The 2011 FIFA Interactive World Cup has set a new record for the largest ever videogames tournament.
The contest, which saw players from around the globe compete against each other at football simulation game FIFA 11, attracted 869,543 participants, culminating in Francisco Cruz from Portugal being crowned champion during yesterday’s Grand Final event at the Mayan Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
Describing his victory as “magical”, the 16-year-old from the Portuguese city of Trofa capped off his undefeated run at the Grand Final by beating Colombia's Javier Munoz 4-1 in the tournament showpiece.
The previous record had been set by last year’s FIFA Interactive World Cup which saw 775,000 take part in the virtual football tournament.
Following a certificate presentation to Ralph Straus, Head of Strategy & Brand Management at FIFA, Guinness World Records Gaming Editor Gaz Deaves said: “The Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition is packed with the most amazing achievements in videogaming, and we are proud to add the incredible success of the FIWC to our archives"
"Congratulations also go to Francisco as the winner of the world's largest gaming tournament.”
