WINTER PARK – Jonathan “Jonbeast” Marquez bumped fists with his Madden opponent in Full Sail University’s Fortress esports arena.
He had just polished off a nearly flawless victory in the first round of an eight-man, star-studded Madden NFL 25 tournament at Full Sail University.
The ultimate prize? The lion’s share of a $100,000 prize pool to launch into the new season.
Marquez said he had not ever played in an arena like Full Sail’s, which allows for high-level production value and energetic crowds.
“The venue, it’s fire,” he said. “Probably the best venue I’ve seen since I’ve been competing.”
Marquez ultimately fell short of the championship.
He was in the arena as part of the Madden NFL 25 Championship Series, a stretch of tournaments that will dole out $1.7 million in prize money across six events.
The series will be held live at The Fortress in the coming months.
“These are two brands that are aligning to bring (Madden NFL 25) to market in a really collaborative, special and productive kind of way,” said John Saboor, Full Sail’s head of partnerships.
Representatives from both Electronic Arts and Full Sail University said the partnership made sense for many reasons, including how close the school is to EA’s East Coast headquarters in downtown Orlando.
Hands on experience for students
The series will give Full Sail students hands-on training and access to professionals in event production.
In addition, Madden NFL 25 Championship Series will contribute to a scholarship fund for Full Sail University students.
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“We have a long relationship with Full Sail,” said Monica Dinsmore, EA’s senior director of esports brand and strategy. “This is one of the most meaningful collaborations to me personally because we are able to bring our esports to a home, welcome in a live audience and show off to the world.”
In an industry that has faced adversity, with esports tournaments shutting down and inconsistencies threatening to push others out, the Madden Championship Series continues to thrive, now entering its 10th year.
The series has increased prize totals while also making smaller tournaments more accessible.
“It says quite a bit about the longevity and persistence of the program,” Dinsmore said, noting that year-over-year growth led to what was the competition’s best year for viewership last year. “This just catapults us further forward.”
The partnership with Full Sail should make a difference, too, she said.
“It’s going to be an incredible year for us,” Dinsmore said.
As the clock wound down on his first-round victory, “Jonbeast” raised his hands to the sky.
The 22-year-old showed some relief, even though he pulled away early and was able to coast to the win.
While he usually plays at his home in the Northeast, he said being live and in person didn’t faze him.
“I’m not really nervous playing in front of people or next to my opponent,” he said. “That’s how I really started playing.”