After revealing their new esports ecosystem for FC 24 re-branded as FC PRO, EA has recently shared more details on how to participate in the first phase of the competition, the FC Pro Open.
The EA SPORTS FC Pro Open 2023/24 is launching with over 50,000 players worldwide competing for a spot in the FC Pro World Championships. It will feature 20 top players in weekly contests, contending for the first-ever FC Pro trophy and a share of a $1 million prize pool.
How To Register
To join the FC Pro Open, register and agree to the official rules before reaching Division 4 in the Ultimate Team Rivals game mode by October 14. Upon achieving this, you’ll get an email inviting you to the Competitive Game Mode and FC Pro Open Ladder. It is important to highlight that all FC Pro matches will be played exclusively on PlayStation 5 this season.
📈 Have you reached Division 4 in Rivals in #FC24?
Sign up now to access competitive mode & the #FCPro Open Ladder! 👇
— EA SPORTS FC Pro (@EASPORTSFCPro) September 27, 2023
New Competition Rules
The two-legged format was discontinued in the Competitive Game Mode, and everyone will play single-leg matches of nine-minute halves.
Moreover, the squad rules have changed, and all players will need to field a squad with the following requirements:
- Max: 1 Icon
- Max: 1 Hero
- Max: 2 x 90+ OVR Players (non-Icon/Hero)
- Rest of Squad: Under 89 OVR
- Loan Players: Allowed
And the biggest rule change of this year is that all 3 and 5 at-the-back formations have been banned from all FC Pro competitions.
Which new Hero or Icon will you use first in #FC24? 🤔#FCPro pic.twitter.com/kKOvxBDNTJ
— EA SPORTS FC Pro (@EASPORTSFCPro) September 27, 2023
FC Pro Open Ladder
The FC Pro Open Ladder, starting 1 October, is a 1v1 tournament hosted by Battlefy across 10 regions to find the best EA SPORTS FC players. Eligible players can compete for four hours daily until October 7.
Each region has a specific qualifying period and number of players advancing to the Regional Qualifiers. After the qualifying period, those with the highest peak ratings in their regions move on to the FC Pro Open Regional Qualifiers.
FC Pro Open Regional Qualifiers
Regional ladder winners will compete in online regional qualifiers over a weekend, via Swiss rounds and a double elimination bracket, to advance to the FC Pro Open Global Qualifier. The dates and number of players moving to the Global Qualifier are outlined per region, ranging from 2 to 12 players, with matches scheduled on either 14-15 October or 21-22 October depending on the region.
FC Pro Open Global Qualifier
52 regional qualifiers and 12 invited players will compete in London at the FC Pro Global Qualifier starting 10 November. Initially, the 64 players will compete in a Swiss format, with the top 32 advancing to knockout rounds over the weekend. The top 16 players will proceed to the FC Pro Open. Those not advancing will share a portion of the $180,000 prize pool.
FC Pro Open
The 16 players from the Global Qualifier will join 4 directly qualified players in the FC Pro Open, taking the total number of players to 20. They’ll be divided into four groups, playing within their groups twice starting in late November until late January 2024.
Each FC Pro Open week focuses on one group, with rounds before and after a holiday break. The top two players from each group will compete in a single-elimination bracket for the championship title. Once the final standings are confirmed, the top four players will qualify to the FC Pro World Championships and will earn automatic invites to the next FC Pro Open season.
Furthermore, the middle 12 players earn automatic invites to the following season’s Global Qualifier while the last four players will get relegated.
The event has a $500,000 prize pool, with prizes ranging from $80,000 for 1st place to $10,000 for 17th to 20th place.
FC Pro Open Regional Cups
For those not qualified in FC Pro Open, the FC Pro Open Ladder reopens in November and December for a chance to qualify for monthly regional tournaments. Ladder and Cup dates are outlined for November and December, and EA confirmed a prize pool of $320,000 prize pool across all Regional Cup competitions.
FC Pro World Championship
In June, the FC Pro World Championship will crown the EA SPORTS FC 24 World Champion. It’ll feature the top four pro players from the FC Pro Open and 28 others from global league competitions. Starting with a group stage, it will narrow down to a single elimination tournament for 32 players. More details on this tournament will be released at a later date.
