Players worldwide took to their PS4™ from July through October 2017, trying their hand at history-making in the first MotoGP™ eSport Championship. Covering three countries over two continents, the second half of the season was a show-down to claim the final qualifying positions. With game conditions pre-set and designed to ensure a level playing field, plus competing through the lower classes a requirement as well, time and effort were dedicated to creating the inaugural champions of MotoGP™17.
Emulating some of the best in the MotoGP paddock, competitors took to the track over each 10-day challenge period to try their luck. Jorge Lorenzo and Team Ducati were first up, at the jewel of Mediterranean coastal circuits; Misano. Not surprising perhaps that a trio of Italians was able to shine with ‘IOTIFOROSSI’, ‘TRASTEVERE73’ and ‘IVANGAMER2346’, securing the fastest times on track respectively. The two runners-up snapped an outstandingly identical lap time of 1:28.288, only 0:00.034 seconds behind winner ‘IOTIFOROSSI’.
For Challenge #3 the unstoppable Valentino Rossi and Movistar Yamaha made the competition heat-up at the second Spanish round for the season, MotorLand Aragón. Fastest around the circuit with the famous duo was Spaniard ‘PAUL_IG’, followed by another incredible matching lap time from second and third placing, ‘KYRANDL49’ and ‘RICK_MOTOGP_35’. Hailing from South Africa and the United Kingdom respectively, the two riders both crossed the line at 1:40.407. ‘RICK_MOTOGP_35’ had been fighting strong with a top ten time during three earlier Challenges, and qualified in the nick of time with only one ‘Time Attack’ opportunity remaining.
Ultimate Challenge #6 was a heady whirlwind of speed and agility as riders took Andrea Iannone and Team Suzuki around the Phillip Island GP Circuit, Australia. Undoubtedly the most picturesque track of the season, Phillip Island would be the decider on the three last positions available for the finale.
Taking the tally up to six Spanish qualifiers, ‘THEFUGIA’ made the most of the final charge, crossing the line with a world fastest lap of 1:23.203. Right behind the player from Palma de Mallorca was Italy’s ‘LUIGI48GP’ – who had already achieved two top 5 finishes during Challenge #1 and Challenge #4. Third, and very last spot for the Grand Final, was ‘TIMOTHYMCGARDEN’ – the only German to make it into the 2017 MotoGP™ eSports Championship.
Each challenge period has been a tooth and nail fight between the best e-riders. Now, 16 qualifiers will meet to crown the world’s first MotoGP™ eSports Champion at the LIVE Grand Final event at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana. The MotoGP™17 flag drops November 10, 2017.
