Electronic Arts and FIFA expand EA Sports FIFA 2022 esports programme

Electronic Arts and FIFA have unveiled a new EA Sports FIFA 22 esports programme designed to attract tens of millions of players and viewers. Featuring both 1v1 and 2v2 competitions, players will represent themselves, globally recognised esports organisations, real-world football clubs and their nation in a diverse set of FIFA esports events. 

The three competitions featured in the expanded esports ecosystem are the FIFAe Club Series 2022, the FIFAe Nations Series 2022 and the EA Sports FIFA 22 Global Series on the Road to the FIFAe World Cup 2022. All three will take place in the summer of 2022.

“FIFA competitive gaming is the future of global esports entertainment, enhancing how fans experience the game they love,” said Brent Koning, VP, EA Sports Competitive Gaming. “FIFA possesses the pivotal platform for football fans around the world to insert themselves into their own sports story. In partnership with FIFA, the mainstream appeal of esports is evident.” 

“Newcomers, as well as established superstars – individually or as a team – will inspire entire nations of EA Sports FIFA players and get the opportunity to fame their game,” said Christian Volk, director of eFootball and gaming at FIFA. “A historic season full of thrilling competitive FIFA stories will captivate a global fanbase with this expanded ecosystem.” 

Qualification for the EA Sports FIFA 22 Global Series on the Road to the FIFAe World Cup 2022 starts on 27 November as the traditional 1v1 competitive FIFA format is showcased with online tournaments across 10 global regions.

In addition, more than 30 leagues will offer esports programmes. Official League Partners, including the Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Ligue 1, MLS, Conmebol Libertadores and UEFA Champions League, will give fans residing in each respective nation the opportunity to represent real-world clubs. 

The FIFAe Club Series 2022 featuring a 2v2 competition also begins this November with the FIFAe Club Online Qualifiers and includes the new FUT Team of the Year and Team of the Season Cups on the Road to the FIFAe Club World Cup 2022. 

Finally, the FIFAe Nations Series 2022 will feature member associations competing against each other in a global 2v2 competition. Furthermore, national campaigns will find the top competitive stars. All nations will begin their journey at FIFAe Nations Online Qualifiers, with top national teams advancing to the FIFAe Nations Playoffs on the Road to the FIFAe Nations Cup 2022.

“Football would not exist without the power of teamwork,” said Sam Turkbas, FIFA competitive gaming commissioner. “Our objective is to harness that power and use esports entertainment to connect football fans around the world to the game they love. Team-based FIFA competitive gaming will be a growth catalyst for future football fandom.”