New for 2025: Tiered Difficulty & Creator Showdown
The third annual Sunburst Invitational introduces two major innovations designed to MLB The Show 25 Stubs elevate competition and community engagement in MLB The Show 25.

1. Tiered Difficulty System: A True Skill Gauntlet
For the first time, players will face escalating challenge levels as they advance:

Opening Rounds: "Hall of Fame" difficulty (single-elimination)

Tests fundamentals: Rewards consistency in pitching, hitting, and defense.

Top 16: "Legend" difficulty (double-elimination)

Raises stakes: Smaller PCI (plate coverage indicator), faster pitch speeds.

Finals: "GOAT" difficulty (exclusive to championship)

Ultimate test: Demands pixel-perfect timing and strategic adaptability.

Why it matters:

Filters out casual players early while giving elite competitors a progressive challenge.

Mirrors real baseball's postseason intensity, where each round gets tougher.

2. Creator Showdown: Influencers Meet Charity
A parallel tournament featuring 8 top gaming creators competing under unique rules:

Format: Single-elimination, all players using the Rays roster.

Twist: Winner directs a $2,500 donation to their charity of choice.

Streamed: Matches will air alongside main event coverage.

Expected Impact:

Bridges the gap between competitive esports and content creator communities.

Adds a philanthropic dimension, aligning with MLB's community-focused initiatives.

Behind the Design
Rays Esports Director on the changes:
"We wanted to reward the most complete players—those who can dominate at every difficulty tier. And by involving creators, we're expanding what 'competition' means in our event."

Key Dates for New Features
Tiered Difficulty: Active in all qualifiers (April–June).

Creator Showdown: July 10 (prelims) & July 17 (finals).

These additions transform the Sunburst Invitational from a standard tournament into a multi-tiered spectacle catering to cheap MLB The Show 25 Stubs both hardcore competitors and casual fans.