Gfinity, a leading international esports entertainment group, today announced that Alpha Republic of Esport (Ares), has signed-up to the Elite Series for Season 3. Having increased the number of teams to 10, Ares has acquired the roster spot previously held by Endpoint. The teams will go head-to-head on EA SPORTS FIFA 18, Rocket League and Street Fighter V, competing for part of the £250,000 prize-pool when the tournament kicks-off on Friday 9th March at the Gfinity Esports Arena in London.
With headquarters in Paris and expanding to London in 2018, Ares is supported by a variety of world-renowned athletes, including a host of professional football players. Bayern Munich and Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez, Yannick Carrasco of Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur’s Moussa Sissoko are among the top names involved with the organisation.
Ares host their own competitions to discover the very best talent from across the world, with the tournament winners offered a professional contract – much like making the Elite Draft based on player rankings in Gfinity’s Challenger Series. Ares is the first professional esports club to open its doors to all gamers, help develop their skills and allow new talent to break-through on the global stage.
“We are excited to have Ares onboard heading into season three and we look forward to them bringing their top talent to the Gfinity Esports Arena,” said Neville Upton, CEO of Gfinity. “With a renowned pedigree and a host of top-tier sporting athletes who work closely with the teams, Ares will provide a perfect landing spot for our budding amateurs currently battling it out in the Challenger Series.”
“Being part of a world class tournament such as the Elite Series represents an excellent opportunity for Ares Esport, with the support of our ambassadors, to begin our international venture here in the UK,” said Badr Slassi, CEO of Ares. “The inclusion of FIFA 18, complete with qualifying spot towards the FIFA eWorld Cup 2018, makes this a tournament we have to be involved in and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
Prior to Ares’ opening match, amateur gamers from Europe are invited to sign up for free to compete in the Challenger Series to earn a place in the Elite Draft. After six weeks of online competition, the top 40 players will enter the draft in the hope of being selected by one of the 10 teams with each drafting two players to become part of their active roster. The teams will compete in a five-week regular season in a bid to make the play-offs which will be played over a three-week period from the Gfinity Esports Arena in London.
