They take part in inaugural Emirates FA Cup gaming tournament
THE INAUGURAL Emirates FA Cup gaming tournament took place this weekend at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.Following almost 9,000 competition entries, sixty-four lucky gamers were randomly selected to represent their club and compete for glory. Twenty-year-old Callum Stack represented City.
The early rounds of the tournament were played in iconic locations around the stadium such as the changing rooms and the players’ tunnel, with the two finalists virtually battling it out on Wembley Stadium’s eighty-two-foot screens as they sat in the centre circle.
Compered by sports presenter Colin Murray the gaming event witnessed unpredictability, fierce competition and gaming prowess, an atmosphere of pure determination likened to that of the on-pitch drama waiting to unfold at Wembley Stadium between Crystal Palace and Manchester United on Saturday 21st May.
Popular ex-player, pundit and gaming fan Jermaine Jenas, and a number of professional gamers and YouTube stars (AJ3, Behzinga, CapgunTom, Theo Baker, Toobiias, Miniminter and Reev) welcomed the gaming participants, sharing tips and tricks on the day as they commenced the ultimate gaming adventure.
The overall winner not only secured the prestige of being crowned the inaugural champion, but he also lifted the Emirates FA Cup and was awarded a personalised ‘Every Gamer’s Adventure’ PlayStation 4 console. Harris will be attending the Emirates FA Cup Final on May 21st as a special guest of the FA.
Colin Murray commented: “Today was an historic moment for The Emirates FA Cup – sixty-four gamers going on an adventure like never seen before.
"The passion showed by the players today, mirrored that of those who play on the pitch. A memorable adventure well worth taking.”
The one day event replicated the fixtures from this year’s Third Round with sixty-four gamers and thirty-two matches kicking-off the proceedings.
For more information on this season’s Emirates FA Cup adventure, please visit TheFA.com/TheEmiratesFACup.
The overall winner was Harris Riaz, 16, who represented Chelsea. He face a final against Soufiane Kazane, 17, playing for Southampton.