The Home Nations, in collaboration with EE, have revealed the victors of the Connected Club Cup 2023.
Mariam Musa emerged as the champion of the first women’s tournament, while Louie Parker secured the title in the men’s group.
These talented esports FIFA players claimed their victories after facing off against six of the nation’s finest male and female grassroots FIFA 23 players in the final at Wembley Stadium, connected by EE.
Exhibition Matches and Exciting Showdowns
The finals offered a unique opportunity for the finalists to test their skills against some notable Home Nations football players, including Lucy Parker, Jess Park, Emily Ramsey, Marcus Harrison, Brad Bates, Ryan Porteous, Erin Cuthbert, Lily Woodham, Tom Lockyer, Chloe McCarron, and Rebecca McKenna.
Additionally, they had the chance to compete against EXCEL esports gamer, Spencer Ealing, widely known as Gorilla.
Thrilling Tournament Format and Engaging Broadcast
The eight finalists participated in a two-leg round-robin tournament, where each player faced every other player in turn.
Matches were played on both Xbox and PlayStation, and the entire event was streamed over EE Full Fibre Broadband.
The grand finale took place at the iconic Wembley Stadium and was brought to life with captivating commentary by leading esports commentators Rachel Stringer, Alia Harvey, Richard Buckley, and Brandon Smith.
Fans followed the action on the FA Twitch channel, witnessing the intensity and skill of the competitors.
The Triumph of Mariam Musa and Louie Parker
In the women’s tournament, Mariam Musa and Anna Rynn, both from England, competed against Emma Rose and Erin Wylie from Northern Ireland.
Mariam Musa’s exceptional performance earned her the title of the first female winner in the Connected Club Cup’s history.
On the other side, the men’s tournament featured Louie Parker from England, Robson Evans from Wales, Liam Martin Wilson from Scotland, and Luke Reid from Northern Ireland, with Louie Parker securing the victory.
Impact and Recognition for the Champions
Both Mariam Musa and Louie Parker were ecstatic to claim the top honors in the Connected Club Cup.
As a result of their triumph, they received a prestigious tournament trophy, an Xbox signed by Home Nations players, tickets to a Home Nations game, and signed National shirts.
The recognition and rewards extended to the semi-finalists, who were granted tickets to a Home Nations game and signed National shirts, while the finalists received personalized National and Connected Club Cup shirts.
Supporting Grassroots and Youth Esports
Stephen Hutchison, Head of Partnerships at the FA, expressed pride in partnering with EE to support grassroots community football clubs through digital and football initiatives like the Connected Club Cup.
He looks forward to witnessing the finalists’ journeys as they continue to grow in the world of esports, with hopes that the competition will inspire more youth gamers and football fans to engage with the sport.
EE’s Commitment to Gaming and Inclusivity
Christian Thrane, MD for Marketing at EE, congratulated Mariam and Louie for their remarkable achievements in the Connected Club Cup.
As part of their ambition to become the UK’s leading gaming destination and commitment to promoting inclusivity in football and gaming, EE is proud to offer a platform for grassroots gamers to showcase their talents.
Through partnerships with the Home Nations Football Associations and initiatives like the Connected Club Cup, EE aims to transform grassroots clubs into thriving community hubs.
Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media
