The top 24 EA Sports FC players in Europe will virtually represent prestigious European soccer teams this May as part of a new eChampions League program, EA Sports FC Pro announced Tuesday.

eChampions League organizers are anticipating one of the most action-packed seasons to date, with $280,000 in prize money and the addition of the FC Pro Draft among the captivating elements.

From February to April, competitors in FC Pro Leagues will have a shot to secure a berth in the eChampions League group stage. Players will be representing clubs from leagues such as the ePremier League, Virtual Bundesliga and eLigue 1, and they can advance to the group stage by performing well domestically.

The group stage runs May 11-12 in London and features an eight-group round-robin format.

Those who make it past the group stage will compete in the May 18-19 knockout stage, where the top 24 players will duke it out in a single-elimination tournament. Sixteen players will be eliminated, with the top eight getting a chance to go to the eChampions League Finals on May 29.

Over 1,000 fans will be in attendance for the finals, and the winner will walk away with the eChampions League trophy and the top prize of the $280,000 pool.

“EA SPORTS FC puts our league partners at the center of football eSports competition, and that extends to our partnership with UEFA Champions League,” FC Pro commissioner at EA Sports Sam Turkbas said. “This season, we are looking forward to spotlighting the eChampions League during the month of May and giving football fans and Ultimate Team players more ways to watch their favorite FC Pro athletes compete under the banner of iconic European clubs.”

–Field Level Media