Shoot for glory in the FIFA Interactive World Cup

Take part in the world's largest online gaming tournament and you could win a dream prize - only on PS3.

The 8th FIFA Interactive World Cup kicked off on 1 December 2011 with the latest tournament set to be the biggest and most engaging yet.

This year's event follows the same format as the 2011 edition with six online qualification seasons and 11 Live Qualifier Events determining the best 23 players in the world. This elite squad of gaming talent will compete in the Grand Final in May 2012 alongside the reigning number one, Portugal's Francisco Cruz, for the title of FIFA Interactive World Cup Champion.

All you need to get started is a copy of EA SPORTS FIFA 12 on PlayStation 3 and a Sony Entertainment Network account. If you signed up in-game before 31 December 2011 you're in with a chance of winning a dream trip for you and a friend to FIFA's annual gala awards event, the FIFA Ballon d'Or, in January 2012. Visit fifa.com/interactiveworldcup to view full terms and conditions.

The winner of the competition proper can look forward to rubbing shoulders with football royalty at the FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2013, along with picking up a cool USD 20,000 in prize money. As 2011 winner Cruz puts it: "I still haven't been able to fully comprehend it. Meeting players like Ronaldo and Messi is not something everyone gets to do - I'm going to enjoy it to the maximum!"

Six online seasons, six chances to win

Take on players from all over the world and show them what you can do in any of the six online seasons for FIWC12. The top two players from each online season will qualify for the FIWC12 Grand Final. Players will start each online season on zero points, ensuring all competitors have six chances to secure one of the 12 coveted online qualification spots for the FIWC12 Grand Final.

Online Season 1: Now closed.
Qualified for Grand Final in first place: iSAYwhenitsOVER (Saudi Arabia)
Qualified for Grand Final in second place: ibra_12 (Colombia)
Online Season 2: Now closed.
Qualified for Grand Final in first place: André Buffo (Brazil)
Qualified for Grand Final in second place: Alfonso Ramos (Spain)
Online Season 3: 1 February to 25 February 2012
Online Season 4: 1 March to 25 March 2012
Online Season 5: 1 April to 25 April 2012
Online Season 6: 1 May to 18 May 2012

Live Qualification Events

Last season's FIWC Live Qualification Events proved to be a fantastic experience for both participants and spectators. There were spectacular shows, prominent guests and, best of all, plenty of thrilling matches.

Gamers will once again have the chance to go head-to-head with the best virtual footballers from around the world in an attempt to secure a precious Grand Final spot. The winner of each Live Qualification Event will progress to the FIWC12 Grand Final. All information regarding venues, dates and the registration process will be made available under the Live Tournaments section of the dedicated FIFA Interactive World Cup 2012 tournament section on fifa.com/interactiveworldcup.

Are you ready?

Six online seasons and 11 Live Qualification Events around the globe, the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2012 is guaranteed to be another show-stopping football experience. Fancy your chances of ascending to the virtual football throne?

To follow this year's FIFA Interactive World Cup and check out the highlights of last year's event visit fifa.com/interactiveworldcup and keep an eye on au.playstation.com for further updates as the excitement unfolds between now and May 2012.

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