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French esports franchise ARES joins Gfinity's Elite Series
Esports entertainment group Gfinity announced on Friday that Paris-based esports franchise ARES has acquired its place on the roster at the Gfinity Elite Series season three, which is due to commence in March.
The AIM-traded company said ARES is supported by a variety of "world-renowned" athletes, including a host of professional football players.
Bayern Munich and Columbia midfielder James Rodriguez, Yannick Carrasco of Atletico Madrid and Belgium and Tottenham Hotspur's Moussa Sissoko were said to be among the top names involved with the organisation.
Headquartered in Paris, ARES hosts its own competitions to discover the "very best" talent from across the world, with the tournament winners offered a professional contract - much like making Gfinity's Elite Draft based on player ranking in its Challenger Series.
ARES was the first professional esports club to open its doors to all gamers, helping to develop their skills and allowing new talent to break through on the global stage.
"We are excited to have ARES onboard heading into season three and we look forward to them bringing their top talent to the Gfinity Esports Arena," said Gfinity chief executive Neville Upton.
"With a renowned pedigree and a host of top-tier sporting athletes who work closely with the teams, ARES will provide a perfect landing spot for our budding amateurs currently battling it out in the Challenger Series."
Prior to ARES's opening match, amateur gamers from around the world were being invited to compete in the previously-announced Challenger Series to earn a place in the Elite Draft.
After six weeks of online competition, the top 40 players would enter the draft in the hope of being selected by one of the 10 teams, with each drafting two players to become part of their active roster.
The teams would compete in a five-week regular season in a bid to make the playoffs which would be played over a three-week period from the Gfinity Esports Arena in London.
"Being part of a world class tournament such as the Elite Series represents an excellent opportunity for ARES, with the support of our ambassadors, to begin our international venture here in the UK," said CEO of ARES, Badr Slassi.
"The inclusion of FIFA 18, complete with qualifying spot towards the 2018 eWorld Cup, makes this a tournament we have to be involved in and we're thrilled to be a part of it."