ePremier League

'It doesn't get better than representing Newcastle'

27 Mar 2019

Ahead of the ePremier League Final, Jake Simpson talks us through his journey to playing on behalf of the club he supports

For Jake Simpson, there was only one club he wanted to represent in the ePremier League – and that was Newcastle United.

Though relatively new to the competitive space of EA SPORTS FIFA, the 20-year-old has been playing the game regularly for eight years.

"I've been playing FIFA since about 2011," says Jake. "Ever since I've been addicted.

"Aston Villa had a tournament at the back end of last year and I got all the way to the semi-final. That was when I realised I had a competitive edge."

That characteristic helped him beat a professional eSports player at the Newcastle club playoff, scoring a golden goal to progress to the final which starts in London this Thursday.

Jake Simpson, ePL Newcastle — Jake after securing his place as Newcastle United's ePremier League Xbox finalist

"I conceded in the 90th minute, I thought I'd thrown it away," says Jake. "But I managed to keep my head and keep my cool."

The Geordie, who has just completed a Business Admin apprenticeship, is grateful for the chance to be involved in the competition which is open to anyone 16 or over in the UK.

"It's a great opportunity with the Premier League and anyone can get involved," he said.

"The qualifiers are open to the public so you can go from playing in your bedroom to competing at St James' Park.

"I came to St James' Park, beat a pro in the final and now I'm going to represent Newcastle in the ePremier League final. It doesn't get much better than that."