The Esports World Cup is set to return in 2025, bringing with it a major new addition: Free Fire. Following the success of the 2024 event, Garena's popular mobile battle royale will once again take center stage. Team Falcons, victorious in the 2024 Free Fire Champions tournament, will undoubtedly be looking to defend their title and continue their winning streak. Their victory earned them a coveted invitation to the Free Fire World Series Global Finals in Rio de Janeiro.
Free Fire joins Honor of Kings in returning to Riyadh for another installment of the Esports World Cup, a spin-off of the Gamers8 tournament. Saudi Arabia's significant investment in esports is evident in the event's impressive production values and substantial prize pools, aiming to establish the country as a global esports hub.

The high production quality of the Esports World Cup is undeniable, attracting games like Free Fire to showcase their competitive scenes. However, the event's status as a secondary event compared to other global esports tournaments remains a question mark. While its glitz and glamour are undeniable, the long-term success and sustained popularity of the World Cup tournaments will depend on continued innovation and engagement.
The return of Free Fire to the Esports World Cup marks a significant contrast to the cancellation of the Free Fire World Series in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event's resurgence highlights the resilience and growth of the mobile esports landscape.