Beginning this summer, MLG will operate live and online qualifying competitions for multiple titles from the EA Sports line-up. Best Buy, one of the nation's leading gaming retailers, continues its commitment to EA Sports Challenge Series as presenting partner for the competitions. The 2009 EA Sports Challenge Series will be played on the PLAYSTATION(®)3 computer entertainment system.

MLG and EA Sports are also teaming to create new online offerings for the EA Sports Challenge Series, allowing for competitors to join the 2009 EA Sports Challenge Series online for the first time. Both online and live competitors in the 2009 EA Sports Challenge Series will be competing for cash and prizes totaling $170,000, made possible by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

"Working with EA Sports has been a dream of ours for some time. Together, we'll bring the intensity and excitement of competitive video gaming to sports fans across North America," said Matthew Bromberg, president and CEO of Major League Gaming.

"For nearly a decade, the EA Sports Challenge Series has represented what our brand is all about --competition and a passion for sports," said Steven Chiang, senior vice president, EA Sports. "In partnering with MLG and Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc , we're going to offer our consumers the chance at competition like they've never had before, at the highest levels of gaming, and with all the bragging rights on the line."

"As the partnership with EA Sports and MLG takes the Challenge experience to the next level, Best Buy is committed to making sure gamers have everything they need to successfully compete live and online," said David Benson, Merchant Director, Gaming. "We bring together the knowledge, products and services for players to make the most of their gaming and entertainment experience."

EA Sports and MLG will launch the first event of the 2009 EA Sports Challenge Series in Dallas, Texas, on August 29-30. For more information about the 2009 EA Sports Challenge Series, visit the official website.