After an incredible regular competition, Club Brugge esports player Rudi Ekmen was crowned national champion in the ePro League finals. The previous two seasons he always failed in the semi-finals, but this year he started the finals as a big favourite: “I was comfortable and went to those finals with a lot of confidence. I didn’t feel any extra pressure, but I knew it had to be done this season.”
Ultimately, Ekmen demonstrated his skills in the finals. Both the quarter-finals and the semi-finals were won easily and in the final the Union SG of Kinane, last year’s champion of Belgium, was defeated in a best of three.
By winning the Belgian title, Ekmen has a ticket for the eChampions League in London. Last year he had a taste of the virtual championship ball, but ultimately he did not get past the group stage: “The level is very high there, but I have become a better player and this year I will give myself a better chance.”
“Now it’s time to put us on the map.”
– Rudi Ekmen
The goal for the Malinois is already clear, after the national title he now wants to achieve international fame: “I don’t just want to show myself, I also want to perform. It is time to put myself and the club on the map.”
SPICY GROUP
But it will not be an easy job, because Ekmen was divided into a tough group including Neat and TekKz. The latter proved to be too strong in the eChampions League last year: “He is one of the best players in the world, but I now know what it feels like to be there and I feel ready. I definitely have a chance of beating him.”
The eChampions League consists of eight groups of at least five teams. The group winner advances directly to the round of 16, while the numbers two and three from each group will determine in a knockout round in mid-May who will advance to the next round. The quarter-finals and semi-finals will follow at the end of May. June 1st is the time for the eChampions League final.
Ekmen’s group stage starts with a match against French champion Montaxer: “I’m really looking forward to that match. I hope I can start with a win, because the level is so high that anyone can drop points against anyone.”
THE POULE OF EKMEN
Pool A
- Neat (Real Valladolid)
- Montaxer (FC Lorient)
- Tekkz (Manchester City)
- JP_Sleator (UCD AFC)
- Ekmenn94
Play day 1: vs. Montaxer – 11 mei om 13u
Play day 2: vs. Tekkz – May 11 at 2 p.m
Play day 3: vs. JP_Sleator – May 11 at 4:15 p.m
Play day 4: vs. Nothing – May 11 at 8:15 p.m
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The virtual Champions League will therefore continue in London. The group stage starts on Saturday, May 11 and you can watch it live. Where? EA Sports broadcasts live on Twitch or on their YouTube channel EA SPORTS FC Pro. You can also visit UEFA’s YouTube channel.
Below you will also find the tournament schedule:
- Group stage: May 11 and 12
- Knock-out round: 18 and 19 May
- Finals: 29 mei
- eChampions League-finale: 1 June
Curious about how Rudi Ekmen is doing in London? Be sure to keep an eye on our esports socials!
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Twitter: @eClubBrugge
