Before Liverpool lifted the Champions League trophy in Madrid, the Spanish capital saw the first ever eChampions League winner crowned in one of the biggest FIFA 19 tournaments of the year.
There were plenty of goals and no shortage of drama as the final eight PlayStation players squared off in the knockout tournament. Don't worry if you missed the games as Goal has you covered with the biggest talking points from the finals.
NYC Chris wins it all
New York City FC's Chris "NYC Chris" Holly has been one of the most consistent FIFA competitors this season, attending the majority of the major tournaments throughout the year. However, the American could never quite make it far into the knockout stages. That is, until now.
NYC Chris picked up impressive wins over Fouad "Rafsou" Fares and Marcus "Marcuzo" Jorgensen to reach the final before dominating Ivan "DrNightWatch" Chruov 7-4 in the final to win the first ever eChampions League - taking home $100,000 and 850 FIFA Global Series points. NYC Chris then attended the Champions League final and was presented with his new trophy pitch-side while the players warmed up. This was a monumental moment in his career.
Ruud Gullit thinks he would've been a good left-back
With the Champions League final being in Madrid, there were plenty of legendary footballers in town including Ruud Gullit who popped into the eChampions League tournament to keep his eye on Brazilian FIFA player Henrique "Zezinho" Lempke who represents the former football pro's FIFA team - Team Gullit.
The Dutchman's Icon cards in Ultimate Team are very popular amongst FIFA players as Gullit excels in every facet of the game. So much so in fact, that some players at the tournament decided to play him at left-back to help defend from crosses.
During the broadcast, FIFA commentator Brandon Smith asked Gullit if he thinks he could've played left-back during his playing days and the former Chelsea man, who started his career as a centre-half, was confident that he could.
DrNightWatch continues his amazing form
Bulgarian FIFA pro and free agent DrNightWatch made waves during the eChampions League qualifiers when he picked up a huge upset victory over Donovan "F2Tekkz" Hunt. With the help of the coaching from Kylem "Lyricz" Edwards, DrNightWatch was able to continue his impeccable form to reach the eChampions League finals and take home $60k.
While gutted he didn't go all the way, this was still the biggest finish of his career so far. Though the 450 FIFA Global Series points on PlayStation won't help him much, he has qualified for the FIFA eWorld Cup Playoffs as an Xbox player and this will give him a huge confidence boost as he hopes to end the season on a high.
NYC Chris puts in the miles
As mentioned earlier, NYC Chris has attended a lot of tournaments this season which has meant a lot of travelling to Europe from the United States. In fact, City Group eSports Manager Will Pithers estimates that he has journeyed over 80,000 miles this season.
You have to say with $100k and a major trophy in pocket, as well as having the opportunity to walk pitchside before a Champions League final, all that travelling was worth it. Though you do have to feel sorry for fellow North American competitors Joksan Redona and Alan "AlanAvi" Avila who were both eliminated in the first round of the eChampions Leaugue finals. At least they also got to watch the Champions League final live.
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