Australian Stephen Coorey books his place in the FIWC Grand Final in front of a lively Kiwi crowd.
Between 25 and 27 October, 2008, 128 participants and 3,000 spectators flocked to the Aotea Centre in Auckland, New Zealand to see Stephen Coorey, from Australia, win a place in the 2009 FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final.
The final match was a tense trans-Tasman encounter, with Coorey, playing as Brazil, securing a 4-3 victory over local boy Alistair Wallace's Barcelona. "I came second last year and flew home with unfinished business," said Coorey after his win. "I'm the first person to make the FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final four times, so here's hoping I win the big one this year."
The three-day event was the first of 19 Live Qualifier Events held around the world, giving FIFA 09 players the chance to take on their rivals in person. The remaining 13 Grand Final berths will go to the best players in the online competition via PlayStation Network.
Coorey will have to train hard for the Grand Final, at which he will be competing for USD 20,000, a Kia Soul car and the chance to lift the trophy in front of a glittering array of talent at the FIFA World Player Gala.
Keep checking eu.playstation.com for FIFA Interactive World Cup details, and head to FIFA.com for details of Live Qualifier Events in your region. Take a look at the related articles for information on how to sign up and get involved.
