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Interest in esports is growing daily and major sports are getting in on the act.
While League of Legends, Overwatch and CS: GO are the most popular titles in the competitive scene, other games are starting their own competitive leagues.
Some of these competitions are less known but the stakes are still high, with the Formula 1 car racing esports competition set to pit the world’s best against each other for a second time.
Traditional Formula 1 is a popular sport followed by millions of people, with drivers travelling the world to compete on famous tracks everywhere from Melbourne to Shanghai.
The F1 Esports Series follows a similar format this year, with the Formula 1 teams involved in the entire process. On April 13 the qualification process will be open for the players around the world.
How to qualify for the F1 Esports Series
No matter their location, gender or age, candidates can take part in the qualification process. The minimum requirement the players should meet to be eligible are:
- Own a valid copy of the F1 2017 game.
- Own one of the three platforms (PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One).
- Must be over 18. Underage players should have a permission from their parents or guardians.
Additional equipment is not necessary. The players that meet the minimum requirement can register themselves on the website. This new account will allow them to enter the qualification matches. The drivers will find these matches on the event menu starting on April 13. Drivers can enter the qualification any date after that but before June 6.
Each platform will have their top 10, as the players move forward the car and track to choose will change. In the end, 40 players will move to the Pro Draft. The qualification process ends on June 6, the qualifications and Pro Draft are completely free for the players.
When is the F1 Pro Draft?
The top 40 drivers will be part of the Pro Draft. At this point teams will choose the drivers that will represent them in the competition. Making it to the Pro Draft is not a guarantee that the players will be offered a contract but it’s a great opportunity to showcase their talent.
The teams for the second season will be Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport, Red Bull Racing, Hype Energy eForce India, Williams F1 Esports Team, Renault Sport Team Vitality, Haas F1 Esports Team, McLaren, Toro Rosso and Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team.
This stage will include interviews, tests and many other activities the teams consider necessary. The F1 Esports Series is taking the competition to the next level. Not only there will be more support for the individual players but also the prize pool increased to $200,000.
Other Considerations
Players are free to use their own equipment through the qualification stage. Once they reach the Pro Draft, they will be using pedals and a racing wheel. PC is the platform chosen for the series starting with the Pro Draft process.
Being fast is not enough in the F1 Esports Series. Players should be able to adapt to different circumstances and must know the tracks and their cars like the back of their hands. This competition promise to be as fierce as their in-real-life counterpart.
