Abram “Abram” Joseph, an 18-year-old from Houston, earned his first career Madden Championship Series title belt by beating Torrey “Torrey” Patton 24-21 in the final of the Madden Zero Chill Challenge on Wednesday.
Abram led by 10 points before Torrey got an 87-yard kickoff return touchdown from a virtual Edgerrin James with 16 seconds left.
On the ensuing kickoff, Torrey’s team was in position to recover but went over the ball, allowing Abram to seal the title in his second Madden major appearance.
The result leaves Abram almost certain of earning a spot in the Madden Bowl.
“It feels great,” Abram said. “The main goal is Madden Bowl, no matter what. Knowing that I’ve got that secured (is huge).”
He added of his quick success, “It is insane. I could not have predicted this at all this year. Especially with going to school, too. I’ve got finals next week. I’ve got to study for that soon.”
Abram reached the semifinals of the Madden 24 Most Feared Challenge in October during his Madden major debut.
The Wednesday win was worth $30,000 for Abram from the $125,000 prize pool. The event was conducted live at EA’s center in Redwood City, Calif.
Torrey, 25, from Dayton, Ohio, was competing in his first Madden major tournament.
In the semifinals, Abram posted a 31-28 win over Rahilandy “Dot” Barias, a Boston resident playing in his first Madden major.
The other semifinal saw Dot advance via disqualification over Javaris “AI-Nash” Thomas of Winter Haven, Fla.
–Field Level Media