FIFA Competitions

• outline
• report

The FIFA Interactive World Cup 2009 is the world's largest virtual football gaming tournament. Marking its fifth year, the tourney invites players to compete in EA SPORTS™ FIFA 09 on PLAYSTATION_®3 consoles for the coveted title of FIFA Interactive World Player 2009. Players can qualify for one of 32 spots for the May 2nd Grand Final at live qualifier events scheduled in 19 countries and online via PlayStation_®Network. The winner will receive US$20,000, an invitation to the FIFA World Player Gala and an all-new KIA 'Soul'. Already more than 400,000 players are registered for the online qualification, a record-breaking number reflecting this event's status as the biggest online football tournament in the world.

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Event Description

The world's only official FIFA football gaming tournament, with both live and online competitions to qualify for 32 places in the Grand Final on May 2, 2009 in Barcelona. Players will demonstrate their virtual football skills while playing EA SPORTS™ FIFA 09 on PLAYSTATION_®3 game consoles.

As of February 2009, more than 400,000 gamers have registered for the global online qualification competition which began in early October 2008 and ends March 31, 2009. Live qualifier events located around the world will determine the national champion, as well as offer a unique gaming experience for consumers, with music entertainment (DJs, live music), football activities and visits by professional football players and other local celebrities.

The winner will receive US$20,000 in prize money, the FIFA Interactive World Cup Trophy, an all-new KIA 'Soul' car, and will be invited to Zurich to attend the FIFA World Player Gala in January 2010 to receive the trophy for the FIFA Interactive World Player 2009, alongside the greatest football players of 2009. The runner-up will receive US$5,000 and the third-place player, US$1,000.

Venues

Live qualifying events in 19 countries worldwide

Grand Final

32 finalists (19 national champions + 13 best online gamers) will compete on May 2, 2009 at Port Olympic in Barcelona, Spain to determine the winner and FIFA Interactive World Player 2009.

Player Eligibility

Qualification for the Grand Final: Players could either qualify through live qualifier events or on-line through the PlayStation_® Network for the Grand Final to become the winner and FIFA Interactive World Player 2009: