EA Sports has unveiled a new esports ecosystem for EA Sports FC (EAFC), the latest instalment in its football video game franchise.
EA Sports FC Pro will act as a new global circuit for EAFC players to compete in one-versus-one competitions throughout 2023 and 2024.
EA Sports FC is the new rebranded version of the FIFA video game franchise, following the termination of the long-standing partnership between EA Sports and football governing body FIFA last year.
EA Sports FC Pro will consist of two regular-season competitions known as FC Pro Open and FC Pro Leagues. According to a release, the FC Pro Open competition ‘follows a clear path to pro’ and will see players from across ten regions competing for a share of a $1m (~£818,300) cumulative prize pool. FC Pro Open will take place from October 2023 to February 2024.
Commencing February 2024, the FC Pro League will be presented alongside its league partners, which includes the likes of the Premier League, Bundesliga and Major League Soccer (MLS). The five-month competition provides players an opportunity to win prize money and qualify for the season-ending FC Pro World Championship.
Taking place in June 2024, the FC Pro World Championship sees 32 players — four from FC Pro Open and 28 from FC Pro Leagues — compete for a share of $1m in prize money and a chance to become the inaugural FC Pro World Champion.
In addition to the arrival of FC Pro, EA Sports has also confirmed the return of the eChampions League competition for 2024. Details on the event were not disclosed.
Sam Turkbas, Senior Director and Commissioner of Football Esports at EA, spoke on FC Pro: “FC Pro will redefine the way our millions of Ultimate Team players engage with EA SPORTS FC.
“In collaboration with our League Partners, our season-long FC Pro journey is the ultimate platform for our Ultimate Team enthusiasts to showcase their passion for FC.”
