Colorado Rapids sign first-ever eMLS player

If you’ve spent any time on the video game-streaming site Twitch, you know there are people out there who actually make a living playing video games. While this may just be a dream for some, Connor Buckley’s hard work has paid off: he signed a professional gaming contract with the Colorado Rapids today.

The 23-year-old has almost 80,000 followers on Twitch and more than 30,000 followers on YouTube, which is where you can find most of his soccer content. He will represent the Rapids at the eMLS Cup, which is “a qualifying event for the EA SPORTS Global Series Playoffs on the Road to the FIFA eWorld Cup.”

“As an organization, we are always looking for new ways to engage our fans,” said Wayne Brant, Senior Vice President of Business Operations. ”We look forward to seeing the type of content Connor can create, as well as watching him represent the club in competitive play.”

Buckley actually grew up playing soccer and played at Menlo College in Northern California. “Being a FIFA streamer, my goal was always to stay involved with the sport and joining a club was my ultimate dream,” Buckley said. “Becoming a professional eSports player and playing against a ton of my friends who have also signed for teams is an extremely exciting challenge that I’m ready for.”