Blue United eFC’s Tsakt and youxme to Compete for a Spot in the Global “Esports World Cup” through Final Qualifiers

Blue United Corporation is proud to announce that two of its professional esports athletes, Tsakt and youxme, members of Blue United eFC powered by Manchester City FC, will compete in the final qualifying rounds to earn a place at the Esports World Cup — one of the world’s largest esports tournaments — featuring the global football video game EA SPORTS FC™ 25 (hereinafter referred to as FC25).

■ A Major Shift in FC25’s Global Competitive Format

This year marks a major change in how FC25’s global tournaments are structured.

Previously:

• The Esports World Cup functioned as a large-scale international esports event featuring multiple titles — essentially the “Olympics of esports.” (formerly known as Gamers8)
• The FC Pro World Championship was a separate global tournament specifically for top FC players — a “pro-only world championship” for the FC series.

These were run as entirely separate events.

However, beginning this year, the FC Pro World Championship finals will be held as one of the featured competitions within the Esports World Cup. In other words, FC25 has officially become a part of the Esports World Cup.

This means that the top FC25 players will now compete for the world title on one of the most prestigious esports stages globally.

■ The Path to the World Championship

To earn their place in the finals, Tsakt and youxme will first compete in the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) — the final opportunity to qualify — where 512 players from around the world will battle for just 5 available spots in the next stage, the Play-Ins.

From there, the Play-Ins will determine the final 4 players who advance to the ultimate stage: the FC Pro World Championship.

■ Tournament Schedule

• Esports World Cup: July 8 – August 24
• Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ): July 31 – August 2
• Play-Ins: August 3
• FC Pro World Championship: August 7 – August 10

■ Tournament Breakdown

◯ What is the Esports World Cup?

It is the largest global esports event in the world, formerly known as Gamers8. Now in its second year, the Esports World Cup hosts world championship tournaments for 24 different gaming titles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — and FC25 is one of them.

◯ What is the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ)?

As the name suggests, LCQ is the final opportunity to qualify for the FC Pro World Championship. Players who achieved high rankings in earlier tournaments such as the FC Pro Open Cup are granted priority entry. Both Tsakt and youxme have earned this right.

With 512 players participating — the largest number in FC Pro history — the field will be narrowed down to 128 over the first two days (July 31 and August 1), and then just 5 on the final day (August 2). Prize money is also awarded in LCQ.

◯ What is the Play-Ins?

The 28 top finishers from the FC Pro Open Cup, 15 winners from EA-affiliated national leagues, and the 5 LCQ winners (total 48 players) will compete for the final 4 spots in the FC Pro World Championship.

◯ What is the FC Pro World Championship?

This is the ultimate global competition for FC25, where the best 32 players compete for the title of world champion.
Participants include:

• 8 from the FC Pro Open
• 20 from partner leagues
• 4 from the Play-Ins

It is the most prestigious and lucrative FC25 tournament of the year.

■ Comments from the Players

youxme:
“After losing to a player currently ranked No. 4 in the world last year, I’ve been training hard with that frustration in mind. I’ve grown a lot since then, and I’m ready to give it everything I have to get through the qualifiers.”

Tsakt:
“I’ve learned through experience that my strengths can hold up even against the best in the world. I’m preparing as thoroughly as possible so I can compete with confidence and no regrets.”

The two athletes continue to push each other to new heights as they set their sights on the world stage.
Updates on match results and behind-the-scenes moments will be shared on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms. We hope you will join us in supporting them.

■ Official In-Game Items Now Available

Blue United eFC’s official uniform and other team items are now available in-game in FC25!
The team is the only esports organization in Asia to be featured. Be sure to check them out and show your support.
▶ Learn more: https://blueutd.com/2024/12/2405/

Follow us on X: @BlueUnitedeFC

■ About the Team

• Team Name: Blue United eFC powered by Manchester City FC (short name: BLU eFC)
• Established: November 15, 2018
• Players: Tsakt (Shota Sato), youxme (Shusei Mukasa)
• Vision: To help elevate Japan’s esports industry to a world-class level by promoting its global growth and professionalization
• Website: http://www.blueutd.com/efc/