The competition will return for its third consecutive year with a prize pool of $150,000 (£117,000/€136,000), as reported by The Esports Observer. 

Players will compete on EA Sports NHL 20's hockey ultimate team mode, with round one match-ups scheduled to start on March 11. 

Other than an increased prize pool, this season’s competition will feature prizes awarded during round two and an expanded world final that will see three finalists from each region advance to play for the world title. 

This year's winner is set to earn $60,000 (£47,000/€54,000) in prize money.  

"Online gaming is a force - and the NHL gaming community is more engaged and enthusiastic than ever," said NHL vice president of business development, Chris Golier. 

"The NHL Gaming World Championship allows us to interact with the hockey community in authentic ways that help extend the reach of the NHL brand to a younger, gaming-savvy demographic. 

"The platform continues to attract a number of blue chip NHL corporate partners who have experienced increased visibility across the global stage.”

Matthew Gutkoski was last year's winner, taking home $50,000 (£39,000/€45,000), while European champion Erik Tammenpää was the victor in 2018. 

The Championship is supported by the NHL’s corporate partners including Honda and Scotiabank.