The USA Today Sports Madden 20 $10K Open Powered by Super League has a champion, the first-ever such crowing among Madden gamers.
The nearly month-long inaugural Madden 20 10K Open saw 450 esport participants test their skills for a possible cut of the $10,000 prize pool.
After a ton of great matchups, the tournament’s final seven players headed into this past weekend for a chance at earning the top prize, with a formidable group coming out of the head-to-head action.
North Bracket: Warrengotstick (bye)
South Bracket: Chiggs of 300
West Bracket: Franklin1942
East Bracket: Equozo
The best-of-three playoffs came and went in the blink of an eye, though, with Chiggs of 300 and Equozo making quick work of their opponents, both only needing two games to reach the finals.
For Chiggs of 300, his continued success with the Baltimore Ravens’ defense made it difficult for the opponent’s offense to produce any game-changing momentum, which was not accidental or lucky but instead a result of pregame study. “I knew exactly what my opponent was going to run on offense,” he explained to For The Win, “and I was able to prepare for it before the games.”
That preparation only heightened an offensive attack—one that he had mentioned would have a few additional wrinkles in the game plan—and he closed out the semifinals 20-10 and 30-16.
Equozo’s Madden 20 talents didn’t disappoint, either. He had been dominating on defense during the tournament, using a Kansas City Chiefs team that surrendered an average of two touchdowns per game. In contrast, the offense—as we’ve all come to expect—had torched other teams with nearly five TDs a game.
Although both games were not completely fitting of those metrics—21-7 and 23-20, respectively—the outcomes captured the Al Davis-approved ethos: Just win, baby!
From there, the best-of-three final showdown was set. It was two players capable of outshining the other, on both sides of the ball. Chiggs of 300’s overall thoughts echoed what we’ve heard in moments like these: “Even though I was happy to be in the final, I knew that the job wasn’t finished.”
And then, kickoff!
…Game 1: 38-21
…Game 2: 17-10
And just like that, a champion’s work was completed. Game. Set. Madden.
“I didn’t make any major changes after the semifinal,” Chiggs of 300 told For The Win after earning the top nod. He had dabbled with a possible defensive shift to counter his opponent’s offensive attack, but that never happened. In the end, it was his day in the sun—or really: day in the comfort of his own home.
What’s the feeling like, I asked.
“It’s an honor to be the first USA Today Madden tournament champion,” he said, before shifting focus to the overall enjoyment. “The experience was great, everyone involved did an amazing job. It was awesome to be able to compete for a share of $10,000 in a free-entry tournament, all from home.”
The tournament’s success leaves open the idea that repeats could surely happen down the road—in football and beyond.
As for the inaugural Madden champ? There’s always a first for for everything, especially in the sports cosmos where records are kept, discussed, and then replayed in conversations. It’s part of the fun. And now, there’s a small slice of esports history that will go hand-in-hand (or controller) with one Madden gamer and his Ravens squad…
Chiggs of 300 yesterday, the USA Today Sports Madden 20 $10K Open Powered by Super League’s first-ever champion Chiggs of 300 today and forever!
This tournament is not affiliated with or sponsored by Electronic Arts Inc. or its licensors.
