Familiar faces front for FIFA 2009 final

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 23 April 2009 08:45

Your IT - Entertainment

There will be some familiar faces at the final of the FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) 2009.

This year's FIWC is nearing its climax with the grand final to be held in Barcelona, Spain, early next month.

The contest is a head-to-head tournament for players of EA Sports' FIFA 2009 game.

The original field of 500,000 entrants has been whittled down to 32 after playoffs in various countries and online.

"With more than half a million participants, the FIFA Interactive World Cup has set new records and I am really impressed how fast this tournament is growing," says FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer

Previous champions Alfonso Ramos (2008) and Andries Smit (2006) have made it through to Barcelona, along with several other previous finalists.

At stake is $US20,000, a Kia Soul and an invitation to the FIFA World Player Gala.

Second prize is $US5000, with $US1000 going to the third place getter.

If you're going to be in Barcelona on May 2, admission to the event is free. The interactive areas at Port Olympic open at 11am, with play beginning at 1.15pm.

The final match is scheduled for 7pm.

"This year's final in Barcelona promises to be a fantastic event, with great football, top class entertainment and a perfect venue," said Darren Carter, vice president, consumer marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

"This season's FIFA Interactive World Cup has most certainly been the best yet and we look forward to welcoming the finalists to Barcelona in May," he added.