The first eMLS event of 2021 is just around the corner as representatives from all 27 MLS clubs prepare to compete in eMLS League Series One presented by Coca-Cola and PlayStation on Jan. 16-17. The tournament will feature Sporting Kansas City’s Alekzandur going up against other elite EA Sports FIFA players, with a title and a cash prize on the line.
With League Series One qualifying beginning today, here’s everything to know about the event.
What is League Series One?
League Series One is the first of three eMLS tournaments taking place in early 2021. The season will feature a $70,000 prize pool, headlined by eMLS Cup presented by Coca-Cola in March. Matches will be played on EA SPORTS FIFA 21, exclusively on PlayStation 4.
Each club will be represented by a professional FIFA player in all eMLS competitions. Alekzandur is one of 27 stars looking to be crowned the best FIFA 21 player in North America. Some clubs, like Sporting, are retaining their FIFA player from last season, while other teams are signing new players. The full 2021 eMLS roster can be found in MLSsoccer.com's preseason power rankings, where Alekzandur is currently slated at No. 4.
League Series One will be the first of three live-streamed tournaments that each occur over two days and comprise the eMLS season. The season will continue Feb. 13-14 with eMLS League Two presented by Coca-Cola and conclude on March 20-21 with eMLS Cup presented by Coca-Cola.
How does League Series One work?
Alekzandur will compete in a slate of 14 single-leg qualifying matches, which are set for January 5-6 and 12-13. Competitors will earn three points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss, with the top eight players advancing to the two-leg League Series One Tournament on Jan. 16-17. The prize pool for League Series One is $15,000.
How can you watch League Series One?
With the exception of qualifying matces, the entirety of the 2021 competitive eMLS season will be streamed online. Fans can watch all three competitions on the official MLS Twitch and Twitter pages, as well as MLSsoccer.com and the free MLS app. Fans can also find updated results and standings on MLSsoccer.com.
The full schedule for the League Series One qualifying matches and final tournament can be found here.
