Brandon Smith's Winter Invitational

UK, do you have what it takes?

Together with Brandon and Red Bull, Fnatic is bringing you Brandon Smith's Winter Invitational! An EA FC26 tournament!

You're invited to sign up for our UK Open Qualifiers on the 24th January, where you will compete in matches with the Top 4 players advancing to the in-person live Grand Final at the Red Bull Gaming Sphere in London on January 28th!

PS: Scroll down if you want to come to the Grand Final event just as a spectator. RSVP to the event below!

The Top 4 open qualifier players will win:

1st Place

£500 + Invitation to the in-person Grand Final event

2nd-4th Places

Invitation to the in-person Grand Final event

Open Qualifier

Special tournament match rules:

  • Game Mode: Ultimate Team Friendly
  • Half Length: 9 Minutes
  • Winning Condition: Greater number of goals scored during normal time. If there is a draw after normal time, standard in-game tiebreaker rules (extra time and penalties, if required) shall apply.
  • Single-elimination game
  • A maximum of 2 players can be rated 90+
  • A maximum of 4 players can be rated 88-89
  • Unlimited 87 and below players
  • Special cards are allowed
  • 30+ chemistry is assumed
  • No loans allowed

Schedule:

  • The Open Qualifiers will be played online on January 12th, starting at 12:00 GMT.
  • And the Grand Finals will be played in person at the offline event in London on January 28th 2026.
  • 🎥 The Grand Finals will be live-streamed on Twitch.
  • Read the full Tournament Rules (age restriction, schedule, draft...): TOURNAMENT RULES
 

GRAND FINALS

Location

  • Red Bull Gaming Sphere
  • Whitby St, London E1 6JT
  • Date: 28th January 2026
  • Doors open: 1:45 PM GMT

Just want to come and watch the Grand finals in London?

RSVP HERE!

FAQs

Is the entrance free?

Yes, the entrance to the viewing party is free for all. Just make sure you RSVP on the Fnatic App and have your notifications enabled! You will receive a confirmation and ticket on the app. Read the terms and conditions [here].

I registered my interest, what now?

We will notify everyone on the app with their RSVP status. Good Luck! Keep an eye on the Fnatic App! PS: Turn on notifications on your phone for the Fnatic App to keep updated!

Do I need a Fnatic Membership to register?

No. This watch party is open for everyone, however all Fnatic Members (Pioneer, Core and Plus) receive a guaranteed entry to this event.

Are there any entry regulations?

This event is open to anyone aged 18 and over.

Please do not attend the event if you are feeling unwell or have any symptoms of sickness. Fnatic and Red Bull have permission to deny entry to certain individuals.

Can I arrive later and/or re-enter the venue?

You can arrive anytime after the doors open and before the event ends.

If you decide to leave, you can also re-enter the venue with the stamp you receive at entry.