eSports
Since 2018, 1. FC Köln’s involvement in eSports is part of the digitalisation strategy from the club. FC have the goal of meeting the changing needs of its fans as well as opening up to new and younger age groups in order to strengthen the base of the club in the future. Thanks to the co-operation with SK Gaming, one of the most successful gaming companies in the world, eSports at FC has developed so well that the next step of creating a full-time professional team was able to be made. The social media presence on Twitch, Twitter and Instagram helped to create a loyal community and the first eSports fanclub.
About the Virtual Bundesliga (VBL)
The Virtual Bundesliga Club Championship (VBLCC) is the first competition which is directed at the eSports department of the German clubs. Over 30 teams from the first and second division take part, in order to crown the German champion in the offering from EA Sports. The participants are divided into two divisions: North-West and South-East.
In the divisions, the teams face off in home and away fixtures against one another. One game consists of up to three matches, in a best of three format. At least two games and at the most three matches will be played. The club who secure the advantage over the course of the game earns three points. If the game ends in a draw, both teams share the points – just like in the Bundesliga. The first and second placed teams from both divisions qualify automatically for the finals. The clubs from third to sixth in each division enter the play-offs for a place in the final, with the best eight teams across both divisions qualifying for the finals.
About eSports
The term eSports (electronic sports) refers to sporting competition between people using computer games. A professional scene has developed in various games. There are leagues and championships that are supported by sponsors and streamed live worldwide with huge coverage. The demands on professional players are high. They must have motor and mental skills such as hand-eye coordination, reaction speed and stamina, as well as spatial orientation, overview, tactical understanding and forward and creative thinking. This is why eSports is now recognised as a sport in countries such as the USA, Brazil, China or France.
