Decoding the FIFA 23 TOTY Vote: Times, Dates, and Everything You Need to Know
The FIFA 23 Team of the Year (TOTY) is a massive event for the FIFA community, and knowing exactly when you can cast your vote is crucial. The TOTY vote in FIFA 23 began on January 10, 2023, at 4:55pm CET / 10:55am ET / 7:55am PT. The polls remained open for a full week, allowing fans ample time to make their selections and influence the final squad.
Understanding the TOTY Phenomenon
The Team of the Year is more than just a collection of highly-rated cards in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT). It’s a celebration of the best players in the world, based on their performances throughout the previous year. The selection process involves a combination of EA Sports’ data analysis and, crucially, a public vote, empowering the community to have a direct say in who makes the final cut. These TOTY cards boast significantly boosted stats, making them some of the most coveted and powerful items in the game. This drives immense excitement, speculation, and strategic pack-saving in anticipation of their release.
Key Dates and Times Recap
To make sure you don’t miss out on any crucial information, here’s a breakdown of the key dates and times associated with the FIFA 23 TOTY:
- Nominees Announced: January 9, 2023
- Voting Begins: January 10, 2023, at 4:55pm CET / 10:55am ET / 7:55am PT
- Voting Ends: January 17, 2023, at 8:59am CET / 2:59am ET / January 16, 2023, 11:59pm PT
- Final Squad Reveal: January 19, 2023
- TOTY Release into FUT: January 20, 2023, at 6pm GMT / 1pm ET
- Full TOTY Team in Packs (Including 12th Man & Honorable Mentions): January 26, 2023, at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm GMT / 7pm CET
How to Vote for TOTY
Voting for the FIFA 23 TOTY was a straightforward process. Players simply needed to:
- Navigate to the official EA Sports FIFA 23 website.
- Review the list of nominees.
- Select their preferred players and drag them into the appropriate positions within the virtual starting formation on the pitch.
- Submit their final team.
This interactive process allowed fans to carefully consider their choices and assemble their ideal Team of the Year. The voting mechanism gave the power to choose the best performers of the year, and the final selection was revealed soon after.
The Significance of the 12th Man
The 12th Man is a special addition to the TOTY squad. After the initial eleven players are announced, EA Sports holds another vote to determine which of the remaining nominees deserves a spot in the team. This gives players who narrowly missed out on the original selection a second chance to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the sport. The 12th Man is always a highly anticipated addition, as they bolster the ranks of already-impressive players.
Understanding TOTY Honorable Mentions
In addition to the core TOTY squad and the 12th Man, EA Sports also introduces TOTY Honorable Mentions. This promo features players who, while not making the final Team of the Year, still deserve recognition for their excellent performances. These players receive special cards with boosted stats, providing valuable options for FUT players and adding depth to the overall TOTY event.
TOTY Winners
The FIFA 23 TOTY was filled with superstars, each deserving of their place. Some notable names included:
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Éder Militão
- Achraf Hakimi
- Theo Hernández
- Kylian Mbappé
- Lionel Messi
- Luka Modrić
- Virgil van Dijk
These players represented the pinnacle of footballing talent, and their inclusion in the TOTY was a testament to their exceptional skill and impact on the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the FIFA 23 TOTY, addressing common concerns and providing valuable insights:
1. When did the FIFA 23 TOTY nominees get announced?
The FIFA 23 TOTY nominees were announced on January 9, 2023.
2. What time did the FIFA 23 TOTY vote close?
The FIFA 23 TOTY vote closed on January 17, 2023, at 8:59am CET / 2:59am ET / January 16, 2023, 11:59pm PT.
3. When was the final FIFA 23 TOTY squad revealed?
EA confirmed the final squad was revealed on Thursday, January 19, 2023.
4. When did the FIFA 23 TOTY cards start being released into FUT?
The FIFA 23 TOTY squad began to be released into FUT on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 6pm GMT / 1pm ET / 10am PT.
5. What is the significance of the TOTY 12th Man?
The TOTY 12th Man is an additional player voted in by the community, giving another deserving nominee a spot in the squad. It’s another bite at the apple for players who just missed out on the starting eleven.
6. What are TOTY Honorable Mentions?
TOTY Honorable Mentions are special cards given to players who, while not in the final TOTY, had outstanding performances and deserve recognition.
7. Where could I vote for the FIFA 23 TOTY?
Voting took place on the official EA Sports FIFA 23 website.
8. Are TOTY cards permanent in packs?
No, TOTY cards are only available in packs for a limited time, throughout the duration of the Team of the Year promo.
9. What happens to player prices during the TOTY event?
The market often experiences a crash during the TOTY event, which is why it’s generally recommended to sell off valuable, non-TOTY cards beforehand.
10. Are there TOTY Icons?
Yes, FIFA 23 featured Team of the Year Icons (TOTY Icons).
11. How can I increase my chances of packing a TOTY card?
While there’s no guaranteed way, saving packs and opening them during the TOTY release increases your chances, but keep in mind that it is still based on random probability.
12. Will saving packs for TOTY actually work?
Yes, you have the possibility to pack a TOTY from saved packs if they are opened during the TOTY promo period.
13. How does the TOTY vote work?
The FIFA 23 TOTY vote involves fans selecting their preferred players from a shortlist of nominees and submitting their team via the EA Sports FIFA 23 website.
14. What are TOTS FUT Champions Red Items?
TOTS FUT Champions Red Items are special versions of TOTS (Team of the Season) and TOTS Moments cards awarded in FUT Champions, featuring a unique design. All TOTS & TOTS Moments that are available in packs will be made available as TOTS FUT Champions Red Items.
15. Who was the youngest player to ever get a TOTY card?
Jude Bellingham is the youngest player to ever receive a TOTY card.
The Broader Impact of Gaming and Interactive Voting
Events like the FIFA TOTY vote highlight the increasing role of gaming in shaping popular culture and providing platforms for community engagement. This interactive voting process, where millions of fans directly contribute to the selection of virtual athletes, has the potential to create a stronger connection between sports, gaming, and the audience. The Games Learning Society, dedicated to understanding the intersection of games, learning, and society, recognizes the significance of these interactions. The organization’s conferences and publications delve into the educational and social aspects of gaming, fostering a deeper appreciation for the potential of interactive media.
Games Learning Society
The Games Learning Society is an academic society dedicated to advancing research and understanding of games and learning. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the field.
Conclusion
The FIFA 23 TOTY vote was a highly anticipated event, and knowing the precise times and dates was crucial for fans eager to participate. By understanding the process, the key players involved, and the various related events like the 12th Man and Honorable Mentions, FIFA players could fully engage with the excitement and build their dream teams in FUT. The fusion of sports and interactive entertainment continues to evolve, offering new and engaging ways for fans to connect with the games they love. The game designers have been working tirelessly to give the best interactive gaming experience for gamers all over the world.