It began with the so-called Swiss stages. Each eSports player played five games with at least three having to be won to qualify for the knockout stages. Sean Landwehr lost his first two games against Tom Leese from Hashtag House (1-2) and Ibra6577 (3-4). The Leverkusen player mounted a strong comeback by winning the next three games – including a runaway 6-0 win against Perkkix from Hamburg SV. Landwehr progressed to the knockout stages.
Two wins in three matches were required to qualify for the group phase in the FC Pro Open. The first opponent was Paolo Neto (Atalanta United FC/USA), who came through the Swiss stages with a perfect 5-0 record making him the top player in the tournament. Sean Landwehr suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat despite an impressive performance.
The second match against Tekkz (Manchester City/England), one of the most successful players in recent years in the FC scene, went to penalties. The Leverkusen player again lost out narrowly and went out of the tournament.
Marc Fiedler, responsible for the eSports section at Bayer 04, said after the event in London: "After the unsuccessful start in the Swiss stages, Sean mounted an impressive comeback. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough in the end but here at Bayer 04 we are very proud of his display and his performance over the whole tournament." And he added: "The full focus is now on the VBL. Bochum are next up on Thursday and we are certain that Sean together with Marc will build on his performance at the FC Pro Open to bring three points back to Leverkusen."
On the FC Pro Open:
The FC Pro Open Global Qualifier is an offline tournament that takes place in London. 63 eSports players from across the globe take part in the event and compete for a place in the FC Pro Open. Five games are played in the Swiss mode, of which three have to be won, to qualify the second day of the tournament. Here two knockout games have to be won to secure a place in the FC Pro Open.
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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