Sounders FC today announced that it has signed Nick Mars, known by the handle TheMarsBars11, as the Rave Green’s official competitive esports representative for 2019. Mars signed with the club following his victory in Sounders FC’s first-ever open esports tournament, which consisted of an online competition narrowing the field to 16 gamers who then advanced to a final round held on December 4.

“As Sounders FC enters its second year in the esports realm in 2019, we were really searching for a competitive representative while keeping local ties,” said Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer Bart Wiley. “Our new tournament-style qualifying format brought together some great players and we’re excited to have Nick joining the team following his convincing victory. He’s going to be a great ambassador and competitor for Sounders esports.”

Mars, 24, is a native of Tacoma and a born and raised Sounders fan, holding season tickets since the team’s beginning in MLS. He grew up playing youth soccer in the greater Seattle area, including matches against Jordan Morris, but has since become more successful on the virtual pitch. Mars was the winner of the 2017 MLS March to Soccer event in New York and competed in the Vancouver Regional Series that year, as well.

“I’ve been a Sounders fan since I was born, so it’s a dream come true to represent Sounders FC in eMLS,” said Mars. “My gaming style is very direct; I like to score a lot of goals. I’m very confident in my gaming abilities and look forward to competing in Rave Green.”

Mars will represent Sounders FC next month at eMLS League Series One competition in Los Angeles, followed by eMLS League Series Two in February in Dallas. eMLS Cup is set to take place in March at a location to be determined.

2019 marks the second year that Sounders FC has participated in the world of competitive esports. Last season, the team was one of 19 MLS clubs that took part in the inaugural eMLS Cup, a venture of eMLS, which was launched by Major League Soccer and EA SPORTS in January of this year to provide a unique and interactive avenue for the FIFA community to engage with MLS and for gaming fans to show their passion for their MLS club of choice. For more information about Sounders FC’s involvement in esports and gaming, fans can visit SoundersFC.com/esports.