Cupra Host the 2022 Next Gen Cup at Camp Nou

Written by joe.andrews

Returning after an epic inaugural tournament in 2021, CUPRA were back at the Camp Nou for another celebration of football at this historic venue which sits firmly in their own back yard. The 4 team tournament of last year was tweaked with the introduction of a new format in front of a 15,000 crowd.

For those unfamiliar with what CUPRA is and what they’re about, the Next Gen Cup is the epitome of the brand’s fresh and forward thinking mindset. More than simply a car brand, this is a young, progressive company with its roots firmly established in the vibrant city of Barcelona. CUPRA’s distinct ethos and its contemporary positioning is embodied in their passion for football, matching our own headspace as a brand that can see where football crosses into lifestyle culture. And so, with all of that in mind, there was no better way for them to showcase their stance than by hosting the second edition of the CUPRA Next Gen Cup at Camp Nou.

The format saw a team of Spanish e-sports personalities led by Ibai Llanos up against a team made up of CUPRA, SoccerBible and other media partners. Jumping on the Barcelona team bus and arriving at Camp Nou, the teams were greeted by a waiting crowd who were keen to greet their e-sports idols... more so than us... and taking their seats in one of football's most historic stadiums.

Before the 11 vs 11 match kicked off both teams battled for a one goal lead in a number of skill challenges with CUPRA putting us through our paces and testing the accuracy, control and speed skills of the players. With the CUPRA/SoccerBible team coming out on top we took a one goal lead into the game as both teams lined-up for the final. The expectant crowd roared every attack of Ibai's team while the man himself commentated and streamed the game live to a 4m audience who watched Barca legend Patrick Kluivert pull the strings without stepping out of first gear.

While our team did sneak the W it was all about sharing the honour of being able to grace the surface in this cauldron of football history, staring up at the fourth tier and thinking about all the moments each seat has experienced over the years. Surreal. Here's to next year...