For the third time in a row, the ePremier League title goes to Manchester City. In the final, the Skyblues came up against former player Donovan Hunt of all people – who gave his former colleagues a hot dance.
Last year, he was at the top of the table and could cheer. This time, he had to watch as his former team-mate lifted the trophy: we’re talking about Donovan Hunt.
After his move from Manchester City to RBLZ Gaming, ‘Tekkz’ nevertheless competed in the ePremier League again, as he did not take part in the Virtual Bundesliga for Leipzig. With Leeds United – and alongside Jacob Benskin, who had failed to reach the final with Brighton & Hove Albion against ‘Tekkz’ and City the previous season – things initially went well. Leeds finished top of their group and progressed to the quarter-finals of the knockout phase.
‘Tekkz’ shows nerves of steel
They first beat Chelsea FC 7:6 after two games, followed by a spectacular 12:11 victory against AFC Sunderland. The second game in particular was a tough one: Paulo Neto turned around a two-goal deficit from the first game against Hunt after a back-and-forth affair. The Englishman finally held his nerve in the penalty shoot-out – the ticket to the final against Manchester City was perfect.
A real drama unfolded there too – this time with Leeds in the chasing pack. In the first duel, City’s Joao Vasconcelos defeated his counterpart ‘NiKSNEB’ 3:2. ‘Tekkz’ then seemed to turn things around: He initially equalized against his former teammate Matias Bonanno and even took the lead in the second half. But the Argentinian remained unimpressed and equalized again shortly afterwards.
90.+2: Referee whistles – but not for a free kick
The tension was clearly noticeable in both players, with brief interruptions occurring time and again. Shortly before the end, the supposed decision was made: Hunt scored with Xavi to take the lead again. But Bonanno had the right answer this time too.
The game entered the final seconds and ‘Tekkz’ had the ball again in stoppage time. He was half-right with Bruno Fernandes, around five meters from the penalty area, when he was fouled. The digital referee blew his whistle – but not for a free kick, but for the end of normal time. The last chance turned into extra time.
There the drama took its course: Hunt took the lead again, but the Argentinian struck back once more – and scored shortly before the end of extra time to decide the game: his goal to make it 5:4 sealed the 8:6 aggregate score and ManCity’s third title in a row.
In addition to the trophy, there was £30,000 in prize money and a place in the FC Pro World Championship and the eChampions League for both City professionals. In addition to the 15,000 pounds, Hunt and Benskin “only” received their tickets for the virtual premier league.