The brief
The Free Fire World Series (FFWS) is the largest and most prominent esports tournament for Free Fire, a globally popular multiplayer ‘battle royale’ mobile game developed and published by Garena. Held in May 2021, the tournament was hosted at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. No less than 18 teams of players from around the world competed for the largest prize pool of the tournament at the time.
Pico was entrusted by VSPN, a leading Shanghai-based esports experience provider, to assist Garena in delivering the event.
Solution
As the pandemic’s status in many countries was unpredictable, seamless coordination was vital for accomplishing the goals of the client and the on-ground management at the venue. Leveraging on the Group’s global network, Pico ensured that stakeholders from disparate locations could communicate effectively. The team also assisted the client with liaising with Singapore ministries, authorities and the venue provider.
On the ground, Pico managed tournament logistics for teams and players – including transportation, F&B, accommodation, production of welcome kits, and chaperone supervision and management. The team also planned and executed the Opening Ceremony at the Singapore Marina Bay Waterfront which included fabricating a LED cube on the Marina Bay and operating a stunning drone light show.
Additionally, the team worked closely with the Singapore Tourism Board and other government agencies to implement Singapore’s strict COVID-19 safety measures before and during the tournament. These protocols included organising and implementing PCR tests, mandatory 21-day quarantine, and preparing PPE kits.
Results
The event livestream for the finals on 30 May 2021 peaked at 5.4 million concurrent viewers worldwide, breaking the all-time peak viewer record for a mobile e-sports event at the time.
Testimonial
“The Pico team’s work in FFWS was a crucial reason for its success. You and your team often went above and beyond your scope of duty, driven by your razor-sharp focus to make the event a reality in spite of the ever-increasing amount of challenges and regulations. Your team's dedication and professionalism to see the event to fruition was unmatched by any other I've seen. I genuinely look forward to any future endeavours where we can work together again, and I can think of no higher praise for an [event organiser].” the Global Esports Lead of Garena Free Fire shared with Pico.
