expanding with an office London this year. It’s an organisation with some financial clout from some interesting investiors; Bayern Munich’s James Rodriguez, Yannick Carrasco of Atletico Madrid, Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez and Tottenham Hotspur’s Moussa Sissoko are just some of a number of footballers involved.
Ares are also an academy and tournament organiser; they host their own competitions across a range of titles in a bid to discover some of the best talent from across the world, with the tournament winners offered a professional contract. As such this is similar to Gfinity’s own Elite Draft and Challenger Series, which is currently underway.
Neville Upton, CEO of Gfinity had this to say about the news: “We are excited to have Ares onboard heading into season three and we look forward to them bringing their top talent to the Gfinity Esports Arena.
“With a renowned pedigree and a host of top-tier sporting athletes who work closely with the teams, Ares will provide a perfect landing spot for our budding amateurs currently battling it out in the Challenger Series.”
“Being part of a world class tournament such as the Elite Series represents an excellent opportunity for Ares Esport, with the support of our ambassadors, to begin our international venture here in the UK,” said Badr Slassi, CEO of Ares. “The inclusion of FIFA 18, complete with qualifying spot towards the FIFA eWorld Cup 2018, makes this a tournament we have to be involved in and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
Esports Insider says: It’s a shame to see Team Endpoint depart but with the addition of Ares, an organisation which is both well backed and particularly ambitious, this makes us that bit more excited for the third season of Gfinity’s Elite Series.
