The 2023 ePremier League Grand Finals take place this weekend, with two players representing Chelsea competing against some of the world's best FIFA 23 players from all 20 Premier League clubs. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the finals…
When and where are the ePL Finals?
Now into its fifth year, this season’s ePL Finals will be hosted at Here East in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March.
Where can I watch the ePL Finals?
The action will be televised in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and shown across the Premier League’s digital channels (YouTube, web, app and Facebook).
It will also be streamed on EA’s Twitch channel, plus Sky Sports’ YouTube platform and app.
What is the prize pot for the ePL Finals?
A whopping £100,000 is up for grabs. The four competitors from the top two clubs will also earn spots in the EA SPORTS FIFA 23 Global Series Play-offs and Play-Ins.
What is the format of the ePL Finals?
The 40 finalists were determined following thrilling Club Play-offs late last year, with a mixture of new faces and former champions set to compete.
Continuing the success of the 2021/22 competition, the format of this season’s Finals will once again see club representatives working collaboratively. Finalists will take part in a series of one-on-one matches against pairings from other clubs, with one player competing per console (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S), in a two-legged tie.
Clubs are split into four groups for Saturday’s matches, with the top two in each group progressing to Sunday’s knock-out stage. The two victorious players in the overall final will win the honour of ePremier League champions for their club.
Who is competing for Chelsea in the ePL Finals?
There are two players representing the Blues, one on Playstation 5 and the other on Xbox Series X|S. We caught up with them to ask a series of questions…
Steve Friend (loobylarry)
Steve Friend, a new player on the scene, shocked himself and the EA SPORTS FIFA community when he scored the winning goal in the 121st minute of the Finals of the Chelsea Club Play-off. As the Chelsea's representative for the ePremier League, the 21-year-old will again use his 'hope for the best' mentality to surprise more experienced players and make a name for himself in the competitive gaming world.
Why should people be excited for the ePremier League?
It’s EA SPORTS FIFA 23, you never know what’s going to happen!
What would it mean to you to win the ePremier League?
It would be a great achievement, but I'm happy to have gotten to this stage in all honesty.
What formation and style of play do you adopt in-game usually?
4-2-2-2 and, to be honest, it’s more hope for the best than a style.
What has been your favourite moment in the ePL so far?
My 121st-minute winner in the Chelsea Club Play-offs.
Najib Hassan (nhaych)
Najib Hassan, 16, is excited to play for his childhood team Chelsea in the ePremier League and aims to make his side proud by winning the trophy. He hopes his passion and determination will give him an edge, just as they did in the qualifiers, where he beat much more experienced players on his way to the Grand Finals.
Why should people be excited for the ePremier League?
This year's ePL will be full of goals, unpredictable games and, most importantly, passion!
What would it mean to you to win the ePremier League?
Everything. I'm already over the moon to make it, but to win would truly be surreal.
What formation and style of play do you adopt in-game usually?
Very balanced and I try to play as direct as possible.
What has been your favourite moment in the ePL so far?
Making the ePL Finals for my childhood club.