
Sounders FC Signs Nick Mars, TheMarsBars11, as Club's Official 2019 Esports Gamer
December 20, 2018 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release
SEATTLE, WASH. - Sounders FC today announced that it has signed Nick Mars, known by the handle TheMarsBars11, as the Rave Green's official competitive esports representative for 2019. Mars signed with the club following his victory in Sounders FC's first-ever open esports tournament, which consisted of an online competition narrowing the field to 16 gamers who then advanced to a final round held on December 4.
"As Sounders FC enters its second year in the esports realm in 2019, we were really searching for a competitive representative while keeping local ties," said Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer Bart Wiley. "Our new tournament-style qualifying format brought together some great players and we're excited to have Nick joining the team following his convincing victory. He's going to be a great ambassador and competitor for Sounders esports."
Mars, 24, is a native of Tacoma and a born and raised Sounders fan, holding season tickets since the team's beginning in MLS. He grew up playing youth soccer in the greater Seattle area, including matches against Jordan Morris, but has since become more successful on the virtual pitch. Mars was the winner of the 2017 MLS March to Soccer event in New York and competed in the Vancouver Regional Series that year, as well.
"I've been a Sounders fan since I was born, so it's a dream come true to represent Sounders FC in eMLS," said Mars. "My gaming style is very direct; I like to score a lot of goals. I'm very confident in my gaming abilities and look forward to competing in Rave Green."
Mars will represent Sounders FC next month at eMLS League Series One competition in Los Angeles, followed by eMLS League Series Two in Dallas in February. eMLS Cup is set to take place in March at a location to be determined.
2019 marks the second year that Sounders FC has participated in the world of competitive esports. Last season, the team was one of 19 MLS clubs that took part in the inaugural eMLS Cup, a venture of eMLS, which was launched by Major League Soccer and EA SPORTS in January of this year to provide a unique and interactive avenue for the FIFA community to engage with MLS and for gaming fans to show their passion for their MLS club of choice. For more information about Sounders FC's involvement in esports and gaming, fans can visit SoundersFC.com/esports.
Major League Soccer Stories from December 20, 2018
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- Sounders FC Signs Nick Mars, TheMarsBars11, as Club's Official 2019 Esports Gamer - Seattle Sounders FC
- Houston Dynamo Select MF Tommy McNamara in MLS Re-Entry Draft - Houston Dynamo FC
- FC Cincinnati, Ohio South Join Forces in Youth Development - FC Cincinnati
- LAFC Announces New Club Spaces at Banc of California Stadium - Los Angeles FC
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- Atlanta United to Open 2019 MLS Season at D.C. United - Atlanta United FC
- MLS Announces 2019 Philadelphia Union Home Opener - Philadelphia Union
- Sounders FC to Open 2019 Season at Home March 2 vs. FC Cincinnati - Seattle Sounders FC
- FC Cincinnati to Play First MLS Game at Nippert Stadium on March 17 - FC Cincinnati
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- Real Salt Lake to Face Vancouver Whitecaps in 2019 Home Opener - Real Salt Lake
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- Columbus Crew SC to Host the New York Red Bulls for Opening Match of 2019 Season on Saturday, March 2 - Columbus Crew SC
- LA Galaxy to Open 2019 MLS Season March 2 at Dignity Health Sports Park - LA Galaxy
- Toronto FC Set to Open 2019 MLS Season on the Road vs. Philadelphia Union, Then Host New England Revolution in Home Opener - Toronto FC
- LAFC to Open 2019 MLS Regular Season March 3 at Banc of California Stadium - Los Angeles FC
- Impact to Play Home Opener at Stade Saputo on April 13 - Club de Foot Montreal
- Whitecaps FC to Kick off 2019 MLS Season March 2 at BC Place - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Earthquakes to Host Montreal Impact in Almeyda's Debut on March 2 - San Jose Earthquakes
- Timbers to Face Los Angeles FC in 2019 Home Opener at Providence Park on June 1 - Portland Timbers
- Minnesota United Announces 2019 Allianz Field Home Opener - Minnesota United FC
- MLS Announces 2019 Home Openers for All 24 Clubs - MLS
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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