33rd SEA Games 2025 Begins This December 13 in Thailand, Featuring Four Esports Titles
The 33rd SEA Games 2025 is officially set to begin this December in Thailand, bringing back the highly anticipated esports segment with four major titles. Since its SEA Games debut in 2019, esports has now secured its fourth consecutive appearance, proving its influence and growing popularity in Southeast Asia.
The esports competition will start on December 13, 2025, and run for about a week at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, this year’s event includes four titles across six medal events, with three of them being mobile games. Regular SEA Games events will begin earlier, on December 9.
Four Esports Titles Confirmed for SEA Games 2025
The esports lineup for the 33rd SEA Games features:
- EA SPORTS FC Online (PC)
- Free Fire
- Arena of Valor
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Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Among these, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Arena of Valor will host both men’s and women’s divisions, while Free Fire and EA SPORTS FC Online will only include men’s medal events. However, teams in Free Fire and EA SPORTS FC Online may still include mixed-gender rosters.
Esports Events Breakdown and Schedule
Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor will feature four teams each for the men’s and women’s divisions.
- Women’s event: December 15–16
- Men’s event: December 17–18
Further details have not been released.
Free Fire
The Free Fire tournament will include 12 teams and begins with a Point Rush stage on December 17, 2025. Teams will earn Headstart Points based on daily standings.
- Grand Final: December 18 — All teams will participate.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)
Men’s Event
- 10 teams, split into two groups of five
- Group Stage: BO2
- Top 3 from each group advance
- Knockout Stage: Single elimination
- Semifinals & Bronze Match: BO5
- Grand Final: BO7
Women’s Event
- Two groups: one with five teams, one with four
- Group Stage: BO2
- Top 3 from each group advance
- Knockout Stage: Single elimination
- Semifinals & Bronze Match: BO5
- Grand Final: BO7
MLBB remains one of the most watched esports titles in Southeast Asia, ensuring a highly competitive event.
EA SPORTS FC Online
EA SPORTS FC Online will feature six teams competing in a 1v1 format on PC.
- Schedule: December 13–14
More details will be announced later.
Esports Continues to Rise in the SEA Games
Esports has consistently proven its value within the SEA Games lineup, attracting millions of viewers and showcasing top-tier talent across the region. With the 33rd SEA Games 2025 drawing near, fans can expect another thrilling competition across all featured titles.
The next SEA Games will take place in Malaysia in 2027, with hopes of an even bigger esports presence and more participating teams.
