Global gaming giant Electronic Arts has jumped the divide between esports and TV sports by developing a new show that will see celebrities going head-to-head in an EA SPORTS FIFA football match, airing live on Twitch and YouTube.
The new show will feature A-List celebrities including Jason Sudeikas, who plays the title character of football coach Ted Lasso; his Ted Lasso co-star Brendan Hunt who plays Coach Beard; comedian and host Trevor Noah from the Emmy Award-winning The Daily Show; American Music Award winner Becky G, and Latin Grammy winner Nicky Jam. The online show will be hosted by the popular EA SPORTS FIFA influencer Castro 1021, and will running two episodes airing March 19 and Friday, March 26.
“This unique event continues EA’s competitive gaming entertainment innovation, which connects video game pros with celebrity to increase esports popularity and grow top competitors’ star-power,” said Electronic Arts in a statement.
The casting of Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt is a particular coup, as their jointly produced show Ted Lasso has become hugely popular over its first season on Apple+.
“Having previously no experience coaching soccer, or football if you will, I think Ted Lasso is the perfect candidate for dominating in an EA SPORTS FIFA esports competition,” said Sudeikis. “That said, Ted’s passion for competing and having Coach Beard at his side in support may just be enough for him to achieve esports glory in the world’s most popular sports video game. Never underestimate Coach Ted Lasso.”
The other stars Sudeikis will compete with are also big fans of the game.
“Growing up in Inglewood, CA, lots of nights in the Gomez household were centered around watching football, and it’s something that brings us all together,” said Becky G. “I’ve been around EA SPORTS FIFA for years and am so excited to be able to compete against my friend Nicky Jam and give back to the FIFA community on this fun show.”
“EA SPORTS FIFA is one of my favorite games, playing it so much over the years,” said Nicky Jam. “I’m excited to be teaming up with the best esports star in the world in Fnatic Tekkz and can’t wait to compete.”
During both episodes, celebrities and EA SPORTS FIFA pros will pair up, select their rosters through FIFA Ultimate Team™, and compete in a two-legged competition to win a share of a $25,000 prize pool on behalf of lucky EA SPORTS FIFA fans. These fans were selected after winning a video submission community contest that accumulated tens of thousands of submissions. In addition to the two-legged competition, fun minigames will be played throughout the show featuring additional talent, as well as unique viewer contests so those watching from home can engage in the action.
“EA SPORTS FIFA, once upon a time, only simulated football matches, but now, it IS world football culture, driving global conversation and enhancing how fans all around the world engage with the sport,” said Brent Koning, Group Director & Commissioner, FIFA Competitive Gaming. “We believe the key to growing our fanbases is tapping into celebrity and unique world-class events to create competitive gaming entertainment for our fans. Who better to help build fanbases than Ted Lasso, Coach Beard, Trevor Noah, Becky G, and Nicky Jam!”
The shows will run on the EA Sports FIFA channels on Twitch and Youtube. The “FIFA Face-Off” schedule and competing teams are as follows:
Friday, March 19, at 12:30 p.m. EDT; 4:30 p.m. GMT:
Team Nicky Jam vs. Team Becky G
Friday, March 26, at 12:30 p.m. EDT; 4:30 p.m. GMT:
Team Trevor Noah vs. Team Ted Lasso, who will be coached by Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt)