Electronic Arts (EA) and National Football League (NFL) have announced the launch of the EA SPORTS Madden NFL 20 Championship Series (MCS). This year’s MCS serves as a connection to the sport as all four Madden NFL Major tournaments occur during key NFL moments which include the NFL Kickoff, the NFL playoffs push, the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft. The official partners of this year’s MCS are Pizza Hut and SNICKERS which will further heighten the connection to the league.
According to the schedule, the Madden NFL 20 Classic will take place right before the NFL season kickoff from August 30 to September 1, 2019. The event is using open registration format which means that any fan of the event can participate in the largest competitor pool in the history of the event.
The event will take place at the Esports Stadium Arlington which is also the biggest esports-dedicated facility in North America. Fans of the event can also watch the event on Madden NFL Twitch and YouTube channels if they are unable to visit the venue personally.
The complete event will take place until the next year for the whole NFL season. After the Madden NFL 20 Classic, fans will be able to compete to represent one of the 32 NFL teams in the Madden NFL 20 Club Championship which will take place later from December 18-21, 2019.
Next up will be Madden NFL 20 Challenge from January 30 to February 1, 2020, which will take place during the Super Bowl weekend. The concluding event will be Madden NFL 20 Bowl which will take place during the NFL Draft from April 23 – 25, 2020.
Matt Marcou who is the Madden NFL Competitive Gaming Commissioner said:
Last season was a monumental year for the Madden NFL Championship Series as millions competed and we achieved record viewership. In continued partnership with the NFL and its 32 clubs, we intend to accelerate player and spectator growth by aligning closely with the NFL calendar. Football fandom and Madden NFL engagement feed off each other and we’re confident this connection will further inspire our players and spectators.
Rachel Hoagland, NFL Vice President, Head of Gaming & Esports also commented:
We view esports as a key accelerant to growing the NFL. It enables new ways for young fans to engage in the sport through Madden NFL competition. Competitive Madden unlocks great potential as the authenticity it provides enhances engagement and the connection between our 32 NFL Clubs and football fans around the world.
Most of the MCS Major live events will take place in Pizza Hut Stadium which is the brand new home of competitive Madden NFL. Competing players will start off the event for each madden NFL 20 Major by participating in an online tournament facilitated by ladder play and elimination brackets.
Once a Major has concluded, points will be awarded to each player for their finishing places and top placing performances will move to the next round. The final will take place during the Madden NFL 20 Bowl where the top 16 players will battle for the title of Madden NFL champion.
More details about EA SPORTS Madden NFL 20 Championship Series will be shared in today’s 90-minute community livestream at the Madden NFL Twitch at 4 pm PT; 7 pm ET. Important announcements such as how players can register for the event will be shared during the livestream. The event is kicking off right at the launch of Madden NFL 20 Superstar and Ultimate Editions.
The Ultimate Superstar Edition of Madden NFL 20 will include special edition MCS 20 content including three Madden NFL 19 MCS uniform sets and four Madden NFL 19 Major champions as coaches including Michael “Skimbo” Skimbo, Pavan “Pavan” Lakhat, Christian “Chritobin” Lomenzo and Drini “Drini” Gjoka.
Madden NFL 20 is releasing on August 2, 2019, on Xbox One, PC and PS4. The Superstar and Ultimate edition owners will be able to jump in the action on July 30.
