The 32 best FIFA players on the planet will meet at London's O2 on August 2-4 to battle it out for the title of FIFA eWorld Cup Champion and $250,000 in prize money, the highest amount in competitive FIFA history.
The FIFA eWorld Cup 2018 Grand Final is the culmination of the EA Sports FIFA 18 Global Series, a competition that has seen over 20 million players from around the world compete online and in global tournaments for a place at the showpiece event.
This is the second time the competition will take place in London, following last year’s finale at Central Hall Westminster. The O2 was chosen as the venue for the FIFA eWorld Cup Grand Final 2018 in order to accommodate the rapidly expanding popularity of the tournament.
Arsenal's Mesut Ozil has been chosen as the official ambassador of the tournament. Ozil said: "I have followed the FIFA 18 Global Series throughout the year and I am really impressed by the performances of the Grand Finalists so far.
"I am excited to be part of their journey and look forward to welcoming them in London. I know that playing at a FIFA World Cup and representing your country is a highlight for all athletes and something truly unforgettable."
While the FIFA eWorld Cup Champion will walk away with $250,000, those who make it to the last 16 will each take home $2,500 each. Semi-finalists and quarter-finalists will receive $20,000 and $10,000 respectively.
Favourites to be named the 2018 champion include last year's champion, Gorilla; Nicolas99FC; Manchester FUT Champions Cup winner Falcon MSDosary; and Vfl Bochum's Megabit98.
FIFA’s chief commercial officer, Philippe Le Floc'h, stated: “Competitive FIFA gaming has experienced fantastic growth in both viewership and participation over the last few years, and the FIFA eWorld Cup Grand Final will gather the best FIFA 18 players from around the world in one place.
"London will provide a great location for this tournament. FIFA and our partner EA Sports look forward to welcoming fans to this thrilling event.”
Tickets for the FIFA eWorld Cup 2018 Grand Final at The O2 in London are now available on the FIFA eWorld Cup ticketing platform.