June 27 – Konami Digital Entertainment has kicked off celebrations for the 30th anniversary of its football gaming franchise, launching a global in-game ‘Nostalgia’ campaign in eFootball.
The campaign commemorates the launch of the original Winning Eleven – better known internationally as Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) – on July 21, 1995. Available now across all platforms, the ‘Nostalgia’ campaign runs until July 10, offering long-time fans and new players a packed line-up of themed content that honours the series’ roots.
Among the standout features is a Time Attack event that challenges users to score goals using polygonal player models reminiscent of the original 90s releases. It’s a nod to the early console era, reimagined through the lens of eFootball’s modern mechanics.
Also returning to the virtual pitch are a trio of footballing legends – Adriano, Roberto Baggio, and Gerard Piqué – featured as exclusive ‘Epic’ cards available for a limited time. Alongside them, special ‘Big Time’ Chance Deals will grant users access to ultra-rare player cards celebrating the series’ milestone anniversary.
Log-in bonuses round out the in-game offerings, rewarding players with coins, EXP, training programmes, and a 30th Anniversary commemorative badge, serving as a token of Konami’s appreciation to its fanbase.
But the celebrations won’t be confined to the digital world. On July 21, Konami will host the first-ever eFootball World Festival at Belle Salle Shibuya Garden in Tokyo – a major live event capped by the eFootball Series 30th Anniversary Special Event and the eFootball Championship 2025 World Finals.
The World Finals will see 32 elite players – 16 from console and 16 from mobile – face off in front of a live audience to be crowned global champion. Qualification has come via open-entry tournaments and nominations from eFootball partner clubs.
The event will also feature other major announcements, including new licenses, celebrity guests such as Riku Hagiwara and Jon Kabira, and will be live-streamed in nine languages – a clear signal that Konami aims to reaffirm its global reach in the digital football space.
As EA Sports continue dictate the football gaming market, Konami is using its three-decade legacy to carve out renewed relevance in a rapidly evolving football gaming ecosystem.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1751170201labto1751170201ofdlr1751170201owedi1751170201sni@g1751170201niwe.1751170201yrrah1751170201