Electronic Arts revealed the premiere of EA Sports FIFA Face-Off, the second part live competition game show, and brings together A-list celebrities, EA SPORTS FIFA professionals and influencers, and four lucky contestants from the EA SPORTS FIFA community. This unique event continues EA’s competitive gaming entertainment innovation, which connects video game pros with celebrity to increase esports popularity and grow top competitors’ star-power.
The second part of the faceoff scheduled for 26 March at 12:30 pm EST, on the EA SPORTS FIFA Twitch and EA SPORTS YouTube channels, Jason Sudeikis, the recent Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award winning star and executive producer of Apple Original Series Ted Lasso, and an assist by his Ted Lasso co-star Brendan Hunt, will compete in the unique esports show. Additional A-list talent to compete includes Comedian and host of the Emmy Award-winning “The Daily Show” Trevor Noah, recent American Music Awards (AMAs) winner Becky G, and previous Latin GRAMMY award winner Nicky Jam will also compete on the EA SPORTS FIFA 21 pitch. Popular EA SPORTS FIFA influencer “Castro 1021” will host the competitive gaming entertainment event.
“Having previously no experience coaching soccer, or football if you will, I think Ted Lasso is the perfect candidate for dominating in an EA SPORTS FIFA esports competition. That said, Ted’s passion for competing and having Coach Beard at his side in support may just be enough for him to achieve esports glory in the world’s most popular sports video game. Never underestimate Coach Ted Lasso,” said Jason Sudeikis.
“Growing up in Inglewood, CA, lots of nights in the Gomez household were centered around watching football, and it’s something that brings us all together. I’ve been around EA SPORTS FIFA for years and am so excited to be able to compete against my friend Nicky Jam and give back to the FIFA community on this fun show,” said Becky G.
“EA SPORTS FIFA is one of my favourite games, playing it so much over the years. I’m excited to be teaming up with the best esports star in the world in Fnatic Tekkz and can’t wait to compete,” said Nicky Jam.
During both episodes, celebrities and EA SPORTS FIFA pros will pair up, select their rosters through FIFA Ultimate Team, and compete in a two-legged competition to win a share of a $25,000 prize pool on behalf of lucky EA SPORTS FIFA fans. These fans were selected after winning a video submission community contest that accumulated tens of thousands of submissions. In addition to the two-legged competition, fun minigames will be played throughout the show featuring additional talent, as well as unique viewer contests so those watching from home can engage in the action.
FIFA Competitive Gaming Group director and commissioner Brent Koning shared, “EA SPORTS FIFA, once upon a time, only simulated football matches, but now, it IS world football culture, driving global conversation and enhancing how fans all around the world engage with the sport. We believe the key to growing our fanbases is tapping into celebrity and unique world-class events to create competitive gaming entertainment for our fans. Who better to help build fanbases than Ted Lasso, Coach Beard, Trevor Noah, Becky G, and Nicky Jam!”
The “FIFA Face-Off” schedule and competing teams are as follows:
Friday, 26 March at 12:30 pm EST; 4:30 PM GMT:
Team Trevor Noah:
Trevor Noah
“NFG_Lisa” (Twitter)
“FUTHeda” (community winner)
–vs.–
Team Ted Lasso:
Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, coached by Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt)
“DUX Gravesen” (Instagram; Twitter)
“Cory_B” (community winner)