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In recent years, mobile gaming has exploded in Pakistan, becoming more than just a hobby — it's a thriving culture. At the heart of this mobile revolution stand two titans: PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile (CODM). Both games have captured the attention of millions, turning casual players into competitive warriors and fueling the growth of the Pakistani esports scene like never before. But here’s the question everyone’s asking in 2026: Which game truly leads the mobile esports race in Pakistan — PUBG or CODM?
Ask any gamer in Pakistan, and you’ll get strong opinions on both sides. PUBG Mobile, known for its battle royale intensity, has created a massive wave with local tournaments, sponsorships, and a passionate player base. Meanwhile, COD Mobile, with its fast-paced multiplayer modes and tactical depth, is gaining serious ground and nurturing a loyal esports following. The esports ecosystem in Pakistan is growing fast — thanks to better internet access, low-cost gaming phones, and rising local talent. What was once considered just "gaming" is now a full-fledged competitive industry. Tournaments with prize pools, brand endorsements, and national pride are now common, and young players dream of making it big.
This blog will break down the current state of PUBG vs COD Mobile in Pakistan’s esports landscape. We’ll look at player numbers, tournament stats, team performances, and community support — all to determine which of these games truly dominates the local esports scene today.
Since its launch, PUBG Mobile has become a cultural phenomenon in Pakistan. With over 15 million downloads in Pakistan alone, it redefined mobile gaming for an entire generation. Its accessibility on mid-range phones and the social nature of squad-based matches helped it grow fast.
The game became more than entertainment — it evolved into a shared social experience. From university hostels to small-town dhabas, groups of friends formed clans, organized custom rooms, and competed in daily matches. PUBG's Pakistan-focused events and community engagement cemented its position as the go-to mobile game.
PUBG Mobile set the foundation for mobile esports in Pakistan. The structure of national qualifiers and regional leagues provided local talent with real opportunities. One landmark moment was when 4Thrives Esports — a Pakistani team — qualified for the 2025 PUBG Mobile World Cup finals. This wasn’t just a win for a single team; it showed the world that Pakistani esports had arrived on the global stage.
Local tournaments like the PMNC, Campus Championships, and PTA Esports Cups offer real money, prestige, and visibility. For many young players, PUBG Mobile is a gateway to a career in esports.
Pakistan’s PUBG ecosystem includes high-performing teams like Freestyle Esports, Team Bablu, and Magnus Esports. These organizations run scrims, content platforms, and recruitment programs. Top streamers such as Star Anonymous and 47 Khalifa regularly pull in thousands of live viewers. Their influence has made PUBG a part of youth culture, blending entertainment with competition.
With sponsorship deals from telecoms and tech brands, PUBG Mobile now fuels a micro-industry of content creators, team managers, casters, and analysts in Pakistan.
Call of Duty Mobile may have launched after PUBG, but it quickly captured the attention of players who crave fast-paced action and skill-based mechanics. Unlike PUBG's battle royale format, CODM's signature lies in its intense 5v5 multiplayer battles. This appeals to hardcore competitive players who enjoy teamwork, tight maps, and quick decision-making. While PUBG offers scale, CODM delivers speed and precision.
Its fanbase in Pakistan might be smaller, but it’s far from casual. CODM clans have formed strong communities, often playing in Discord-based leagues and cross-border tournaments with neighboring countries.
CODM's esports scene in Pakistan is still developing, but momentum is picking up. Events like the CODM Pro Scrims, Red Bull Mobile Arena, and university-level tournaments are laying the groundwork. Teams such as Snakes Esports and Team Viral are gaining recognition. The competitive ecosystem is still grassroots, but dedicated. Pakistani players have also started participating in Asian qualifiers, signaling the start of a new competitive chapter.
Although fewer in number, CODM’s esports events are becoming more frequent and structured — especially as Activision focuses more on mobile esports globally.
Several factors explain why CODM hasn’t overtaken PUBG’s dominance in Pakistan:
Late market entry meant PUBG had already built a loyal fanbase.
Smaller tournament structure and fewer local sponsors.
Technical demands: CODM’s fast pace and graphics are harder on entry-level devices.
But things are changing. As Activision continues to invest, and as competitive Pakistani players look for new challenges, CODM might just be gearing up for its breakout moment.
PUBG Mobile easily wins in this category. Between 2022 and 2025, Pakistan saw over 40 PUBG tournaments, some with prize pools exceeding PKR 2 million. Flagship events like PMPL South Asia, PTA Cups, and Campus Challenges attract mainstream media coverage.
CODM, on the other hand, has hosted around 10–12 notable events annually, with smaller prize pools typically between PKR 100,000 and 500,000. Most are community-driven or tied to cafes and campus gaming societies. While PUBG is clearly in the lead, CODM’s numbers are growing, especially with the rise of independent organizers and cross-border online scrims.
PUBG Mobile boasts several top-tier teams in Pakistan. 4Thrives, Team TUF, Bablu, and Freestyle have all participated in regional or international events. These teams have consistent social media followings, content strategies, and fan bases. CODM teams are still emerging. While Snakes Esports and Team Viral have built reputations in the community scene, they’ve yet to break through internationally.
Viewership tells a similar story:
PUBG tournaments in Pakistan regularly cross 100,000 live viewers.
CODM events typically range between 10,000 and 25,000.
That said, CODM’s smaller base is highly engaged, with strong viewer retention on Discord streams and YouTube.
PUBG Mobile has seeped into Pakistani pop culture. From TikTok memes to branded t-shirts and gaming-themed events, it's a lifestyle, not just a game. Popular streamers create reaction content, challenge series, and even lifestyle vlogs — all rooted in PUBG. Community events like “Meet Your Favorite PUBG Streamer” are common. CODM’s cultural footprint is smaller but more hardcore. Its players tend to focus on grinding ranks and climbing esports ladders. Streamers in this space are more focused on educational content, loadout builds, and tactics, appealing to competitive minds.
When it comes to mobile esports in Pakistan, there’s no denying PUBG Mobile’s lead. It boasts more players, more tournaments, and more cultural presence. It’s the current king of mobile esports in the country. But COD Mobile isn’t out of the race — far from it. Its skill-based gameplay, tight-knit community, and growing support from global publishers give it a strong foundation. While it hasn't caught up yet, the potential is there.
So, who dominates esports in Pakistan today? The crown still belongs to PUBG Mobile. But in the next few years, CODM could rise from the underdog to the unexpected champion.
Mushraf Baig is a content writer and digital publishing specialist focused on data-driven topics, monetization strategies, and emerging technology trends. With experience creating in-depth, research-backed articles, He helps readers understand complex subjects such as analytics, advertising platforms, and digital growth strategies in clear, practical terms.
When not writing, He explores content optimization techniques, publishing workflows, and ways to improve reader experience through structured, high-quality content.
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