The Virtual Bundesliga is the DFL’s official eFootball competition, with 35 Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs facing one another to determine the German eFootball champions. The ‘VBL International Series’ was created as part of the DFL’s globalisation strategy, and brings together German clubs and the winners of regional eFootball tournaments from around the world, with the international champion being crowned in Germany.
VfB debut in VBL International Series
VfB Stuttgart took part in the event for the first time this year, and were accompanied by a three-strong team from Brazil, comprising influencers Rafael ‘Jukanalha’ Viera and Matheus ‘Dembele’ Viera, and Brazilian eFootball pro and winner of the Brazilian qualifying tournament Vinicius Rampazzo. The hosts were represented by VfB eFootballers Niklas ‘NikLugi’ Luginsland and Deniel ‘Deni’ Mutic.
Varied programme in Stuttgart
The event, which ran from 15 – 18 April, featured a comprehensive programme which included cultural exchanges alongside the main sporting attraction. On the opening day, known as ‘City Day’, the Brazilian guests were taken on a trip of Stuttgart, with a highlight being the visit to the TV Tower, followed by a traditional dinner featuring local cuisine, before a tour of the sights of Stuttgart’s inner city concluded the day.
Trip back in time through VfB Stuttgart’s history
The following day, the focus was on VfB Stuttgart. Our guests were obviously welcomed by Cacau, who presented them with home jerseys with their names printed on them. Our former striker and now brand ambassador then gave an inspiring talk about his career. Next up were various football challenges, with all participants – including Cacau – thoroughly enjoying themselves. The day ended with a stadium tour and a training session in the VfB eSport room, where ‘NikLugi’ and Rampazzo were able to prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Tournament in Dortmund
Friday saw the action move to Dortmund, where the first part of the tournament was being held. The mixed team from Stuttgart and Brazil finished the day as group winners and then went on to enjoy an evening meal with the teams from Leverkusen, Bremen, Leipzig, Dortmund and Augsburg.
Exciting semi-final and third-place play-off
Although the combined Cannstatt / Brazil team went down in the semi-final to the eventual winners from Leverkusen with imports from Morocco, they took the spoils in the third-place play-off, receiving a cheque for USD 1,000 as reward for their excellent performances. The day was rounded off by a trip to the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Darmstadt 98.
Bottom line
The visit of the Brazilian delegation and VfB Stuttgart’s participation in the ‘Virtual Bundesliga International Series’ were a resounding success. The event was marked not only by exciting eFootball matches but also promoted cultural exchanges and international friendship.