sYoDrip earns upset win in Madden's Last Chance Qualifier

Madden Championship Series newcomer Anthony "sYoDrip" Fahy got past a field of experienced players to win the Last Chance Qualifier on Tuesday and earn a playoff berth.

By defeating Drini "Drini" Gjoka 33-28 in the final, sYoDrip is assured of making at least $30,000 -- the minimum prize money for playoff participants. The top prize is $250,000.

More than 1,400 players began competing in the event that culminated in the final four on Tuesday. sYoDrip, from Coral Springs, Fla., finished the ladder phase ranked 55th but fought his way to the semifinals and ultimately the LCQ victory. He never previously advanced to an MCS live event.

sYoDrip got past Luke "Velus" Reagan of Tullahoma, Tenn., 41-23 in the first semifinal on Tuesday. Velus had one prior MCS appearance, when he came in second place last month at the Zero Chill Challenge.

In the other semifinal, Drini, from Washington, D.C., downed Henry "Henry" Leverette of Dallas 41-38. Drini has two career MCS victories and more than $500,000 in earnings. Henry ranks among the series' top all-time performers with $1 million-plus in prize money and seven MCS victories.

Drini, Velus and Henry were all eliminated from contention for the MCS playoffs, which run Jan. 21-22 and Jan. 29.

The Madden Bowl will be held Feb. 7 in New Orleans, the same city where the Super Bowl will be held two days later. Country singer/songwriter Chris Stapleton, rapper/singer Jelly Roll and country/hip-hop artist Shaboozey are all set to perform at the $1 million series championship.

--Field Level Media