The inaugural FIFAe World Cup 2024, a collaboration between eFootball and FIFA, has crowned its champions. Malaysia's Minbappe secured victory in the mobile division, while Indonesia dominated the console competition with the team BINONGBOYS, SHNKS-ELGA, GARUDAFRANC and akbarpaudie claiming the top prize.
Held at the impressive SEF Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this tournament marks the first of what is hopefully a continued series. The high production values of the event are a testament to the significant investment in esports by Saudi Arabia, mirroring the scale of the inaugural Esports World Cup held the same year.
eFootball's Ambitions
The FIFAe World Cup's success, regardless of its long-term impact on fans, underscores Konami and FIFA's ambition to establish eFootball as the premier football simulator for elite competition. This partnership significantly strengthens that position.
However, there's a question of whether this high-profile, extravagant tournament will truly connect with the average gamer. The history of esports, particularly in fighting games, shows that major organizational involvement can sometimes lead to unforeseen challenges in top-tier gameplay. While the FIFAe World Cup currently appears seamless, the potential for similar issues remains.
For more on high-stakes competitions, check out the results of the recent Pocket Gamer Awards 2024!