America’s Cup e-Series Barcelona Grand Final
by America’s Cup 22 Sep 03:46 PDT
28 September 2024
America’s Cup e-Series © America’s Cup e-Series
America’s Cup e-Series Grand Final © America’s Cup e-Series
After six highly competitive qualifying rounds, the America’s Cup e-Series—the inaugural esports league for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup—will culminate in an exciting Grand Final in Barcelona on September 28, 2024.
Eight top America’s Cup e-Series players from seven different nations will compete for a €50,000 prize pool and the prestigious title of the first America’s Cup e-Series Champion. The Grand Final, set to unfold at the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Race Village in Port Vell, will feature the best players showcasing their exceptional virtual racing talents in what is expected to be one of the summer’s most thrilling sailing events in Barcelona.
Increasing the stakes, the top two competitors in the e-Series championship will earn an unparalleled opportunity to board a real AC40—a vessel recognized as World Sailing’s ‘Boat of the Year 2023’—used in the UniCredit Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup competitions.
With the ability to exceed speeds of 50 knots, this experience will provide a stark contrast to the virtual realm of gaming, and the winners will undergo three days of comprehensive training, including simulator use and practical experience, leading up to racing against a UniCredit Youth America’s Cup team on October 2.
This ultimate experience epitomizes the ‘Gamer to Sailor’ initiative, but the Grand Final will also be packed with world-class entertainment, light displays, celebrity appearances, and a concluding DJ performance by the famous duo Catz ‘N Dogz. The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Race Village is gearing up to host an entirely different vibe as esports gamers arrive, something that Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Event (ACE), looks forward to:
“The America’s Cup e-Series goes beyond just being an esports competition; it demonstrates the innovative essence of the America’s Cup. This championship reflects our goal of making sailing accessible globally, and the competition witnessed so far has been exceptional. We are extremely eager to see these eight skilled finalists compete in Barcelona and are committed to delivering a fantastic experience in the Race Village.”
Three Continents, Eight Sailors: The Final Showdown for Glory
The eight finalists contending for the championship title are:
Peterzon (Hungary): At 19, Peterzon is already leaving his mark on virtual sailing. His steady performance and strategic skills led him to win the first America’s Cup e-Series Playoff Final, garnering admiration from sailing legend Nathan Outteridge.
BengBengFRA (France): Known for his calmness under pressure, BengbengFRA clinched his Grand Final spot with a victory in the second Playoff Final, showing his talent for capitalizing on opportunities.
eSailingCentral (New Zealand): At just 14, eSailingCentral is a promising newcomer in the America’s Cup e-Series. He secured his place in Barcelona after a decisive win in Qualifier 3, demonstrating his innate sailing instincts.
RockyBDA (Bermuda): RockyBDA combines real-life sailing experience with virtual racing. A former Olympic hopeful and current TP52 grinder, he swiftly transitioned to e-sailing and achieved success in Qualifier 4, exhibiting tactical prowess and determination.
Ruish (Italy): As a consistent competitor in the e-Series, Ruish qualified for all playoff finals before winning Qualifier 5. He brings substantial experience and a keen focus on both speed and accuracy to the Barcelona Grand Final.
Booshify (New Zealand): With unwavering dedication, Booshify achieved a dominant win in the Qualifier 6 Play-off Final, earning his place in Barcelona. Renowned for his consistency and strategic mindset, he will contend for the title alongside countryman eSailingCentral.
Marremeister (Sweden): Marremeister comes with a robust sailing pedigree, earning a bronze medal at the Junior World Championships in the 49er class. His tactical abilities and perseverance make him a competitor to watch in upcoming contests.
Raix (Estonia): Raix, having acquired real-world sailing experience, is set for the e-Series Grand Final. As a mainsail trimmer on a 31-foot yacht, he is well-versed in sailing challenges. Competing in Barcelona fulfills his lifelong dream of experiencing the America’s Cup firsthand.
An Entertainment Extravaganza
The Grand Final show will be emceed by the acclaimed DJ and radio host Tony Aguilar. America’s Cup presenter Jesse Tuke will lead the main commentary, accompanied by esports commentator Martin and Emirates Team New Zealand’s Liv Mackay. The event will culminate in an electrifying DJ set from the internationally recognized duo Catz ‘N Dogz.
Free Entry and Worldwide Livestream
The America’s Cup e-Series Grand Final is free to attend for the public. The event will unfold at the primary stage of the Official America’s Cup Race Village from 2030 to 0000 CET on September 28, 2024.
For those unable to attend in person, the occasion will be livestreamed via the America’s Cup YouTube and Twitch channels.
About the America’s Cup e-Series
The America’s Cup e-Series represents the first esports league organized by the America’s Cup, driven by the hyper-realistic AC Sailing PC game. This pioneering competition blends the virtual and real worlds of sailing, creating a unique experience for both gamers and sailing enthusiasts to feel the excitement of America’s Cup racing.
