EA and Respawn launch the Apex Legends Global Series, the first international multi-tournament esports program for the franchise. PC players across over 60 countries are eligible to compete in The Game Awards Best Multiplayer Game of 2019. Competition kicks off 25 January, 2020.
Online and live events will be open to PC players to compete for a prize pool of more than $3 million. The Apex Legends Global Series will initially feature 12 global live events, either self-executed by EA and Respawn or produced by notable esports tournament organizers PGL and GLL. Battlefy will power the online competition, with registration for the first event opening early January.
“Competition is at the heart of Apex Legends. We expect that esports will play a big role in the future of Apex Legends and it all starts here, with the Apex Legends Global Series. We look forward to seeing who, out of our millions of players, will become true legends of the arena.” – Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn Entertainment
The Apex Legends Global Series is an inclusive, open ecosystem, to make stars out of all players. Players simply need to be residents of one of the over 60 eligible countries, meet minimum age, PC system requirements among others to compete. Many will be starting their competitive journey online, potentially advancing to live, regional Challenger Events, then to global Premier Events. Players will be earning Apex Legends Global Series Points for online performances and certain live events. Those at the top of the standings will be invited to the four Majors, the highest competitive live event tier.
“Apex Legends is one of the most impactful launches in videogame history and it possesses immense esports potential. Through close communication with our community, we’ve built an accessible Apex Legends ecosystem where any player can become a potential star while the world watches our unique, entertaining take on Battle Royale esports.” – John Nelson, Apex Legends Competitive Gaming Commissioner
The first three Majors will see 100 three-player squads each from around the world. This will culminate in the fourth Major, the Apex Legends Global Series Championship grand finale. Only the top 60 Global Series teams in the world will be battling it out for $1 million in prizes, and the title of World Champion.
All four Majors will feature the Apex Legends exclusive Match Point format, which debuted at the Apex Legends Preseason Invitational in September to positive reception. Teams in the Finals need to reach a point threshold through a combination of match placement and accumulated kills in Match Point. Apex Legends is the only battle royale esport to have this exciting end game mechanic.
The first of the competition will be an online tournament on 25 January 2020, with registrations opening early January. Players can earn points and possibly an invitation to the first Major on 13 – 15 March 2020 at Esports Stadium Arlington depending on their performance. Many of the online tournaments will be produced from the newly built EA Broadcast Center at company headquarters. Details on subsequent Apex Legends Global Series will be announced soon.
Learn more about the series and rules on their website.