FIFAe, the esports division of FIFA, has teamed up with Sports Interactive, the British developer behind the Football Manager series, to debut the Football Manager FIFAe World Cup.
Details of the First Tournament
The inaugural tournament, set to take place from August 29th to September 1st, boasts a $100,000 prize pool. Football Manager, renowned for its football management simulation gameplay, is stepping into the esports arena. Although the game is immensely popular, it has not had a significant esports presence. Previous notable tournaments include the FM Streamer Showdown and the £25,000 World Esports Championship at the Insomnia Gaming Festival in 2018.
Eligibility and Participation
For this debut event, select member associations will receive invitations based on eligibility and player numbers. Interested participants can find detailed information on regional qualifications on the FIFAe website.
Ambassador and Announcement
Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development and former Arsenal manager, has been named the tournament’s ambassador. Wenger played a prominent role in the announcement video for the World Cup.
Insights from Arsène Wenger
In the official press release, Wenger expressed his excitement: “I am thrilled to be part of this innovative journey. This competition challenges participants to excel in football strategy and tactics. It demands both a deep understanding of the game and mastery of its mechanics, making it a unique and captivating experience.”
FIFAe’s Broader Esports Activities
FIFAe, known for organising football simulation tournaments with Electronic Arts, has previously run the FIFAe World Cup. With EA shifting focus to the EA FC Series, FIFAe has pivoted to bring back its World Cup through a Rocket League competition. Over the past year, FIFAe has also partnered with brands like Calm, the mental health charity Ditch the Label, and esports data company HUDstats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Football Manager FIFAe World Cup? The Football Manager FIFAe World Cup is an esports competition launched by FIFAe in collaboration with Sports Interactive, focusing on the Football Manager simulation game.
When and where will the first event take place? The first event will be held from August 29th to September 1st, with a prize pool of $100,000.
How can players join the tournament? Selected member associations will receive invitations based on eligibility and player numbers. Detailed qualification information is available on the FIFAe website.
Who is the ambassador for this event? Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development and former Arsenal manager, is the tournament’s ambassador.
What makes this tournament special? The tournament requires participants to excel in both football strategy and game mechanics, creating a blend of tactical and technical challenges.
What other initiatives has FIFAe been involved in? FIFAe has previously organised various football simulation tournaments with Electronic Arts and announced the return of its World Cup as a Rocket League event. They have also collaborated with Calm, Ditch the Label, and HUDstats.
