The Esports World Cup is set to return in 2025, bringing with it a major addition: the return of Free Fire. Team Falcons, victors of the 2024 competition, will undoubtedly be looking to defend their title.
The 2024 Esports World Cup proved a significant success, paving the way for a 2025 sequel. Garena's Free Fire will take center stage, following the triumph of Team Falcons in the 2024 Free Fire Champions tournament, which earned them a coveted spot in the Free Fire World Series Global Finals in Rio de Janeiro.
Free Fire will join Honor of Kings in returning to Riyadh for the event, a Gamers8 spin-off. Saudi Arabia's substantial investment aims to establish itself as a global esports hub, with the Esports World Cup offering substantial prizes and prestige.

The high production values of the Esports World Cup are undeniable, attracting major titles like Free Fire. However, while visually impressive, the tournament currently plays a supporting role compared to other global esports events. Its status as a secondary event remains a point of discussion.
Nevertheless, the 2025 event marks a significant contrast to the cancellation of the Free Fire World Series in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The future success of the Esports World Cup and its continued appeal remain to be seen.