Free Fire esports: Garena's strategy behind success and hurdles

Learn how Garena's Free Fire built a thriving esports community, achieving peak viewership and adapting to shifts in the landscape. Find out more here.
February 27, 2025
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Garena's Free Fire has made a big mark on the esports scene with its smart moves and fun gameplay. Since its launch, the game has pulled in millions, drawing fans from regions like South Asia and Brazil. Despite past success, Free Fire faced tough times as viewership waned and fierce rivals emerged. Garena aims to refresh the game's esports scene by introducing creative ideas and keeping fans engaged in the battle for the esports crown.

With a focus on player growth and new formats, Free Fire is set to reshape its future and draw in a larger audience. The steps taken now are key to reclaiming its spot at the top of mobile esports.

Building the esports scene

Garena started with a bang in its esports journey in 2019 with the launch of the Free Fire World Series (FFWS). This event marked a key moment, bringing together teams worldwide for fierce action. The FFWS sparked excitement and laid the groundwork for a thriving esports scene, with millions tuning in to watch.

The first global championship transformed the game, making Free Fire stand out among mobile titles. The $100,000 prize pool drew top teams, showcasing the thrill of mobile esports. This success helped build a loyal fan base and set high hopes for future events.

However, India pushed fans towards other titles, causing a notable drop in numbers. Competing games like Battlegrounds Mobile India and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang began to pull players away, further increasing the challenge for Free Fire.

To combat this fall, Garena introduced new leagues aimed at sparking interest. These fresh formats sought to engage fans and attract new players to the game. Participation in the Esports World Cup also marked a crucial step, exposing Free Fire to a wider audience and renewing hope for its future in competitive gaming. 

Free Fire's path to renewed glory

As Free Fire looks forward to 2025, Garena is set to focus on player shift and new formats. The goal is to create a game setting where both new and seasoned players can succeed. By offering new ways to compete, Garena hopes to reignite interest among its audience.

Maintaining interest is critical to building a strong esports scene. Garena plans to roll out active tournaments designed to keep fans engaged and excited. With a combination of new ideas and feedback from the community, the goal is to create a passionate ecosystem.

Engaging more fans will be a top priority for Free Fire moving forward. This includes reaching out to new markets and attracting a broader audience. By focusing on inclusivity and fun, Garena aims to ensure that Free Fire remains a major player in mobile esports for years to come.

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