Manchester City have been crowned 2025/26 ePremier League (ePL) Champions, with Matias Bonanno and Jafonso securing a dramatic victory in one of the most intense finals in the competition’s history.
The eighth season of the tournament reached its thrilling conclusion at Dock10 in Salford, where the best EA SPORTS FC 26 players went head-to-head in a high-stakes esports showdown watched by fans worldwide.
A Final to Remember
The headline clash saw three-time ePL champion Donovan “Tekkz” Hunt face his former club, Manchester City, and former teammate Bonanno in a highly anticipated final.
The two sides proved nearly impossible to separate across both legs, delivering a back-and-forth spectacle that ultimately went to extra time. Bonanno held his nerve in the decisive moments, sealing an 8-6 aggregate victory and retaining Manchester City’s title.
Speaking after the win, Bonanno said the result reflected the team’s dedication:
“We work really hard every day so we are really happy to have defended our title.”
Teammate Jafonso, who claimed his first ePL title, added:
“When I joined Manchester City I knew it was a club with a lot of trophies in this competition… I think we’ve done really well during these last few weeks and we deserve this win.”
Manchester City’s Esports Dynasty
This victory marks Manchester City’s third consecutive ePremier League title, further cementing their dominance in the competitive EA SPORTS FC scene.
The duo battled through an elite field featuring representatives from all 20 Premier League clubs, navigating intense knockout rounds packed with standout performances and high-pressure moments.
Their success also secures qualification for both the eChampions League and the EA SPORTS FC Pro World Championship, where they will enter as favourites.
Prize Pool and Global Stage
The champions walked away with a £30,000 prize, split evenly between the two players, while the runners-up earned £7,500 each. More importantly, both finalists secured coveted spots in upcoming global esports competitions.
The tournament’s growing prestige reflects the continued expansion of competitive football gaming, with fans able to follow every moment across digital platforms including the Premier League official site, EA SPORTS FC Twitch and EA SPORTS FC Pro YouTube.
A Season Full of Drama
The road to the finals began in December 2025, with UK-based players aged 16 and over competing for the chance to represent their favourite Premier League clubs on the virtual pitch.
This season’s revamped format brought added intensity, ensuring every match carried real weight — something Premier League Chief Commercial Officer Will Brass believes has elevated the competition:
“The Finals Weekend was a fitting end to a season filled with drama and excitement…producing edge-of-your-seat entertainment throughout.”
Honouring Diogo Jota
During the Finals Weekend, players paid tribute to former Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Diogo Jota, who was widely respected in both football and gaming circles.
All competitors wore commemorative patches in recognition of Jota’s impact as a passionate gamer and founder of Luna Esports. He notably won the 2020 ePremier League Invitational representing Wolves, leaving a lasting legacy within the esports community.
With another title secured and global competitions on the horizon, Manchester City’s esports dominance shows no signs of slowing down — and the ePremier League continues to prove why it’s one of the most exciting stages in competitive gaming today.
