The preview of the eChampions League

After a crazy regular competition, Club Brugge athlete Rudi Ekmen crowned himself national champion in the ePro League finals. The previous two seasons he stranded in the semifinals each time, but this year he started the finals as a big favorite: "I was comfortable and went to those finals with a lot of confidence. I didn't feel any extra pressure, but I knew it had to happen this season."

In the end, Ekmen demonstrated his ability in the finals. Both the quarterfinals and the heel final were won easily and in the final, Kinane's Union SG, last year's champion of Belgium, prevailed in a best of three.

By winning the Belgian title, Ekmen has a ticket to the eChampions League in London in his pocket. Last year, he already had a taste of the virtual championship ball, but ultimately couldn't advance to the group stage: "The level there is very high, but I've become a better player and this year I'm giving myself more of a chance."

"Now it's time to put ourselves on the map."
- Rudi Ekmen

The goal for the Malinois is already clear, after the national title he now wants to aim high at international: "I don't just want to show myself, I want to perform. It's time to put myself and the club on the map."

PITCH GROUP

But it won't be an easy job, as Ekmen was split into a feisty group that included Neat and TekKz, the latter of whom proved too strong in last year's eChampions League: "He's one of the best players in the world, but I now know what it feels like to stand there and feel ready. I definitely have a chance to win from him".

The eChampions League consists of eight pools of at least five teams. The group winner advances directly to the round of 16, while the numbers two and three from each group decide in a knockout round in mid-May who will still advance to the next round. Quarterfinals and semifinals then follow in late May. June 1 is the time for the eChampions League finals.

Ekmen's group stage starts with a match against French champion Montaxer: "I'm very much looking forward to that match. I hope I can start with a win, because the level is so high that anyone can drop points against anyone."

EKMEN'S POOL

Pool A

Neat (Spain)
Montaxer (France)
Tekkz (England)
JP_Sleator (Ireland)
Ekmenn94

Day of play 1: vs. Montaxer - May 11 at 1 p.m.
Playday 2: vs. Tekkz - May 11 at 2 p.m.
Playday 3: vs. JP_Sleator - May 11 at 4:15 p.m.
Playday 4: vs. Neat - May 11 at 8:15 p.m.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

So the virtual Champions League continues in London. On Saturday, May 11, the group stage starts and you can watch it live. Where? EA Sports is broadcasting live on Twitch or on their YouTube channel EA SPORTS FC Pro. You can also visit UEFA's YouTube channel.

You can also find the tournament schedule below: