23 Apr 2009World's best FIFA 09 player to be crowned in Barcelona

Football Technology and Stadia | Other Football News

The world's top 32 players on the popular computer game FIFA 09 are set to head to Barcelona next month to be crowned the title's best virtual gamer.

Football fans from 24 countries are in the running to be named the FIFA Interactive World Champion 2009, with all matches on the EA Games title being played on the PlayStation 3 version of the title.

Those heading to Barcelona on May 2nd have battled their way through seven months of qualification, with over 500,000 players overall looking for a spot in Spain.

FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer, who will attend the final in Barcelona, said: "I am a passionate gamer myself and I am really looking forward to learning some new tricks from the world's best virtual football players.

"I know they practice very hard and, as for every other FIFA tournament, players will have to perform at their best."

The winner will pick up a cheque for $20,000 and a Kia Soul car, while the runner-up receives $5,000 and the third-place finisher $1,000.

Brazilian forward Ronaldinho and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney are the two stars that grace the UK cover of FIFA 09.

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