Exploring the Potential of Football Manager as an Esport

Simulation game Football Manager has been a fan favorite for football enthusiasts for many years. Originating as Championship Manager in the 90s, Football Manager allows players to manage their favorite teams, making strategic decisions on team selection, player transfers, and in-game tactics.

Football Manager’s Rising Popularity

Football Manager’s popularity has steadily increased over the years. The latest edition frequently ranks in the top 20 most played games on Steam. As of August 2024, Football Manager 2024 has been played by over 12 million players, a 97% increase from the previous year. This fanbase is known for its dedication, often investing hundreds of hours into the game.

The Concept of Football Manager Esports

Despite decades of development, Football Manager is exploring new horizons, including esports. Players manage clubs, make strategic decisions, and apply tactics in simulated matches. The challenge in turning Football Manager into an esport lies in its unpredictable nature. Each club is managed differently, with numerous variables that make it difficult to objectively determine the best player.

FIFAe World Cup Featuring Football Manager

In August 2024, FIFAe hosted an experimental esports event in Liverpool. The FIFAe World Cup featuring Football Manager aimed to transform the simulation game into a competitive experience while staying true to its roots. The event featured 40 players from 19 nations competing for a $100,000 prize pool. The competition was divided into two phases: the Group Stage and Playoffs.

Group Stage

The Group Stage divided the 20 managers into four groups, each representing a team. Players completed one offline season per day for three days. Points were awarded based on performance in the league, cups, and daily challenges. The manager with the most points at the end of the third season won their group and advanced to the playoffs.

Playoffs

The playoffs were more akin to traditional esports broadcasts, featuring a studio, analyst desk, and crowd. Four managers represented their nations in a two-legged single bracket using drafted teams to determine the winner. Indonesia’s team, managed by Ichsan ‘Miracle’ Taufiq and assistant manager Manar ‘wednesday’ Hidayat, emerged victorious.

Community and Creator Involvement

The use of Football Manager’s offline mode for the tournament was seen as a test. FIFAe’s Group Stage became a community and creator-led affair. Fans could watch the action through FIFAe’s channels, the managers’ public streams, or co-streamers’ channels. Content creator Zealand created a ‘Red Zone’ stream, providing live commentary on each manager’s streams.

Press Conferences and Playoffs Broadcast

Throughout the Group Stage, daily press conferences were broadcast, allowing players to attend manager-style press conferences and answer questions. The playoffs featured special guests like football legend John Terry and English manager Sam Allardyce, who provided analysis during the broadcast.

Can Football Manager Be a Legitimate Esport?

The event recorded a peak viewership of 25,000, with 142,404 total hours watched across its 52-hour airtime. While these numbers are lower than FIFAe’s previous events, the positive online reaction from the game’s fanbase and community suggests potential. However, the debate remains whether Football Manager can be a legitimate esport or if it is too reliant on chance.

Skill and Luck in Football Manager Esports

Football Manager has been likened to professional poker, which combines skill and luck. Content creator Louijo noted that Football Manager has limitations compared to other esports due to its uncontrollable elements. However, the game’s passionate community and the success of the FIFAe World Cup featuring Football Manager suggest potential for future events.

Future of Football Manager Esports

The long-term viability of Football Manager as an esport depends on whether FIFAe and Sports Interactive will continue to host similar events. Sports Interactive has not fully committed to a yes or no answer but is evaluating the tournament to determine future collaborations.

Smaller Streamer-Focused Competitions

Smaller streamer-focused competitions, like the Streamer Showdown created by Doctor Benjy, have existed since 2020. Doctor Benjy shared that he initially encountered resistance from Football Manager developers regarding the game’s potential as an esport. However, the success of community-driven events demonstrates the game’s potential.

FIFA’s Commitment to Football Esports

FIFA