Everything you need to know to take part in the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2009.
What is the FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC)?
Presented by EA Sports and PlayStation, and now in its fifth season, the FIWC is the world's largest football gaming competition. In the 2008-09 season, 30,000 virtual footballers from 179 countries entered the competition, either online or at live events, which climaxed with a live final at Berlin's Sony Centre.
What will the winner receive?
Besides the right to call themselves the world's greatest virtual footballer, the overall winner will receive a USD 20,000 cash prize, a Kia Soul car, a beautiful trophy and the chance to attend the FIFA World Player Gala and stand alongside the superstars of world football.
How do I enter?
There are two ways to qualify for the FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final: via Online Qualification on PLAYSTATION Network or by participating in one of the live qualification events across the globe.
Online entrants must purchase a copy of FIFA 09 for PLAYSTATION 3 and sign up for a free PLAYSTATION Network account, as well as an EA Online Account. Once you have these, select FIFA Interactive World Cup from the Online Game Modes section of FIFA 09's main menu. Once you have entered your EA Online Account username and password, you will have access to the FIFA Interactive World Cup hub. From there you can play competitive matches online, practice offline, view current leaderboards and visit lobby rooms.
The results of competitive matches will determine your place on the leaderboard for your confederation, for example, German players will appear on the European Confederation Leaderboard.
Alternatively, you can attend one of 19 Live Qualifier tournaments and play shoulder to shoulder against your opponents for the chance to become National Champion and book your place at the 2009 Grand Final.
How many players will be at the Grand Final?
Thirty-two players will battle it out at the Grand Final, with the 19 National Qualifiers appearing alongside the 13 winners of the global Online Competition on PLAYSTATION Network.
When does qualification start and finish?
The Online Qualification Leaderboards will open with the launch of FIFA 09 for PLAYSTATION 3 in October 2008 and close in May 2009, coinciding with the European football season. Live Qualifier events will run between October 2008 and April 2009; keep can eye on www.FIFA.com/FIWC for the full schedule.
What happens at the Grand Final?
The players will play in round-robin groups before progressing to the knockout stages, much like in the FIFA World Cup. The matches, however, are just one part of the spectacle; participants and spectators will enjoy the unique party atmosphere, live music and appearances from real life footballers.
Where can I find more information?
Keep checking eu.playstation.com, where you will find regular FIWC updates once the season kicks off in October. Alternatively, head to www.FIFA.com/FIWC for more information on FIFA and for the Live Qualifier schedule.
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