There were four spots awarded automatically throughout the year's major events which left 747 players in the eSailing World Championship Playoffs to compete for the remaining places.

The races took place in the 49er ship class in the virtual waters of San Francisco, the Nacra 17 in Sydney and the J/70 in Rio de Janeiro.

Francisco Melo of Portugal came first in the playoffs to confirm his place in the eSailGP Grand Finale.

"Very tough racing with always 2/3 top players in the race, not an easy course, a lot of shifts but feeling very comfortable in J70 and manage to qualify!" said Melo.

"Didn't sail as much in some of the other boats (49er and Nacra 17).

"Now into finals!"

Yannis Kokonias became the first Greek player to earn a place in the final.

"Everything was judged in only 1-2 races in a series of 20, I am satisfied that I reached my target of qualifying with the fewest races and playing fair to everyone as I try to do in all season," Kokonias said.

Italian Rocco Guerra won the America's Cup to secure his spot in March before the inaugural Olympic Virtual Series winner Tristan Peron of France took a place in June.

Britain's Arthur Farley then claimed his spot after finishing top of the end of season rankings in September.

The eSail GP final on October 15 was the last automatic qualification spot up for grabs which was taken by Farley's compatriot Mike O'Donovan.

The winner of the eSailing World Championship Live Final on November 6 will be awarded with $10,000 (£7,307/€8,649).