World-ranked players to represent Ipswich in ePremier League

Why it matters: The signing of Mark11 and Stingray positions Ipswich Town as serious contenders in their inaugural ePremier League season, with both players bringing significant professional gaming experience to the club.

The big picture: All 20 Premier League clubs will field two-player teams in the tournament, which runs from January through March 2025.

By the numbers:

• Mark11: 2-time World Championship runner-up

• Stingray: Ranked No. 2 inthe UK for EA Sports FC

• 20 teams competing in the ePremier League

What they're saying: "This will be my first time playing in the ePremier League having grown up in Australia. It should be a really exciting season as it's probably the most difficult league in the world," Mark11 said.

"My aim this season is to win the whole thing but it is going to be tough," Stingray said, adding that fans should expect "a lot of goals" throughout the tournament.

Behind the scenes: Town chairman Mark Ashton described Esports as a "rapidly growing industry," welcoming both players to "the Ipswich Town family."

For the fans: The club is marking its entry into Esports with a PS5 console giveaway for supporters. You can enter online at https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/2O63-JYO/town-launch-esports-team-chance-to-win-a-ps5.

Bottom line: The recruitment of two highly-ranked professional gamers demonstrates Ipswich Town's ambition to make an immediate impact in competitive gaming.