The FIFA 19 esports elite will gather in Manchester on April 26-27 to kick off the group stages of the inaugural eChampions League exclusive to PlayStation 4. Here is all you need to know to enjoy the tournament .

Why Should I Watch?

This is the first eChampions League ever. Pros like top-ranked F2Tekkz, MsDossary and Nicolas99FC, alongside FIFA eNations Cup champion Vitality Maestro will be competing in Manchester. The best competitive FIFA will be on full display.

Check out the complete list of competitors.

This tournament will narrow down the field from 64 qualified competitors to the top eight. The eChampions League Final will take place in Madrid on May 31st where the first eChampions League Champion will be crowned!

A rivalry that continues to grow

Just like the Messi vs Cristiano rivalry, we are witnessing a growing rivalry for dominance on the FIFA esports circuit. F2Tekkz and MsDossary are two of the top ranked players and, arguably, the two most dominant players on the planet right now.

The British wunderkind, F2Tekkz, is having a historic competitive FIFA campaign. He has picked up a record-setting six trophies throughout the FIFA 19 Global Series including three major tournaments. On the other hand, MsDossary is the reigning FIFA eWorld Cup Champion, he is the only pro who has won a major tournament in three consecutive seasons and he has lifted two major trophies this year.

The two maestros exchanged words during the last FUT Champions Cup earlier in the month. 

The two paired up in their console final in what turned out to be one of the best FIFA esports matches in history.

After losing the latest installment of their head-to-head matches, F2Tekkz will be looking to face his Saudi Arabian nemesis once again and the eChampions League could provide the perfect backdrop for an epic rematch.

Where Can I Watch the Games?

Former MLS Defender of the Year Jimmy Conrad will host the eChampions League broadcast. Alongside him, Spencer “Spencer FC” Owen and former Premier League defender and Champions League veteran Joleon Lescott will provide shrewd commentary. All the action will be brought to you by Richard Buckley, Brandon Smith, Mark Hatcher and Dan Gaskin. The broadcast team will be rounded out by Rachel Stringer, Kyle Walker, and FIFA professional competitor Mike LaBelle.

Catch all the group stage action of the eChampions League live from Manchester on the EA SPORTS Twitch Channel, and YouTube Channel starting on Friday, April 26 at 12:30 p.m. BST. See the full tournament schedule to ensure you don't miss a single moment.

What are the cash prizes?

A total of $280,000 USD in cash prizes will be split between the top 8 finalists, including $100,000 USD for the winner. See below for details on the total prizing breakdown:

What is the Tournament Format?

The tournament will follow the same Swiss-style format as the FUT Champions Cups played throughout this year. For those who are new to it, here's a quick refresher.

• In the first round there will be 64 players in a single group matched against another opponent based on their total Global Series Ranking Points.
• Competitors will play up to seven matches (or 14 games) against opponents with the same tournament record.
• Competitors will not play two matches against the same opponent.
• Competitors who earn four match wins will qualify to the Knockout Stage.
• Competitors who register four match losses will be immediately eliminated from the tournament.
• The top 32 competitors will advance to a single elimination knockout stage.
• The top 8 competitors will move on to play in the eChampions League Final on May 31 in Madrid.

Don't miss any of the eChampions League group stage tournament. The action kicks off in Manchester on Friday, April 26 at 12:30 p.m. BST. 

Make sure to subscribe to the EA SPORTS FIFA YouTube Channel, Twitch Channel, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook so you don't miss any of the action live from London. And follow the @EAFIFAesports Twitter account for the latest competitive FIFA 19 content, news, and event coverage. 

* Eligibility restrictions apply.  Not all platforms are supported for qualification. See Official Rules for details. Final terms and structure subject to change.