FIFA is entering a new eSports era following its separation from EA SPORTS, which is experiencing its first highlight with “FIFAe Next Gen”. In Liverpool, the association is also focusing on former competitors
From 28 August to 1 September, the world soccer association FIFA is hosting the first major eSports event since the separation from EA SPORTS in 2023. In Liverpool, the “FIFAe Next Gen” will mark the definitive start of a new eSports era, as FIFA emphatically emphasizes. It’s not just Football Manager that will be on show at the Exhibition Center on England’s west coast. EA SPORTS’ rival product eFootball will also have a place at Liverpool Bay. The “FIFAe Fame Your Game Cup” will put mobile players of the soccer simulation in the spotlight
Liverpool “lives and breathes soccer “
FIFA wants to celebrate a “soccer and eSports festival” on the island and has deliberately chosen the “incredibly football-loving city” as the venue, which is home to two Premier League clubs, Liverpool FC and Everton FC. Much to the delight of Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region: “As a city that lives and breathes soccer, brings people together and loves to host great events, we are delighted to welcome the first ‘FIFAe Next Gen’ event to Liverpool. “
eSport author battles for the title
The highlight of the eSports event will be the first Football Manager World Championship. While the tournament format and framework conditions are still unclear, one thing is certain: 20 coaches, each with an assistant, from 19 countries will take part in the FIFAe World Cup and compete for the title and prize pool of 100,000 US dollars. As hosts, England will have two starting places. Germany will be represented by the undisputed qualifier winner ‘Svonn’ and eSports author Tery Whenett, known online as ‘FM.Zweierkette’
Still on the outside in Liverpool, however, is Rocket League. The Psyonix title was also part of FIFA’s eSports restructuring and, like FM, is to receive an official FIFAe World Cup. There is currently no further information on this. However, it may also become part of the “FIFAe Next Gen” from 2025
