New for this year, Rays Gaming will introduce the Sunburst Invitational “Creator Showdown,” featuring eight (8) content creators competing in a single-elimination tournament. Gamers will be playing with the Rays live roster, and $2,500 will be donated to a non-profit organization of the winners choosing. 

The Sunburst Invitational returning for the third season will once again feature four (4) online qualifier tournaments eligible to players in the US and Canada ages 13 and over. New for this year, players will compete on “Hall of Fame” difficulty in a single-elimination format until the final 16 players remain, who will then compete in a double-elimination format on “Legend” difficulty. Each of the qualifier finals will be played on “Legend” with the in-person Championship being played on “GOAT” difficulty. 

• 2023 Winner: Zazzi (Canada)
• 2024 Winner: Goat_RP (New Jersey) 

“Rays gaming has always been about bringing excitement to our community and reaching new fans in innovative ways,” said Rays Vice President of Marketing Patrick Abts. “The feedback from the ‘MLB The Show’ community over the past two years has been extremely positive, and we look forward to welcoming more players this season while highlighting some of the best esports players on the biggest stage.” 

As a Sunburst Invitational tradition, all players must compete with the Tampa Bay Rays live roster throughout each of the online qualifiers. The four qualifier winners will then be flown down to compete at the live LAN Championship hosted at Coastal Creative in St. Petersburg, FL with over $12,000 in prize money on the line and an opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. All tournament and registration information can be found on RaysBaseball.com/Gaming.  

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Broadcasting Schedule and Twitch Drops!

Each of the qualifier finals and championship will be hosted on the official Tampa Bay Rays Twitch channel @RaysBaseballGaming, TikTok @Rays, and on YouTube @Rays. Qualified viewers will have the opportunity to redeem “MLB The Show” packs through Twitch drops.

Sunburst Invitation Qualifier dates are as follows:

• Sunburst Invitational Qualifier #1: April 3, April 5, April 6 and April 7 (Finals)
• Sunburst Invitational Qualifier #2: April 24, May 26, May 27 and April 28 (Finals)
• Sunburst Invitational Qualifier #3: May 8, May 10, May 11 and May 12 (Finals)
• Sunburst Invitational Qualifier #4: June 19, June 21, June 22 and June 23 (Finals) 

Sunburst Invitational Championship:

• July 17: Semifinals & Finals (St. Petersburg, FL)

*Tournament is available for players on PlayStation and Xbox. Internet connection and online multiplayer subscription (sold separately) required. Terms and restrictions apply, for official rules, visit www.mlb.com/rays/fans/rays-gaming/rules.