Registration opens for 2023 VBL International Series as gamers prepare to go head-to-head for the chance to win a once in a lifetime trip to the Bundesliga
- Bundesliga fans from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the USA and Brazil can now register to compete in the 2023 VBL International Series
- Wildcard winner from eISL will join other regional champions in Germany for the International Final, to be held around Matchday 33
- Alongside a trip to FC Bayern München v RB Leipzig, finalists will have the chance to win a share of the 10,000 USD prize pool
- Entrants must register via the Battlefy portal by 24 April for Thailand, 25 April for USA and Brazil, and 26 April for Japan and Vietnam
14 April 2023 – The VBL International Series returns for a sixth year, offering EA SPORTS FIFA 23 and EA SPORTS FIFA Online 4 players from around the world the opportunity to win a trip of a lifetime, as well as the title of 2023 VBL International Series champion and a share of the 10,000 USD prize pool.
Registration is now open for players from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the USA and Brazil, ahead of the regional finals which begin at the end of April. In India, the Bundesliga is deepening its collaboration with the eISL, where a selected player will complete the line up for the 2023 VBL International Series Final, which will take place in Munich, Germany, around Matchday 33 (18-21 May).
Players from the US, Brazil, Japan and Vietnam will compete in online regional qualifiers on 25 or 26 April, with Vietnam players using EA SPORTS FIFA Online 4 and gamers across the US, Brazil and Japan playing EA SPORTS FIFA 23.
In Thailand, the Bundesliga is working with trusted partner and EA SPORTS FIFA Online 4 publisher Garena to produce a multi-day qualifying event for players. Starting with one round of online qualifiers on 24 April, the final eight will compete in an in-studio match-up, with the final rounds taking place on 29-30 April and broadcast live on FIFA Online 4, as well as PPTV HD 36’s digital platforms.
The winners of each regional final will travel to Germany on an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the 2023 VBL International Series Final, while taking in a money-can’t buy experience of Germany’s top-flight. One of the key highlights will be a live Bundesliga matchday experience, as FC Bayern München take on RB Leipzig in Matchday 33’s top match. The winners will go behind the scenes at the Allianz Arena, meet Bundesliga Legends, and train with some of the Virtual Bundesliga’s top gamers and coaches.
In addition, the winners will be accompanied by a leading gaming or lifestyle influencer, who will document and share the entire journey for their local audiences. Bank Geeknites and เกมส์เอง (Game Eng) are leading streamers in Thailand, while Kohalon Tokyo (Japan), Mike LaBelle (USA) and MuuhPro (Brazil) have also built their followings through playing EA SPORTS FIFA games. Đỗ Kim Phúc is a Vietnamese football freestyler, with almost 2.5 million YouTube subscribers following his tricks and skills. In addition, longstanding friend of the Bundesliga, Rannvijay Singha, will join the trip and share his experiences to more than 4.5 million followers throughout India and across the world.
The 2023 VBL International Series is another opportunity for fans to have fun, to discover their team, and furthermore, secure an amazing prize to experience the Bundesliga’s incredible matchday atmosphere in person.
Peer Naubert, CMO Bundesliga International
As always, the 2023 VBL International Series is open to gamers of all abilities. Bundesliga International is working closely with licensing partner EA SPORTS to bring the 2023 VBL International Series to gamers from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the USA, Brazil and India.
Bundesliga International CMO Peer Naubert said: “Millions of Bundesliga fans around the world play EA SPORTS FIFA games to get closer to their favourite clubs and players: it can begin and confirm lifelong affiliations with those clubs, and with the league in general. The 2023 VBL International Series is another opportunity for fans to have fun, to discover their team, and furthermore, secure an amazing prize to experience the Bundesliga’s incredible matchday atmosphere in person. The 2022 edition was the most-covered since the International Series began, thanks to the broadcasters and content creators who were fully immersed in the trip. This year, we hope to reach even more fans, and provide another great opportunity for fans to enjoy the Bundesliga.”
As well as the International Series finalists, one more lucky football fan will be selected to join the German experience, through Bundesliga International’s global “Recreate a Goal” competition. Fans must recreate Marco Reus’ incredible freekick from MD 21 vs. Hertha Berlin, using EA SPORTS FIFA 23, FIFA Mobile or FIFA Online 4, and share their best clip-on Instagram. The winner will be flown to join the VBL International Series programme and experience Football As Its Meant To Be, live in Germany.
The VBL International Series is a fan tournament, separate from the Virtual Bundesliga’s domestic competitions. For more information on the VBL International Series 2023, as well as to register for the regional qualifiers, please click here.