Atlanta United will once again participate in the eMLS Cup where Paulo Neto will enter his sixth season representing the club, in the EA FC elite competition in the United States.
From March 12 - 14, 2025, Major League Soccer and EA SPORTS FC PRO are presenting eMLS Cup Week 2025, which consists of a three-day event that will lead up to the eMLS Cup Final on Friday, March 14 at the Whitney Museum of American Art. This culminating event – coinciding with Whitney’s Free Friday Nights – will merge gaming, sports, music, and art.
The eMLS Cup Final and the Whitney’s Free Friday Nights event are both free and open to the public. Free tickets are required and can be reserved via RSVP. eMLS fans worldwide can tune in via live coverage on Twitch or YouTube.
Featuring elite EA SPORTS FC 25 competition with participation from some of the world’s best, eMLS Cup 2025 will also feature a panel discussion with emerging and established athletes, high-energy music performances, and immersive art experiences. The blending of these engaging elements will showcase the future of sports, gaming, and digital fandom.
This will be Paulo Neto's sixth appearance in eMLS Cup, a tournament he's already won in 2022. The Caruarú, Brazil native was re-signed to a multi-year contract extension last year ahead of the 2024 season. Last year, Neto became the first professional gamer to win four eMLS titles in League history, after earning a victory in the eMLS League Series 1.
Since joining Atlanta United in 2020, Paulo Neto has won eight titles overall, four in eMLS, three more in the FIFA Global Series ecosystem representing Atlanta United, and in 2023 he became World Nations Champion with Brazil in the FIFAe Nations Cup. He's also competed in five additional finals (3 in eMLS), and the most decorated eMLS gamer of all-time.
The 2025 eMLS Cup will consist of 14 teams competing in three days and will be played in person in New York City. The two finalists will advance directly to the newly formed FC Pro World Championship, the 32-player competition to crown the World Champion of EA FC 25, and a prize pool of one million dollars. The 2025 eMLS Cup champion will earn a total of $20,000 for being champion, with a prize pool of $50,000.
Joining Paulo Neto (17 in the World Rankings) in this year's competition, there are some notable names to EA FC fans, like the highest-seed and Brazilian National teammate PHzin (number 8 in the World Ranking), who previously represented Dutch club Ajax and will now be playing for New York City FC; Lamps (37th) who enters his fourth eMLS season, this time with Orlando City after having representing Minnesota United in the past; and last year's finalist K1John (21st) who switched from Inter Miami to St. Louis City SC this season.
Four Core Programs Define eMLS Cup 2025 Week:
2025 eMLS Cup Final – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 11am - 3pm ET | (99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
North America’s top EA SPORTS FC competitors will battle for a $50,000 prize pool and two spots in the EA SPORTS FC Pro World Championship. The event will be co-streamed with EA SPORTS FC, serving as a platform for young audiences to explore career pathways in sports and gaming.
GAME ON: Next-Gen Fandom Panel – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 5 - 6:30pm ET | (99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
Featuring thought leaders, industry disruptors, and Gen Z voices, including former NFL star and avid EA SPORTS FC gamer Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, this panel will explore the evolution of sports consumption, the influences of gaming, hip-hop,
digital art and sneaker culture, along with how authenticity in the digital age is essential for audience engagement.
Live performances by Cash Cobain & DJ Silva Sounds – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 7:30pm ET | (99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
Bronx-based rapper and record producer Cash Cobain will perform a set from his debut studio album Play Cash Cobain. This culminating performance at the 2025 eMLS Cup Final will also feature a DJ set by Silva Sounds.
Whitney Free Friday Nights – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 5 - 10pm ET | (99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
Attendees can explore an immersive cultural experience at the Whitney Museum and enjoy all that the museum has to offer, including its leading collection of digital art. During this special edition of the Whitney’s weekly Free Friday Nights program, visitors will enjoy:
- Interactive gaming activations, presented by the eMLS, showcasing cutting-edge esports technology.
- Live music, dancing, food and beverage specials, gallery tours, and access to the entire museum, including critically acclaimed exhibitions, and the Whitney's leading collection of digital art, including augmented reality (AR) works on the 8th floor terrace and in the lobby.
How to Experience eMLS Cup Week 2025
- In-Person: The eMLS Cup Finals and Whitney Free Friday Nights are free and open to the public. Free tickets are required and can be reserved in advance at https://whitney.org/events/emls-ffn-25. Capacity is limited.
- Streaming: Fans can watch live coverage on Twitch or YouTube.
