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eChampions League 2025 Returns with New Format

The eChampions League is back for 2025, and this season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Inspired by the structure of the real-life UEFA Champions League, the tournament brings together the best EA SPORTS FC 25 players in Europe, each representing a real-world football club.

The final will be held on 28 May at Eisbach Studios in Munich, just days before the UEFA Champions League final takes place in the same city. If you’re new to the eChampions League or just want a full breakdown of this year’s tournament, here’s everything you need to know, from how players qualify to what happens in the finals.

A Refreshed Format for 2025

This year, the eChampions League follows a new competition structure that mirrors UEFA’s latest changes. The tournament now includes a League Phase, followed by a Knockout Phase, and ends with an in-person Final in Munich. It’s a shift that brings the virtual competition even closer to the format and prestige of the Champions League.

The full schedule is as follows:

  • League Phase: 16–17 May
  • Knockout Phase: 18 May
  • Finals: 28 May (Munich, Germany)

With more people across Europe watching esports than ever before, events like this are helping bridge the gap between football and gaming culture. It also highlights how digital competitions are becoming mainstream entertainment, attracting viewers who may also be familiar with other platforms like non-GamStop gaming site.

How Do Players Qualify?

Only the best players from Europe make it to the eChampions League. Competitors must earn their spot by performing well in their country’s official FC Pro Partner League, with each league offering a certain number of seats to the event. In total, 36 players from 17 European countries will qualify for the 2025 tournament.

Here’s a breakdown of the number of slots per country and league:

LeagueCountrySlots
ePremier LeagueUnited Kingdom4
Virtual BundesligaGermany4
eLigue 1 McDonald’sFrance4
KPN eDivisieNetherlands4
eSerie A GoleadorItaly4
LALIGA FC ProSpain4
eLiga PortugalPortugal2
Proximus ePro LeagueBelgium1
eFirst LeagueBulgaria1
eLiga CzechCzechia1
eFutisliigaFinland1
eLOIIreland1
Esports A LeagueLithuania1
Orange eLeagueLuxembourg1
Malta ePremier LeagueMalta1
eEliteserienNorway1
eSuperligaRomania1

As of now, only the United Kingdom’s ePremier League has concluded, meaning only four players are confirmed. Those players include Tekkz and Bonanno of Manchester City, and Jayden and Marley from Brighton & Hove Albion. The remaining competitors will be determined after the finals of the other national leagues take place throughout April and early May.

League Phase: The Road to the Knockouts

The 36 qualified players will meet in the League Phase, which will take place over two days (16 and 17 May). Each player will face off in six different matches during this phase.

The goal? Secure a top-24 finish. Only the best 24 players will move on to the next stage, the Knockout Phase.

This setup rewards consistency and tests players across a wide range of play styles and opponents, making it one of the most demanding stages of the competition.

Image: eSuperligaro Facebook

Knockout Phase: One Step from the Final

After the League Phase ends, the remaining 24 players will compete in the Knockout Phase on 18 May. The format for this part of the competition hasn’t changed from previous years as it’s all about winning to stay in the tournament.

From this pool of 24, only eight players will secure a place in the Finals in Munich. The pressure here is massive. With just one bad game, even the best can be eliminated.

The Finals: Live From Munich

The final stage of the eChampions League 2025 will take place on 28 May at Eisbach Studios in Munich, Germany. It’s a symbolic venue, chosen to connect the virtual and real-world competitions, as Munich also hosts the real UEFA Champions League final this year.

Fans will be able to attend the event in person, with tickets available starting 3 April. Full ticketing details will be announced soon. Visitors at the event will also get access to the fan activation zone, featuring official UEFA Champions League memorabilia, making it more than just a competitive gaming event.

What Happened Last Year?

Looking back at the 2024 eChampions League, it was a season full of drama and memorable moments. Jonas ‘Jonny’ Wirth, an 18-year-old from SC Paderborn 07, claimed the title after a dominant run that ended with a 5-2 victory against Levy ‘Levyfinn’ Rieck.

That final was actually a rematch of the Virtual Bundesliga final from earlier that year, where Jonny had also defeated Levyfinn. The 2024 eChampions League featured intense matchups like Emre Yilmaz vs ManuBachoore and saw standout performances from Bonanno, who returns again in 2025 after qualifying through the ePremier League.

With $280,000 in prize money on the line last season, and $75,000 going to the winner, expectations are high for 2025 as the competition continues to grow.

Why the eChampions League Matters

The eChampions League is one of the key events within the EA SPORTS FC Pro ecosystem. It represents the top level of competitive play for European players and gives rising talents the chance to compete on an international stage.

It also acts as a lead-in to the FC Pro World Championship, which follows shortly after the eCL Finals. For many players, success in the eChampions League can be a defining moment in their esports careers.

What’s Next?

Until all national leagues wrap up their finals, we won’t know the full 36-player lineup for the League Phase. That confirmation is expected on 2 May, just before the competition begins.

In the meantime, fans can keep an eye on the national qualifiers like the eDivisie, LALIGA FC Pro, and eSerie A to see which players will make the cut.

With more pro players joining from countries like Finland, Romania, and Ireland, the 2025 edition of the eChampions League is more diverse than ever. It continues to reflect how competitive gaming is expanding across Europe and offering new players a shot at making a name for themselves.

The 2025 eChampions League is bringing fresh energy to the competitive EA SPORTS FC scene. With a brand new format, increased representation across Europe, and a prestigious live final in Munich, this year’s tournament is set to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting editions yet.

Once all 36 players are locked in, all eyes will turn to the League Phase on 16–17 May. Stay tuned for the official player list in early May and for those near Munich, this might be your chance to watch some of the best EA SPORTS FC 25 players in Europe compete live.

About Christian Silvestri

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Content Writer for FIFA Infinity. Passionate about football, FIFA and AC Milan!
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