The Toronto FC x BMO NXT LVL Cup: A Recap of the FIFA 23 Esports Tournament
In a thrilling collaboration between Toronto FC and BMO, the Toronto FC x BMO NXT LVL Cup FIFA 23 esports tournament was held this month.
The competition was divided into two distinct categories: competitive and casual, promising an impressive total prize pool of $10,000. Gamers had the opportunity to vie for $2,500 in cash, coveted PlayStation 5 consoles, copies of EA FC 24, authentic Toronto FC jerseys, and a selection of team merchandise. With such enticing rewards up for grabs, participants were in for an unforgettable gaming experience.
In the casual division, participants had enjoyed a laid-back and unstructured way to engage with the competition and win enticing prizes, all without the pressure of needing to be the top FIFA player. For each match played, regardless of the outcome, as Toronto FC in FIFA 23, or by using Toronto FC logo and kits in Ultimate Team or Pro Clubs, contestants had earned one entry into a prize draw scheduled for September 23rd. This flexibility had allowed gamers to play at their convenience, with no restrictions on frequency or schedule. Furthermore, the player who had logged the most matches in the casual division had clinched an automatic victory, taking home a PlayStation 5 console as their well-deserved reward.
The excitement for the competitive division had unfolded throughout the entierty of the month of September, building up to the grand climax – a live event for the Grand Finals held at Toronto's iconic BMO Field on Wednesday, September 27th. The live stream was casted by BMO's Sean Frame and Nicco Cardarelli, and also hosted by TSN's Marissa Roberto. It was an eventful day, crowned by the remarkable achievement of Snipeshot, who emerged as the BMO NXT LVL champion and even had the honor of playing a match against Toronto FC player Aimé Mabika.
The Toronto FC x BMO NXT LVL Cup FIFA 23 esports tournament succeeded in merging the worlds of professional soccer and esports, creating a vibrant and inclusive gaming experience for all participants. With the promise of generous prizes and memorable moments, it's no wonder that this event left a great impression on me, celebrating both the competitive spirit and the sheer joy of playing FIFA 23.
Thank you to Femme Gaming for extending an invitation to me for the finals. It provided a delightful opportunity to not only enjoy local esports/gaming talent, but also to explore the Toronto FC facilities and witness the finals live in action.
This is what I know the Canadian/Toronto gaming industry and community is capable of, and so much more. The success of this event has left me eagerly anticipating more exciting collaborations and local events in the future.