EA Sports and the NFL are bringing American football to the heart of Spain this November with the Madden NFL 26 International: Madrid Challenge, a global esports event set to take place at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Madden esports is heading to Spain 🇪🇸
On November 15th, Madden esports touches down at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Compete for $50k USD and a ticket to the international stage in the Madden NFL 26 International: Madrid Challenge.
Register now 👇 pic.twitter.com/IdREjTqYLE
— Madden Championship Series (@EAMaddenNFL_MCS) October 8, 2025
The in-person finals kick off on November 15, 2025, just one day before the highly anticipated NFL Madrid Game between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins. Players from around the world will compete for a $50,000 USD prize pool and the chance to secure a coveted spot on the Madden Championship Series (MCS) international stage.
A Milestone for Madden Esports and Global NFL Fans
The Madrid Challenge marks a major milestone in EA’s efforts to grow the Madden esports scene beyond North America. It’s also part of the NFL’s broader strategy to expand its footprint across European markets by hosting events that bring fans closer to the sport.
“Playing on an international stage – even being there is insane,” said professional Madden player Jonathan “Jonbeast” Marquez, who previously competed in the Madden Bowl in London. “Being on stage in a great venue, with great energy from everyone, was amazing. It’s motivated me now that I’ve seen what it’s like to play football esports outside of America.”
The event will be hosted inside the Real Madrid Club Shop, located within the Bernabéu, Spain’s second-largest sports venue. For those who can’t attend in person, the finals will be streamed live on the EA Madden NFL Twitch and YouTube channels.
How to Qualify
Competitors have two routes to qualify for the Madrid Challenge: PlayStation Tournaments or Challengermode.
- European Qualifiers (PlayStation Tournaments):
Open to Madden NFL 26 players from Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The $10,000 online event runs from October 6–16, giving players a shot at both cash prizes and MUT pack rewards. - North American Qualifiers (Challengermode):
Players from the United States, Canada, and Mexico can take part in a $50,000 qualifier via Challengermode. The top performers will earn a trip to Madrid to compete in the finals and enjoy the NFL Madrid Game live.
Image Credit: EA / NFL
According to EA’s official format, participants will first battle it out in several days of online ladder play, with the top 544 players advancing to a single-elimination bracket. The final two will move on to the live championship event in Madrid, where they’ll fight for glory, prize money, and qualification to the MCS Last Chance Qualifier, the final stop before the Madden Bowl.
Part of the Madden Championship Series Season
The Madrid Challenge is one of three main events in the ongoing Madden Championship Series 26 season. The circuit features multiple challenges, including the Most Feared and Zero Chill events, all culminating in the Madden Bowl with a massive $1.5 million USD prize pool.
As the MCS continues to expand its international presence, the Madrid stop represents more than just a competition, it’s a celebration of how esports can connect global communities through the shared love of sport and gaming.