It’s crunch time! This week sees the start of the Global Series, the decisive phase in the 2020 MotoGP™ eSport Championship which will ultimately decide the champion.
Gamers from around the world have had to navigate a way through the Pro Draft and Draft Selection to make it this far, with eleven finalists competing across four rounds and eight races to decide who is fastest!
Eleven riders from four different continents will each represent one of the current MotoGP™ teams with competitors from Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Italy and Spain making up a strong Global Series entry list.
As you will see there is a mixture of new blood and youthful hunger certain to challenge the experienced names that have tasted success in the three previous years of competition.
Off the back of some stellar time-attack performances in the Online Challenges, a total of 22 gamers (16 from Europe, 6 from the Rest of the World) were entered into the Draft Selection phase of this year’s series.
From there, a MotoGP™ team picked one Official eSport rider and one Reserve eSport rider for the Global Series. Here we run you through each team’s Official eSport Rider selection.
Ducati Corse eSport Team: AndrewZh
The reigning MotoGP™ eSport Champion remains with Ducati Team for a second year for his title defence. The 19-year old Italian (real name: Andrea Saveri) must start as the favourite to successfully defend his #1 plate.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP: trastevere73
He may be just 21 years of age, but trastevere73 (real name: Lorenzo Daretti) is the closest thing to MotoGP™ eSport royalty. The Italian secured championship victories in 2017 and 2018, which convinced Monster Energy Yamaha to secure his services for 2019. The runner-up in last year’s series will be fighting for to regain his crown.
Suzuki Ecstar Esports Team: Williams_Cristian
One of the stars of previous MotoGP™ eSport Championships, Christian Montenegro has had a rebrand for 2020. Previously known as Cristianmm17, Williams_Cristian has plenty of experience racing at the highest level after scoring two brilliant wins in last year’s Global Series and finishing third overall. Another favourite for the crown.
Red Bull KTM Tech 3: Juan_nh16
Arguably the surprise package of the 2019 Global Series, little was expected of Juan_nh16 (real name: Juan Antonio Nuñez) before he took his Red Bull KTM Tech 3 to fourth in the championship. The 23-year old Spaniard will represent the French team for a second straight year.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: Williams_Adrian
For the second year running, both Montenegro brothers have qualified for the Global Series thanks to Williams_Adrian’s excellent showings in the Pro Draft (like brother Williams_Cristian he scored 70 points from a possible 75). After finishing fifth in last year’s series, he’ll be pushing for race wins this time around.
Team Aprilia Racing eSport: EleGhost555
Another name with plenty of big race experience, EleGhost555 (real name: Francisco Javier Santiago) will be keen to put the disappointment of the 2019 Global Series behind him when competing for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini in 2020. The 22-year old Spaniard finished second overall in the 2018 event, but only placed seventh a year ago. He has the potential to win races.
LCR Honda Castrol: moe
A string of excellent performances in the 2019 Global Series helped Moe (real name: Putut Maulana) gain a large following in bike-mad Indonesia, his native country, as well as the neighbouring Malaysia and Thailand. He finished eighth in last year’s championship and should be a podium contender this year.
Reale Avintia: MrTftw
MrTftw (real name: Christopher Telep) has an incredible backstory. Having no previous experience in bike racing simulations prior to buying MotoGP 19 early last year, MrTftw quickly learnt the secrets of the game to sensationally qualify for the Global Series . The 23-year old is back aboard the Reale Avintia Ducati in 2020 and could be a top six contender.
Repsol Honda: FooXz
FooXz – real name Henrique Botton – will make his debut appearance in the MotoGP™ Global Series after some inspired showings in the Online Challenges. The 26-year old took maximum points in the Pro Draft and becomes only the second competitor to represent Brazil in the Global Series after Mereja’s successful showing in 2019. One to watch.
Petronas Yamaha SRT: Sanshoqueen
Another new name in the 2020 Global Series, Sanshoqueen (real name: Mulkanarizky Kane) will be one of two gamers representing Indonesia in 2020. The 22-year old was something of a revelation in the Pro Draft, amassing 70 points from a possible 75 to gain a seat in the ultra competitive Petronas Yamaha SRT squad. Likely to spring a surprise in 2020!
Pramac Racing: Davidegallina23
A returning face for 2020, Davidegallina23 was an impressive performer in the 2018 MotoGP™ eSport finals but didn’t make the cut in last year’s series. Not to worry as the 19-year old Italian (real name: Davide Gallina) has youth on his side and showed flashes of speed earlier in this year’s Pro Draft. Expect top six showings, if not better.