Highest-Ranked American Player Joins RBNY Ahead of 2020 eMLS Season
HARRISON, N.J. (December 10, 2019) – The New York Red Bulls have expanded the club’s eMLS team by signing Queens native George Adamou, the club announced today. Adamou joins Mike LaBelle on the Red Bulls eMLS team and will represent the club at eMLS tournaments and EA SPORTS FIFA competitions worldwide.
Adamou, 20, is currently the highest-ranked American player, ranked 16th overall in the World in the latest FIFA 20 Global Series rankings on PlayStation. Only two other Americans, and three other eMLS competitors, are ranked in the current top 50.
“My passion for the beautiful game has been with me all my life, whether on a real field or a virtual one,” said Adamou. “It is a dream come true that I can continue to play FIFA at the highest level. I look forward to playing against the best both domestically during the eMLS season, and internationally, showcasing my ability to the masses. Of course, my main priority is representing the New York Red Bulls well and bringing success to the club.”
Adamou will join LaBelle on the Red Bulls eMLS team. Adamou will compete in eMLS and also represent the organization in international competitions, such as the FIFA Global Series. Adamou and LaBelle will be able to team up for 2-v-2 competitions, events and collaborate on content. LaBelle, one of the top American content creators, will continue to represent the Red Bulls as a host and analyst at global EA competitions, as well as creating original content and serving as a host for the New York Red Bulls.
“George is one of the top American talents in the FIFA community right now, and we’re pleased to welcome him to our club. He's a New Yorker who grew up playing the game and following the team. He's a great addition to our eSports team with Mike LaBelle,” said Red Bulls Sr. Director of Content and Communications Jayne Bussman-Wise.
Adamou is a Business Management major at Adelphi University. He played soccer growing up in Queens, serving as a captain for Benjamin N Cardozo High School’s team and also playing club soccer for Bayside AV juniors. He committed to play at Adelphi University before injury, which ultimately led to him shifting focus to playing FIFA at a high level.
On Monday, the New York Red Bulls were recognized by Major League Soccer as the eMLS Club of the Year. The Red Bulls were amongst the league leaders in eSports activations and content in 2019.
The 2020 eMLS season kicks off on January 10 with the first League Series event in Philadelphia. The second League Series event will take place in Portland on February 15, followed by eMLS Cup on March 21 at SXSW in Austin.
