The Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency and Nimble Neuron are set to host the 'Kkooburacco Eternal Return Masters Season 9 Finals' at the Busan Esports Arena on January 23rd and 24th.

This event marks the first official major esports tournament held at the Busan Esports Arena this year, serving as both a grand finale for Season 9 and a proper kick-off for the new year's esports calendar.

Twelve teams, having battled through the regular season and playoffs, are ready to compete for the crown. On day one, eight teams will face off in the semifinals to secure one of the four spots in the finals. The second day features those four survivors clashing against the four teams that qualified directly for the finals to determine the ultimate champion.

Competing in the semifinals are Gyeonggi Innate, CNJ Esports, Busan Vespa, OverPride, Shadow GoldenLight, New Rise Gangwon, Jecheon Phalanx, and FN Sejong. Meanwhile, the four teams that secured direct entry to the finals are All Ways Incheon, Daejeon Autoarms, Gwangju Slasher, and Seongnam ROX.

To coincide with the tournament, a pop-up store collaboration between Eternal Return and Nibel Arena has opened at the Busan Esports Arena. Spanning the 15th and 16th floors, fans can enjoy hands-on gaming, social media verification events, merchandise sales, a 'wishing tree' zone, and photo spots. Furthermore, an NPC collaboration cafe is serving up drinks and special perks themed around Eternal Return.

The naming sponsor for this tournament is 'Kkooburacco Charcoal Chicken,' a chicken franchise that started in Busan and has since expanded into a nationwide brand.

Kim Tae-yeol, President of the Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency, noted, "Having a company that grew in Busan join as the naming sponsor for this season's finale is a symbolic example of local industry and esports building something together." He added, "We will continue our efforts to ensure the Busan Esports Arena becomes a hub where esports transcends mere spectating and integrates into the daily culture of our citizens."

For further details, you can visit the official Eternal Return website.