November 14 – The first completely in-person Virtual Bundesliga event is poised for kickoff, with the first of 34 matchdays scheduled for November 18-19.
Played on the EAFC 24 games, players representing teams spanning the top two German divisions will battle it out for the VBL trophy and a boost in prize money to €87,500.
A record 35 teams are set to take part in Europe’s oldest EA Esports competition.
The 2023-24 VBL Club Championship season will span 34 matchdays, culminating in the final on the 23rd and 24th of March 2024.
RB Leipzig lifted the trophy for the second consecutive time in May 2023, having signed exceptional esports talent in recent years, championed by Danish young player Vejrgang. Previous titleholders also include 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and SV Werder Bremen.
Jörg Höflich, Head of Virtual Bundesliga at the DFL: “The competition has undergone an incredible growth spurt for the new season. There are more clubs taking part and more matches being held than ever. The Virtual Bundesliga has had a growing following for years, but this gives the league and the clubs an enormous opportunity to make it even more popular.
“We are planning yet more offline matchdays after the first, because emotions run even higher when the players meet in person. This will also benefit the live broadcasts that we will carry out with our new partner, Spontent.”
In 2012, the DFL, in collaboration with EA SPORTS, pioneered the Virtual Bundesliga (VBL), marking the inception of the first eSports competition affiliated with a professional football league.
Recognising the surging popularity of the VBL and the growing significance of eSports, particularly in football simulation games, the DFL introduced the VBL Club Championship in 2018, a competitive platform for Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs, alongside the inclusive “VBL Open” competition for all players.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734931884labto1734931884ofdlr1734931884owedi1734931884sni@g1734931884niwe.1734931884yrrah1734931884