Luka Perković (Photo credit: Riot Game)
Esports icon will play a key role in guiding Friendly Fire’s continued global growth and entry into the U.S. market.
ZAGREB, Croatia – Less than six months after announcing his retirement from professional play, Croatian esports icon Luka “Perkz” Perković has revealed his next move, joining the ownership group of Friendly Fire, a premier gaming café franchise and esports hub born and based in Zagreb.
Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and influential players ever to emerge from the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, Perković will serve as both brand ambassador and strategic advisor, working closely with the company’s executive team to shape Friendly Fire’s next phase of international growth and entry into key markets worldwide.
With 18 cafes currently open and operating throughout four European countries and Mexico, this announcement marks a defining moment for Friendly Fire and an acceleration of the brand’s global vision.
The company already has more than 200 additional locations in various stages of development across the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Poland, and Ukraine.
Another major part of Friendly Fire’s growth will be the launch of the company’s initial franchise expansion efforts in the United States.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Friendly Fire at such an exciting moment in the brand’s journey,” said Perković. “Friendly Fire has built something truly special, a mix of creativity, authenticity, and ambition that really resonates with people. I’m looking forward to helping shape what comes next and pushing the brand toward an even brighter, bolder future.”
Founded in 2017 in Zagreb, Croatia, Friendly Fire began as a visionary project by a group of Croatian gaming enthusiasts who wanted to create more than just a place to play, they aimed to build a space where gamers could gather, connect and compete in a modern, social environment.
Originally launched as Esport Arena, the café rebranded in 2018 and embraced franchising, sparking rapid national and regional growth.
Today, with cutting-edge gaming equipment, immersive social spaces, and a calendar packed with local tournaments and esports events, Friendly Fire has become a cornerstone of Croatia’s gaming scene and represents one of the country’s most successful global franchises.
“Friendly Fire has achieved remarkable success and growth in recent years, and we’re eager to continue this momentum,” said David Kosir, Founder and CEO of Friendly Fire.
“We’re especially pleased to welcome Luka, whose accomplishments and vision align seamlessly with our mission to create spaces where gamers can connect, compete, and grow. His leadership and standing within the global gaming community will be invaluable as we further expand and strengthen our international impact.”
Renowned for his time with G2 Esports (2015-2020), Perković is one of Europe’s most accomplished players in League of Legends esports. With G2, he captured multiple EU LCS and LEC titles, the 2019 Mid-Season Invitational, and a runner-up finish at Worlds 2019.
After securing further success with Cloud9 in North America by winning the 2021 LCS Spring, Perković returned to Europe for spells with Team Vitality, Team Heretics, and The Ruddy Shack.
He announced his retirement from professional play in June.
Croatian-American publicist Michael Misetic has also joined the Friendly Fire team, adding high-profile communications expertise as the brand looks to elevate and amplify its next phase of growth.