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Call of Duty’s biggest Warzone showdown is officially returning to Las Vegas this year, but not everyone’s excited about it. Activision has confirmed that the World Series of Warzone (WSOW) 2025 Global Final will take place on October 1st, marking the second year in a row the event lands in Nevada’s desert city.

The tournament is the pinnacle of Warzone’s competitive calendar, with teams from around the world set to battle it out for a share of a massive US$1 million prize pool. That alone should make headlines, but this year, the buzz around the event feels different.

No Crowd, No Hype?

Unlike the previous two editions, WSOW 2025 will be a broadcast-only event, meaning there won’t be any spectators in the arena. Fans can only tune in via Twitch or YouTube, something the community has already voiced frustration about.

Fans summed it up bluntly, the event “doesn’t feel the same” without a live audience.

The backlash isn’t surprising. Live crowds brought energy and atmosphere to earlier tournaments, and their absence this time around leaves many wondering if the Global Final will feel flat, especially for a stage that’s supposed to be Warzone’s crown jewel.

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Aside from the lack of spectators, Activision has also tweaked the tournament format. The Match Point threshold has been lowered from 150 to 125, meaning teams now need fewer points before they can secure a map win and push for the title.

Warzone Esports: At a Crossroads

The bigger question is what comes next for Warzone as an esport. While last year’s Global Final peaked at 286,000 viewers, it was still down compared to the 382,000 who tuned in back in 2023. At the same time, Warzone’s showing at the Esports World Cup earlier this year proved it can still draw impressive numbers, crossing the 300,000 viewers mark.

But with no spectators at WSOW and uncertainty around whether Activision will continue running official tournaments beyond 2025, Warzone’s future as a top-tier esport feels a little shaky.

For now, fans will have to settle for watching from home as the world’s best drop back into Verdansk’s desert showdown. Whether the lack of a live crowd ends up hurting the hype, or if the gameplay alone carries the day, will be clear come October.