EA Sports has announced the Madden NFL 20 Championship Series with a new competitive format.
The upcoming season – which includes all 32 teams from the NFL – will focus more on the connection between the series and its traditional sports equivalent.
All four of the major events throughout the season will take place during key moments in the NFL: the NFL Kickoff, NFL Playoffs, the Super Bowl, and NFL Draft.
Matt Marcou, Commissioner, Competitive Gaming Division at EA commented on the competition: “Last season was a monumental year for the Madden NFL Championship Series as millions competed and we achieved record viewership. In continued partnership with the NFL and its 32 clubs, we intend to accelerate player and spectator growth by aligning closely with the NFL calendar. Football fandom and Madden NFL engagement feed off each other and we’re confident this connection will further inspire our players and spectators.”
Pizza Hut and Snickers have signed on as official sponsors of the Madden NFL 20 Championship Series, with Starbucks also joining as the presenting sponsor. The coffee company will also sponsor the first event of the season, the Madden NFL 20 Classic, which begins on August 30th at the Esports Stadium Arlington.
The other three live events in the series are the Madden NFL 20 Club Championship on December 18th-21st, the Madden NFL 20 Challenge on January 30th – February 1st, and Madden NFL 20 Bowl on April 23rd-25th. The total prize pool for the season amounts to $1.3 million (£1.07 million).
Rachel Hoagland, Vice President, Head of Gaming & Esports at NFL added: “We view esports as a key accelerant to growing the NFL. It enables new ways for young fans to engage in the sport through Madden NFL competition. Competitive Madden unlocks great potential as the authenticity it provides enhances engagement and the connection between our 32 NFL Clubs and football fans around the world.”
Esports Insider says: It’ll be interesting to see how the series performs now that it’ll be closely tied to NFL. Some esports that are based off of traditional sports don’t tend to mirror their relevant sport at all, but none are yet to really crack the formula and blow up.