Soccer - La Liga launches esports tournament to send players to Global Series

BARCELONA (Reuters) - La Liga announced on Tuesday announced the launch of its first esports tournament to take place in Barcelona next month which it says aims to be the premier gaming competition in Spain.

The competition, consisting of an online qualification phase followed by a tournament beginning on April 16 on Xbox and Playstation platforms, will determine which players represent Spain at the EA SPORTS FIFA 18 Global Series Playoffs in June, the gateway to the FIFA eWorld Cup 2018.

"McDonald's Virtual LaLiga eSports touches down in Spain as the first major project from LaLiga eSports," said a statement from the league's organising body.

"In association with the Professional Videogame League... the goal is to transform this ambitious tournament into the hallmark competition in Spain."

(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Christian Radnedge)