Why Rematch is the surprise hit of 2025 for esports

Rematch, developed by Slocap, known for Sifu and Absolver, has become a surprise breakout hit in record time since its release on June 19. Set on a virtual football pitch, players take control of one footballer, working in a team of three, four, or five in online matches. Due to its simple controls and no fouls, Rematch drew in 100,000 players on its first day.

Rematch seems to have broken through to fans who have been playing well-established football games like FIFA, eFootball, and even Pro Evolution Soccer for years. As Rematch continues to amass even more players while Slocap works on patches and new content, we argue why it could soon make a big impact on esports.

You can think of Rematch as a cross between Epic Games’ Rocket League and Slocap’s own Sifu. For six minutes, you control one player in an online football match that lets you dribble, pass, and shoot, with no fear of being booked for fouls by a referee. Players can take part in matches consisting of 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, and a ranked 5v5 mode, with an offline mode that lets you compete against computer-controlled players coming in 2026.

Having launched on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on June 19, Rematch has already amassed over three million players, with the game going viral on YouTube, TikTok, and more.

Rematch’s success is down to several factors. The first is how unique the game is in the football genre; instead of controlling a team or managing one, you’re controlling just one player, so a match’s success could depend on one person scoring a goal. It may also be reminiscent of some who used to play football when they were younger, and perhaps Rematch’s gameplay awoke a nostalgic memory, where they’re playing a specific position like centre midfield, like they used to.

There’s also the design of Rematch, which is arguably reminiscent of Psyonix’s Rocket League. Both games have straightforward controls that require a ball to go into a goal, and the landscapes that cover the pitches give a lot of variety to each match. It’s attractive and sets itself apart from eFootball and others in the genre. There’s also the ability to customise your footballer with different looks and apparel, with more that can be collected as more games are played, which only extends the longevity and fun for players. 

Since Rematch launched last month, its stats have only gone up. From Steam to its own social media profile on X, the fact that there were already almost 12 million matches played, 55.6 million goals scored, and more in its first five days of availability, Rematch has already become a big hit for Slocap.

Rematch offers a gameplay style that’s completely unique from others in esports, especially in its genre. Having different modes of 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5, and players controlling just one footballer could give viewers fresh ways to watch a game at an esports event by switching between each player in a team.

Already, players on Reddit are excited about how Rematch could work in esports. So much so, that some have created unofficial tournaments for it, with others also posting in several subreddits asking for recruits for Rematch teams. The game is definitely ramping up as a contender in the category, and Slocap is well aware. So much so that it’s already announced a partnership with Toornament to host several esports events, so we could be hearing the news on official events happening in the coming months.

When you consider what’s already happening with Rematch in esports, from unofficial tournaments to Slocap arranging an official one, the impact of Rematch in esports could be huge. There’s also the fact that a match lasting around six minutes is perfect for esports events, as organisers can space out each match without viewers getting bored. There’s a lot of potential there, and it only seems like Slocap is just scratching the surface of what Rematch can be as a primary esports game.

Rematch is a rare game that has taken hold of a passionate group of football fans worldwide. It’s done this by putting players in control of one footballer, rather than the whole team, allowing for teamwork and simple controls to shine.

This is likely what draws new players to Rematch, but it’s not a surprise when you consider the gameplay tropes that Slocap’s other title, Sifu, had when it was released in 2022. Simple button presses, with their combat and elegant graphic style, drew in positive reviews from players and the press alike. It looks like Slocap has simply learned from this game and put it into Rematch and is now reaping the rewards.

If the game gets consistent support through patches and new content, as well as appearing on other platforms like the Nintendo Switch 2, Rematch could be even more successful than it is now. But the real test is when the honeymoon period ends, and players start to look at its faults rather than its charm. If Slocap responds well to this, we wouldn’t be surprised if Rematch appears at several esports events in 2026 to massive acclaim.