Farming Simulator League exists and it actually looks pretty epic
Giants SoftwareWhile Farming Simulator might be the last game you’d expect to be given its own League, it’s actually more interesting and fleshed out than you might think. Move over, Overwatch – there’s a new esport in town.
The farming simulation game series first started in 2008, and it allows players to live their rural dreams by breeding livestock, tending to crops, and more.
Although it sounds like a relaxing way to calm down after a hectic day, it’s actually been turned into a competitive esport – Animal Crossing League next, maybe?
Farming Simulator League
The event has been going on since July 2019 and consists of 10 events spread across Europe, concluding in Summer 2020 at FarmCon, according to The Verge.
On January 25, esports photographer Stephanie Lindgren shared a post to Twitter where she voiced her surprise at a competitive farming sim event existing at DreamHack Leipzig.
“Farming Simulator League is a thing and I feel truly blessed to have witnessed this in person,” she tweeted, alongside a photoset of the event where a massive crowd could be seen watching the matches, as well as a giant tractor.
Farming Simulator League is a thing and I feel truly blessed to have witnessed this in person. pic.twitter.com/6ccOhEbxKC
— Steph 📸 (@Vexanie) January 25, 2020
In another post, the Esports Awards 2019 Photographer of the Year winner shared some more pictures, this time of players competing against each other at the event, and they looked just as intense as pros do at other Leagues.
“Some more stuff from #DHDE20 because it is legit af. Hope I have time to swing by for the finals tomorrow,” it read.
Some more @FSLeSports stuff from #DHDE20 because it is legit af. Hope I have time to swing by for the finals tomorrow.
Yes those are little cows on the table. pic.twitter.com/a3F9AVYX3s
— Steph 📸 (@Vexanie) January 25, 2020
Even infamous FGC commentator and WinnerStaysOn owner Logan Sama got involved with a tweet joining in on the fun.
“This is what peak esports looks like. You may not agree but it is,” he said. “Keep your V Triggers and your Leroys…. What pesticides are you going to be using on that maize crop to meet government quotas for subsidies? YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW THE MATCH UP!”
This is what peak esports looks like. You may not agree but it is.
Keep your V Triggers and your Leroys…. what pesticides are you going to be using on that maize crop to meet government quotas for subsidies? YOU DONT EVEN KNOW THE MATCH UP! https://t.co/kWNR9HQjKU
— WSO Logan (@WSOLogan) January 25, 2020
The developer, Giants Software, has pulled together a €250,000 ($275,000) prize pool for the entire League, with each event having a share of the cash up for grabs for the winner.
DreamHack Leipzig has a €12,000 ($13,200) reward for the victorious team, which might seem like a lot for Farming Simulator, but it just goes to show how seriously it’s taken.