With the ePremier League finals taking place between 25-26 March, we profile the gamers seeking glory for their clubs.
See: All clubs' profiles and who's in each group
AFC BOURNEMOUTH
NAME: Mitch Hayward
AGE: 23
GAMER TAG: MHaywxrd
SOCIAL HANDLE: @MHaywxrd
CONSOLE: PlayStation
ePL HISTORY: 2022: Semi-finals, 2021: Semi-finals, 2020: Group stage
Player Profile:
An EA SPORTS FIFA player for the past 12 years, Mitchell started playing competitively three years ago and represented Leeds United in the 2021/22 tournament. The 23-year-old is a huge football fan and will look to go one better than last year's semi-final.
Why should people be excited for the ePremier League?
"People should be excited for the ePremier League because it features some of the best UK talent all playing in one tournament, representing some of the biggest clubs in the world."
What would it mean to you to win the ePremier League?
"Winning the ePremier League would mean a lot to me, as I have come close twice and lost narrowly in the past."
What formation and style of play do you adopt in-game usually?
"I usually adopt either a 4-3-2-1 or 4-2-2-2 formation and make heavy use of my wings."
Who is the most underrated Premier League item in FUT 23?
"Ivan Perisic."
What has been your favourite moment in the ePL so far?
"My favourite moment so far has been qualifying for the event."
ePL Invitational Highlights:
"Mitch got AFC Bournemouth off to a flying start in the Header and Volleys challenge, by scoring a bullet header with Peter Crouch and putting the Cherries into the lead at half-time."
NAME: Jack Sharp
AGE: 21
GAMER TAG: JSharpp 10
SOCIAL HANDLE: @JSharpp_
CONSOLE: Xbox
ePL HISTORY: 2022: Quarter-finals, 2020: Group stage
Player Profile:
Having represented Chelsea in the 2021/22 campaign, Jack will be hoping to improve on last year's quarter-final exit alongside new team-mate, Mitch. After getting a taste of the latter rounds in 2021/22, Jack hopes to go on and be crowned ePremier League champion with AFC Bournemouth.
Why should people be excited for the ePremier League?
"The UK scene has some of the biggest names in esports and this year's tournament looks more competitive than ever."
What would it mean to you to win the ePremier League?
"Winning the ePremier League would be an incredible accomplishment for me. I reached the quarter-final stage last year and I want to return to the latter rounds and go even further."
What formation and style of play do you adopt in-game usually?
"I tend to play a 4-2-2-2 formation and focus on either attacking the wings or patiently playing through the centre midfielders, until I can break through the defence."
Who is the most underrated Premier League item in FUT 23?
"David de Gea."
What has been your favourite moment in the ePL so far?
"Qualifying for the event was a relief more than anything, but getting that over the line was the highlight so far."
ePL Invitational Highlights:
Falling victim to a controversial Ruud Gullit goal, Jack conceded two second half goals to lose a one goal lead and be on the end of a 1-2 defeat to Newcastle United in the Header and Volleys challenge.
