MLB The Show 25: Sunburst Invitational Returning for MLB The Show 25 Stubs Third Year 

The Tampa Bay Rays are gearing up for their third annual Sunburst Invitational, an exciting esports tournament centered around MLB The Show 25. Starting in April, players will have the opportunity to compete in this high-stakes event, which will culminate in an epic championship this summer. The event promises to be even bigger and more thrilling than the previous years, offering players and fans alike a chance to get in on the action.

What's New for the Third Annual Sunburst Invitational?

The Sunburst Invitational has evolved over the years, growing from a promising esports event into a highly anticipated competition for MLB The Show enthusiasts. In its third year, the tournament introduces some exciting changes and new features that are sure to make this year's event stand out. These updates include a new tiered difficulty system and a fresh Creator Showdown feature, both designed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

For the first time, players will be challenged across multiple difficulty levels throughout the tournament. They'll start with the "Hall of Fame" difficulty in the early rounds, moving to "Legend" difficulty for the double-elimination rounds, and ultimately reaching "GOAT" difficulty for the in-person championship game. These varying levels will ensure that only the most skilled players can reach the top.

Tournament Structure and Schedule

The Sunburst Invitational will kick off with four qualifiers, where gamers from the United States and Canada aged 13 and older will compete for their chance to reach the finals in July. Here are the key dates for the qualifiers:

Qualifier 1: April 3, 5, 6, and 7

Qualifier 2: April 24, 26, 27, and 28

Qualifier 3: May 8, 10, 11, and 12

Qualifier 4: June 19, 21, 22, and 23

The four winners from these qualifiers will be flown out to Coastal Creative in St. Petersburg, FL, to play live in the semi-finals and championship game on July 17. The competition will be fierce, with a total of $12,000 in prizes up for grabs, as well as the once-in-a-lifetime chance for the winner to throw out buy MLB The Show 25 Stubs the first pitch at a Tampa Bay Rays game.