The global esports stage is witnessing a new chapter as Pakistan’s Team 4Thrives (Team 4T) surges into the Grand Finals of the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2025, currently underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This unprecedented achievement not only spotlights the rising power of Pakistani esports but also positions Team 4T to compete for a staggering share of the $3 million prize pool, one of the richest ever for a mobile esports event.
The Competition: Esports World Cup, Riyadh
The 2025 PUBG Mobile World Cup is being held from July 25 to August 3 as a flagship competition of the Esports World Cup, an international tournament series featuring 26 disciplines. The PUBG Mobile event, located at the state-of-the-art Qiddiya Esports Arena (Boulevard City), has attracted 24 of the world’s best teams, all vying for the ultimate title and life-changing prizes.
Tournament Format
- Group Stage (July 25-27): Teams were divided into three groups of eight, with each team playing 12 matches across three days. The top eight moved directly to the Grand Finals, while the other 16 fought in a Survival Stage for the final eight Grand Final spots.
- Survival Stage (July 29-30): The remaining 16 teams competed for a last chance to reach the Finals.Grand Finals (August 1-3): The best 16 teams (eight each from Group and Survival stages) enter a 3-day, 18-match climax for global glory and major prize money. The innovative “Smash Rule” will apply in the final round, teams must reach a special points threshold and then clinch a chicken dinner to claim the championship, ensuring heart-pounding finishes every day.
- The Global Field
Top squads from Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and beyond, including heavyweights like Alter Ego (Indonesia), DRX (South Korea), Weibo Gaming (China), and Team AxTMG (India) joined Pakistan’s 4Thrives Esports for a global showdown.
Team 4Thrives: Pakistan’s Breakthrough
4Thrives Esports entered as the pride of Pakistan, qualifying through strong performances in the regional PUBG Mobile Super League. Led by standout players well known in the South Asian mobile esports scene, 4Thrives delivered an electrifying group stage:
- 2nd Overall in Group Stage: 4Thrives racked up 111 points and two Chicken Dinners, surpassing elite teams from Korea, China, and Europe. This performance guaranteed their Grand Finals berth and sent a wave of excitement throughout the Pakistani gaming community.
- Epic Comebacks and Clutch Plays: Their consistency, strategic gameplay, and ability to stay calm under pressure have been hallmarks of their play, with fans and commentators praising their aggressive yet coordinated style
Team 4T Player Roster
- Shayan “IQ” Asad (Captain/IGL)
- Falak “FALAK” Sher (formerly known as GRAVITY)
- Sameer “Nocki” Khan
- Hasnain “T24OP” Rehman
- Niash “CAIRO” Hassan (noted as a substitute or fifth player in some tournaments)
These young and talented competitors, ranging in age from 18 to 22, are at the forefront of bringing Pakistani esports to the world stage. The starting four usually comprise IQ, FALAK, Nocki, and T24OP, with Cairo available as a backup and support when needed.
The Stakes: Prizes and Recognition
- Tournament Prize Pool: The total is $3,050,000, with $1.7 million reserved for the finals, $500,000 for the champions, and major payouts even for lower finishing spots. The MVP of the finals will take home a $50,000 bonus.
Game Format and How It Works
Matches are played on classic PUBG Mobile maps (Erangel, Miramar, Sanhok) where 16 teams drop in, loot up, and vie to be the last squad standing in a high-stakes battle royale. Every move is broadcast worldwide to millions of fans, with each elimination and “chicken dinner” (match win) contributing crucial points in the hunt for the title.
Why This Matters for Pakistan
Team 4Thrives’ run is being celebrated as a breakthrough for Pakistani esports, showing that with skill, discipline, and support, local talent can compete and thrive on the world stage. Experts and fans are calling on:
- Government and Corporate Support: There’s a strong case for increased investment, sponsorships, and resources for gaming and esports infrastructure, coaching, and tournaments in Pakistan.
- Recognition for Professionals: With global visibility and lucrative prizes on the line, it’s time to acknowledge online gaming as a viable and respected profession for youth and young adults.
Looking Ahead
As the Final kicks off August 1-3, all eyes are on Team 4Thrives. Their journey is inspiring a new generation of players and fans, and their results could reshape the future of professional esports in Pakistan.
Supporting teams like 4Thrives not only brings honor and visibility to the nation but also opens doors to a fast-growing economy and career field, connecting Pakistani talent to the global stage.
Cheer loud, watch live, and let’s keep dreaming big for digital sports.
