The opening fixture
Football gaming tournament · Sunday 11 October 2026 · Birmingham · 18+
Ticket launch
Competitor Entries and Spectator Passes launch on .
Choose your side
A proper organised tournament with guaranteed group matches and a route to the first NEXT ROUND title.
Pick your player, follow the bracket and watch Birmingham's first NEXT ROUND champion crowned.
From sixteen to one
Four groups of four. Every player gets three matches.
24 matchesThe top two from each group move into the last eight.
4 matchesFour players remain. Win and the final is yours.
2 matchesOne match. Two players. Birmingham's first NEXT ROUND champion.
1 matchOne projector. One competition. Every result matters.
Guaranteed prize pot
The full £200 prize pot is guaranteed: £150 for the NEXT ROUND 001 champion and £50 for the runner-up.
More than the match
Clear rules, scheduled matches, visible results and a tournament team focused on keeping the competition moving.
Follow every result from the first group match to the final, with one selected welcome drink included in every paid Spectator Pass.
The first instalment of a series designed to return with different games, different players and new champions.
The arena
7 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5ST. A city-centre setting with the tournament on the main screen and the bar open throughout the event.
One-day tournament
Meet the players and settle in before the tournament begins.
All competitors must have arrived and checked in.
Rules, groups, match order and player responsibilities.
Four groups complete their round-robin fixtures.
Final standings are checked and the knockout bracket confirmed.
The top eight enter the knockout bracket.
Four players fight for a place in the final.
The first NEXT ROUND title is decided.
The champion is crowned and the £200 cash prize pot presented.
End of NEXT ROUND 001.
All timings after the first match are approximate and may move slightly because of match duration, technical pauses or other tournament requirements.
Play fair. Keep moving.
Competitors and spectators must be 18 or over and may be asked for valid photo ID.
All matches use EA SPORTS FC 26 on PlayStation 5, four-minute halves and NEXT ROUND-supplied DualSense controllers.
Competitors must check in by 2:30pm and attend the mandatory briefing at 2:45pm. A late player may forfeit their place.
Each competitor selects one approved five-star men's club team no later than 48 hours before the event. That club remains locked for the tournament.
Abusive behaviour, cheating, deliberate disruption or damage to equipment can result in immediate removal. The Tournament Director's decision is final.
The full NEXT ROUND 001 Competitor Rules govern the event. Registered competitors must read and accept them before taking part.
Before you enter
Sunday 11 October 2026. Doors open at 2:00pm, the first match starts at 3:00pm and the event closes at midnight.
The tournament will be played locally on EA SPORTS FC 26 using PlayStation 5 and NEXT ROUND-supplied DualSense controllers.
Every competitor is guaranteed three group-stage matches. The top two players in each group continue into the quarter-finals.
Join the reserve list. We are aiming to hold at least two reserve competitors and will contact them in order if a place becomes available.
The £5 Spectator Pass includes entry to NEXT ROUND 001, access to watch the full tournament and one selected welcome drink. An alcohol-free alternative will be available.
Your ticket will be scanned at check-in and you will receive one drink token to redeem against the selected NEXT ROUND event menu. There is no cash alternative.
No. NEXT ROUND 001 is strictly 18+. Valid photographic identification may be required for entry, and Challenge 25 applies when alcohol is served.
Competitors must check in by 2:30pm and attend the mandatory 2:45pm briefing. Spectator entry remains available after 3:00pm, although arriving before the first match is recommended.
We are confirming the full access route and facilities with the venue. Email us before booking if you have a specific access requirement and we will give you accurate information.
Tickets launch Sunday 6 September at 6:00pm
Tell us whether you want to compete or watch. We'll email you when NEXT ROUND 001 tickets go live.