Nexon announced on the 24th that it has unveiled its plan for the 2025 esports tournament reform of the online soccer game 'EA SPORTS FC™ Online' (hereinafter 'FC Online').
Starting this year, the 'FC Online' esports tournament will establish a more systematic league structure through the introduction of ▲ franchise clubs ▲ restructuring of the league ecosystem ▲ strengthening professionalism. This aims to maximize the enjoyment of esports by linking the narratives created in the tournaments with the game for sustainable league operation.
The previous promotion and relegation system will be abolished, and a franchise system will be introduced to enhance the competitiveness of the league. Accordingly, eight clubs including T1, Gen.G, kt Rolster, DRX, BNK FEARX, Nongshim Redforce, DN FREECS, and Dplus KIA will participate, and each team will include existing players and promising newcomers to engage in fierce competition.
The league structure will also be revamped. The existing 'eK League Championship' will be newly renamed to 'FC Online Super Champions League (FC ONLINE SUPER CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, FSL)', with the competition format shifted from team-based to individual-focused matches. It will be held twice a year, featuring 32 professional players competing for the top spot, with four players from each of the eight teams participating.
In addition, the second league, 'FC Online Futures League (FC ONLINE FUTURES LEAGUE, FFL)', will feature 32 players aiming for professionalism, who can gain opportunities to compete in 'FSL' through the transfer market after the league ends. Alongside this, a semi-professional open league will be held more than six times a year to enhance the consolidation with the professional league, and support will be provided for amateur tournaments hosted by local governments and public institutions.
The first league following the tournament reform, '2025 FC Online Super Champions League Spring', will take place from March 31 to June 14 at the Jamsil DN Coliseum. The total prize money for this season has been expanded to 1 billion won, which is four times larger than before, and the top two teams will earn spots in the international tournament 'FC Pro Masters.'
More details about the reform of the 'FC Online' 2025 esports league can be found on the official website and the esports YouTube channel.