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Category: Gaming

  • TEGC 2023: A decade of esports excellence returns, unveils new website and trophy

    TEGC 2023: A decade of esports excellence returns, unveils new website and trophy

    Mumbai: The fun, cool, and futuristic Taiwan Excellence Gaming Cup (TEGC) 2023 is back in India in all its splendour to hunt for new esports champions.

    TEGC – the longest-running esports championships in India – will complete 10 years in 2023, and the celebrations surrounding the coveted championship promises to be bigger, better, and bolder.

    On 12 September, Taiwan Excellence (TE) unveiled details of the elimination rounds, the grand finale and other interesting aspects of the sought-after championship at a special press conference held at Four Seasons, Worli, Mumbai.

    This year the event will, for the first time, bring together all former TEGC champions from India on one stage. TEGC has also tied up with leading tech influencers to livestream the event, and the same will be available on the TE YouTube handle. A brand-new website was unveiled during the event, signalling the opening of the TEGC registration for gamers with many interesting prizes up for grabs in the finale.

    Recognising the immense contribution of women in esports, TEGC announced its plans to have an interesting contest between India’s top 10 female gamers. This battle will play out at the same time as the TEGC grand finale scheduled to be held in November.  

    TEGC 2023 will also be promoted at several college and gaming festivals where visitors will get a first-hand experience of Made in Taiwan products during the festival period and in another first, TEGC will join hands with an NGO working with underprivileged children as part of its sustainable development goals (SDGs). The tie-up will allow the kids to spend a fun-filled day interacting with influential gamers playing educational games and understanding the importance of sports for their holistic development.

    Over the years, TEGC has helped launch the gaming careers of many e-sports enthusiasts across India. Several TEGC champions and participants have represented India at international gaming events, winning laurels for the country.

    A report by Mordor Intelligence has estimated that India’s gaming market will grow from $3.02 billion in 2023 to $6.26 billion by 2028, a CAGR of 15.68 per cent during the period.

    Speaking at the launch of the tenth edition of TEGC, Taipei World Trade Centre Liaison Office in Mumbai (TAITRA – Mumbai) director Poyi Edison Hsu said, “Esports is not just about gaming, it is a passion, a career and a way of life for some of the brightest minds in this country,”.

    “From 500 participants at its debut, the TEGC has come a long way with the 10th edition expected to have over 25,000 young Indian gamers battling it out to be the champion,” said Edison.

    Terming TEGC’s tenth edition as ‘extra special’, he added, “To celebrate 10 years of TEGC, the grand finale will see all former TEGC champions on one platform. For the first time, the TEGC finale will also have a special event to acknowledge women power in esports with India’s top 10 women gamers showcasing their gaming prowess.”

    Commenting on the future of esports in the country, Edison said, “India’s demographic advantage, growing IT infrastructure and resultant internet and smartphone penetration augurs well for the future of the gaming industry.”

    The event also gives gamers and visitors a chance to delve deep into Taiwan’s formidable gaming technology and gadgets. During the event, leading brands displayed the best of products such as AORUS, AROMASE, CyberPower, D-Link, MSI, Predator, Republic of Gamers, Thermaltake, VICTOR, and Zyxel among others.

    Should you require any further details, please visit the official website: https://tegamingcup.in/

  • How to Discover and Connect with People on Online Dating App

    How to Discover and Connect with People on Online Dating App

    When you’re in search of potential matches in the bustling Windy City, Doublelist Chicago proves to be a valuable resource. There are several methods to explore and establish connections with individuals using this platform. You may either use a username or an email address to search for user profiles, depending on the amount of anonymity you like. Users may be filtered by traits like gender identification, race, age, and location Doublelist app  if you desire secure interactions. An advanced search option is also accessible. This feature gives you more control over your relationships and makes it possible for you to interact with others who share your interests.

    When it comes to communication, Doublelist Chicago has you covered. You can exchange messages on the platform via email or direct messages, both of which offer encryption to ensure a secure online connection. Furthermore, the platform provides video chat and voice call services, facilitating deeper connections between users before deciding whether to take their interactions offline.

    It’s crucial to remember that while the Doublelist App offers the potential for meaningful connections, users must prioritize their safety when using the platform. It is highly recommended to exercise discretion when sharing personal information online and to engage with individuals who have been adequately identified. Awareness of potential scams is essential, as they can occur both on and off the platform if necessary precautions are not taken. 
    Now that you have a better understanding of how to discover and connect with individuals on Doublelist Chicago, let’s delve into its advantages and disadvantages in the following section.

    Pros Of Doublelist App:

    ●  No Profile Creation: Unlike typical casual dating websites, Doublelist doesn’t require you to create a dating profile. Instead, you can start posting ads and responding to existing ones after getting verified. 
    ●  Direct Contact: When someone responds to your ad, you receive their email address, enabling you to initiate contact and explore potential connections. 
    ●  User-Friendly Interface: Doublelist stands out for its user-friendliness. The interface design is straightforward and intuitive, making navigation a breeze. 
    ●  Diverse Interests: You can easily find people who share your interests, including your sexual preferences. Simply select your attraction, and Doublelist’s search algorithm will connect you with like-minded individuals. 
    ●  Free Services: Doublelist offers a range of services, all of which are completely free to use, making it an accessible platform for users. 
    ●  Secure Environment: The platform has well-defined Terms of Service and actively enforces them to maintain a secure and relaxed environment for casual encounters. 

    Cons of Doublelist App:

    ●  Outdated Interface: The website’s interface appears dated, reminiscent of designs from the 1990s. It lacks visual elements like pictures, consisting mostly of links and messages, resembling Craigslist but not surpassing it in design. 
    ●  Risk of Scams: Despite some anti-spam measures, Doublelist is not entirely free from phishing and scams, posing potential risks to users. 
    ●  Limited User Base: As a relatively new website with only a little over two years in operation, Doublelist’s user base may not be as large or diverse as other similar platforms. 
    ●  Limited City Support: Doublelist does not support all cities, especially smaller ones. Users may need to select a nearby larger city, which could be the case for many visitors. 
    ●  Age Verification: To register on Doublelist, users must be either 18 or 21 years old, depending on their country’s legal requirements. However, the platform lacks a robust age verification system. 
    ●  Unknown Active Members: Due to the prevalence of older posts, it’s challenging to determine the current number of active members on Doublelist. 
    ●  Lack of Photos: Many posts lack photos, making it difficult to visualize what the individuals look like. Users over the age of 30 are more likely to include photos in their posts.

    Conclusion

    Doublelist Chicago offers a convenient platform for connecting with potential matches in the city. Its user-friendly interface, direct contact features, and diverse interests make it an accessible option. However, it does come with some drawbacks, including an outdated interface, potential risks of scams, and limitations in terms of user base and city support. Users should exercise caution, prioritize safety, and be mindful of the platform’s limitations while exploring connections on Doublelist Chicago.

  • Skyesports and MOGO partner for Rs ten lakh collegiate Esports championship

    Skyesports and MOGO partner for Rs ten lakh collegiate Esports championship

    Mumbai: Skyesports, India’s leading Esports tournament organizer, has partnered with collegiate Esports platform, Mobile Global Esports Inc. MOGO to host the country’s biggest collegiate Esports tournaments. The ‘MOGO National Championship’ with a prize pool of more than Rs ten lakhs is set to culminate with its LAN Finals, hosted by Skyesports, from 18 to 22 September at the Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, India.

    The MOGO National Championship is an initiative to bridge the gap between traditional sports and Esports while making competitive gaming a major part of collegiate events. Following exhilarating qualifiers that took place across all major national colleges, 16 teams will be competing in the Valorant title at the grand LAN Finals inside the state-of-the-art 2,000-seat arena in the LPU.

    Commenting on the partnership with the MOGO National Championship, Skyesports’ founder and CEO, Shiva Nandy, said, “Having a well-developed ecosystem for collegiate Esports is important to nurture talent and grow Esports from the grassroots level. The MOGO National Championship is doing just that with its pan-India format targeting all major colleges and the LAN Finale at the LPU. All the best to the 16 college teams competing in the inaugural Finale and I look forward to working together with MOGO to bring more events at the collegiate level.”

    The MOGO National Championship featured a rigorous qualifiers stage, with over 100 teams registering to compete in the event. The qualifiers were split into four divisions: West, South, North, and Central to ensure regional penetration across Indian colleges. The 16 qualified colleges will be competing across a single-elimination bracket to determine the champions with the winners of the LAN finals being rewarded with Rs four lakhs in prize money.

    “MOGO is thrilled to be part of this exciting collaboration with Skyesports for the MOGO National Championship,” said Mobile Global Esports Inc. CEO Dave Pross “Our mission has always been to foster the growth of Esports at the collegiate level, and this partnership exemplifies our commitment to making competitive gaming a major part of collegiate events. We’re excited to witness the talents of these 16 college teams on display and look forward to many more such collaborations that will continue to elevate Esports in India.”

    According to the “Windows of Opportunity” report on India’s Media and Entertainment industry by FICCI-EY, Esports teams in India grew by ten per cent, from 100,000 in 2021 to 110,000 in 2022, and they are estimated to reach 125,000 in 2023. This partnership between Skyesports and MOGO to host one of India’s biggest Esports tournaments at the collegiate level will provide aspiring teams the perfect platform to make a name for themselves in the Indian Esports community.

    The list of esteemed colleges competing in the finale are MIT WPU, Mumbai University, Pune University, SIES, JECRC University, DIT University, Poornima University, VIT Bhopal, Francis Xavier, SRM KTR, Manipal University, IIT Madras, Chandigarh University, IGNOU, Chitkara University, and Lovely Professional University.

    Fans from across the nation can tune into the electrifying Esports action live on the Skyesports and MOGO Loco, Rooter, and YouTube channels.

  • Creative Monkey Games wins Best Gaming Startup of the Year Award by FICCI

    Creative Monkey Games wins Best Gaming Startup of the Year Award by FICCI

    Mumbai: Creative Monkey Games, a leading mobile gaming platform, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Best Gaming Startup of the Year’ Award at the FICCI-Bionic enabled – Future Innovation Reskilling Start-up Transformation (FIRST) 2023 Summit and Awards. This recognition underscores Creative Monkey Games’ exceptional contributions to the gaming industry and its commitment to providing immersive and innovative gaming experiences.

    The FICCI-FIRST Summit and Awards, held in Chennai, celebrated Creative Monkey Games for its remarkable journey in the world of mobile gaming. The Company has gained worldwide acclaim, boasting over 40 million downloads globally and a diverse collection of more than 50 games.

    Creative Monkey Games CEO, co-founder & technology entrepreneur Deepak Aravind, expressed his excitement about receiving the award, stating, “This recognition by FICCI is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Creative Monkey Games. Kavitha and Me founded this Company with a vision to offer the best mobile gaming experiences globally, and I am thrilled to see that vision come to life. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming with innovative ideas and captivating content.”

    Creative Monkey Games has emerged as a frontrunner in the cricket gaming category, with titles such as World Cricket Battle 2 and Cricket Gangsta™ gaining immense popularity among players worldwide. These games offer fun-filled gameplay, cutting-edge graphics, intuitive controls, and dynamic features that redefine the mobile gaming experience. Furthermore, Creative Monkey Games is set to revolutionise the e-Sports industry by introducing Gully Cricket, a move that is expected to elevate the gaming industry to new heights.

    Creative Monkey Games operates on a Freemium model, allowing users to download games for free from both the App Store and Google Play Store. The company generates revenue through in-app purchases, subscriptions and advertisements, making it accessible to a wide range of gamers.

  • Team Top-G wins DOTA 2 NESC 2023

    Team Top-G wins DOTA 2 NESC 2023

    Mumbai: Displaying exceptional teamwork and stellar gameplay, Team Top-G prevailed in the National Esports Championships (NESC) 2023, organized by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI), and qualified for the regional qualifiers of the Global Esports Games (GEG) 2023. The team will now battle it out against Malaysia and Mongolia in the regionals to secure their berth in the global finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Under the leadership of Manav Kunte (mnz), the squad comprising Krish Gupta (Krish-), Khaja Hussain (Pinkman), Ketan Goyal (Evil-ash), Vishal Vernekar (Hbk) and substitute Darshan Bata (A35) toppled The Mob by 2-0 in the best-of-three finals. Team Top-G had also represented India in the Asian qualifiers of DOTA 2 for the 15th World Esports Championships earlier this year.

    Expressing his enthusiasm for the victory, Top-G team captain Manav Kunte said, “Winning the NESC 2023 for the second time this year is a surreal feeling. Securing our spot in the regional qualifiers for GEG23 is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill set of every team member. We want to express our gratitude to ESFI for providing the platform for us to represent India on the global stage and we are determined to make our nation proud.”

    The first game of the finals witnessed both teams going neck-to-neck with Top-G edging out their opponents by 51-32 to take the lead. The second game however was thoroughly lopsided and Top-G comfortably overpowered The Mob by 24-6 to be crowned champions. The squad’s prominent players Vishal and Ketan were also part of the historic DOTA 2 team that clinched the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Esports Championships in 2022.

    “We congratulate Team Top-G on their brilliant performance in the NESC 2023. By successfully qualifying for the regional qualifiers of two of the biggest Esports tournaments in the world, they have established themselves as the best DOTA 2 team in the country. We are confident that their remarkable talent will help the country ace the regional qualifiers and make their mark in Riyadh,” commented Esports Federation of India director & Asian Esports Federation (AESF) VP  Lokesh Suji.

    The Global Esports Games 2023 (GEG23) is scheduled to take place from  11 to 16 December and will feature a total of four major titles: DOTA 2, Street Fighter, eFootball 2023, and PUBG Mobile with all participants being above the minimum age of 18, to ensure a fair and competitive environment. India will be participating in three of the four titles in the Open category – DOTA 2, eFootball 2023, and Street Fighter 6.

    One of the country’s top sports and esports communication agencies, Artsmith-Concepts & Visions, will continue its support to the Esports Federation of India as their official communication partner.

    Following the conclusion of the national qualifiers for DOTA 2, the qualifiers for eFootball 2023 and Street Fighter 6 will kick off on 9 September.

    The NESC’23 will be played in a double-elimination format. The exciting action from the Championships will be streamed live on ESFI’s official YouTube and Facebook pages.

  • Unlocking the impact of the 28-cent GST levy on online gaming, horse racing, and casino activities

    Unlocking the impact of the 28-cent GST levy on online gaming, horse racing, and casino activities

    Mumbai: In recent developments, the GST Council, a body responsible for making crucial decisions regarding India’s Goods and Services Tax regime has made a significant announcement, reshaping the landscape of taxation in India. The council’s decision to impose a 28 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) levy on the entire value of online gaming, horse racing, and casino activities has sent ripples through various industries. This move has far-reaching implications, not only for businesses involved in these activities but also for the broader economy. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of this tax revision, exploring its implications and potential consequences for the gaming and entertainment sectors.

    Before the implementation of GST, the taxation and regulatory landscape for online gaming, horse racing, and casino activities in India was marked by a lack of uniformity and consistency. Different states had different rules and tax rates, creating challenges for businesses operating in these sectors. The introduction of GST aimed to bring about a more standardized and streamlined taxation system for these industries across the country.

    Potential Implications for Consumers

    As these industries adjust to the new GST levy, consumers may also feel the impact. The 28 per cent tax rate could lead to higher costs for online gaming, horse racing bets, and casino visits. This may prompt some consumers to reconsider their entertainment choices or allocate their budgets differently. While it may pose challenges for businesses and consumers, it’s essential to adapt and navigate these changes effectively.

    Here are some views on the topic by industry experts…

    Edited excerpts

    Skyesports founder and CEOShiva Nandy:

    “The 28 per cent GST on online gaming only applies to real-money gaming in which players pay money to participate. As India’s leading esports tournament organizer with a goal of elevating esports from the grassroots, all our competitions are open with no entry fee. Thus, the new GST laws don’t apply to us and make no difference in our operations.”

    Revenant Esports founder and CEO Rohit Jagasia:

    “Only a year ago with the bans on Free Fire and BGMI, the Indian esports scenario was struggling with a dearth of options for mobile gamers. I applaud Garena in their efforts to bring Free Fire India and already make a commitment towards esports which will be a big boost to welcoming old and new players alike. While we don’t currently have an esports roster in the game, we are always on the lookout for potential titles to enter and Free Fire is certainly one on our radar.”

    Esports Federation of India (ESFI) president & acting director general of the Olympic Council of Asia Vinod Tiwari

    “It is imperative first to understand that the 28 per cent GST is going to be applicable to the iGaming sector, including Real Money Gaming (RMG), fantasy sports, teen patti, rummy, and poker which are categorised under gambling or betting in the rest of the world. Contrary to some media reports, this GST is neither applicable nor will it have any impact on the ‘Video Games’ or the Esports industry.”

    “Esports has been officially recognised as a sport by the government which finally and thankfully distinguishes it from any and all activities like iGaming such as fantasy, teen patti, rummy, poker, betting, and gambling, among others. It will carry on to be taxed the way it always has been. Theories of ‘game of skill’ and ‘game of chance’ which only exist in our country neither apply nor are relevant in the Esports ecosystem,” said Tiwari.

    E-Gaming Federation secretary Malay Kumar Shukla:

    “This is an extremely unfortunate decision as charging a 28 per cent tax on full face value will lead to a nearly 1000 per cent increase in taxation and prove catastrophic for the industry. A tax burden where taxes exceed revenues will not only make the online gaming industry unviable but also boost black-market operators at the expense of legitimate tax-paying players, further undermining the industry’s image and capacity to survive. It is in addition to the loss of employment opportunities and the huge impact on marquee investors who are heavily invested in this sunrise sector. Furthermore, online gaming is different from gambling, and the Supreme Court and various High Court decisions have reaffirmed the status of online skill-based games as legitimate business activity protected as a fundamental right under the Indian constitution. While the industry was quite optimistic with the new developments including amendments to the IT rules and implementation of TDS on net winnings, all this will be moot if the industry is not supported by a progressive GST regime. We will wait for further details to assess the situation and evaluate our approach.”

    PlayerzPot co-founder & director Mitesh Gangar:

    “The GST council’s decision to levy 28 per cent GST on total face value on online gaming will corner the gaming industry in a big way. The overall operations will not be feasible. The high tax burden will completely restrict the cash flow, limiting a company’s ability to invest in research, innovation, expansion or survival. The higher burden will also put a blocker on India’s massive gaming industry and deter new players from entering the industry. The rising gaming economy will take a big hit and trigger economic stress, restrict job creation and curtail economic growth within the sector.”

    Qlan co-founder and CEO Sagar Nair:

    “The decision of the GST council to impose a 28 per cent tax will have a significant impact on the online gaming industry, which unfortunately includes the Esports community. While we understand that the government needs to impose such measures on casinos, horse racing, and gambling, the higher tax rate is not justified for the competitive gaming community. It can discourage new players from entering the market as their hard-earned earnings generated through their efforts just like mainstream athletes will be taxed on the same level as those involved in gambling and other such practices. For the Esports industry to continue its unprecedented growth and recognition on the international stage, it is vital for the government to treat Esports as a separate category with reasonable tax rates that would support the development of the sector.”

    Alpha Zegus founder & director Rohit Agarwal:

    “Yet again, esports being included in the same domain as online gaming, horse racing, and casino, has put our industry at a major disadvantage. While the government might have fair reasons to impose higher GST on horse racing and casino winnings, imposing the same rules on an industry like esports doesn’t seem fair. Esports does not only have a ‘win or lose’ situation based on luck but also has a very big element of skill that determines the outcome of the game. This is not what I expected, and our fight to separate esports from other labels still continues.”

    IndiaPlays COO Aaditya Shah:

    “The GST council’s recent stance is both surprising and disappointing. Despite the government’s previous positive steps and clarifications regarding the skill-based gaming industry, such as clarification about TDS on winnings and establishing self-regulatory bodies, this new decision contradicts and undermines those efforts. As of 2022, the revenue generated by the Indian online gaming industry has already surpassed $2.8 billion, and it is projected to reach $5 billion by 2025, indicating an annual growth rate of 28-30 per cent. The number of gamers in India currently stands at 420 million, and this figure is expected to experience exponential growth by 2025. Additionally, there are approximately over 1,300 gaming startups in India, highlighting the industry’s potential for unlocking further growth. However, imposing a 28 per cent GST on anything other than our gross revenue will have adverse consequences. It would be highly unjust to burden the industry with such a significant tax. Not only would this decision impede the industry’s progress, but it would also put millions of jobs at risk.”

    AIGF Spokesperson said,

    “A vast majority of online gaming companies fall within the MSME sector. With over 400 per cent increase in GST liability under the new tax regime, many entrepreneurs who had innovated in the sector would be disproportionately impacted with companies paying more in taxes than they would be generating in revenue. Since the decision, some companies have announced their closure or wide spread layoffs and we believe this trend will only increase in the coming months. While the decision might have been undertaken with a view to increase revenues to the exchequer, its impact might in fact see a fall in revenues as well as company valuations.”

     

  • Esports athlete Scout invites students to join College Rivals competition in Delhi

    Esports athlete Scout invites students to join College Rivals competition in Delhi

    Mumbai: Gaming truck ‘College Rivals’ was united with India’s vibrant esports community for an electrifying start as it embarked on its impressive journey from Delhi. Amidst the esports action more than 1000 gaming fans cheered and were thrilled to engage with iconic esports athlete and streamer, Scout who visited the city inviting college students to join the rivalry at Delhi Technological University.

    Kickstarting its journey from IIIT-Delhi, the gaming truck will also visit other prestigious colleges in the city, such as Delhi Technological University, Galgotias University, Shiv Nadar University, and Amity University. It aims to cover 5,000 kilometers to reach gaming enthusiasts across the length and breadth of the country. The college rivals gaming truck is set to revolutionise the Indian esports ecosystem by engaging with students,  facilitating player selections, and providing a wide range of immersive experiences, including intense esports, vibrant tournaments, influencer interactions, and live DJ music. ‘College Rivals’ is a groundbreaking new esports competition, that promises to be a festival of non-stop fun, and unlimited entertainment launched by Ampverse, Asia’s largest ecosystem of gaming communities and IPs, in a joint venture with DMI Finance.

    Expressing his excitement, Tanmay Singh Athlete aka Scout, said “I feel honored and thrilled to invite students to be a part of College Rivals and take the gaming world by storm with this competitive esports tournament. College Rivals sets itself apart from the rest of the gaming ecosystem by providing thrilling career opportunities to esports enthusiasts across the country. College Rivals has truly set a new benchmark and is a testament to the rapid growth of the esports ecosystem in India. The tournaments are one of a kind and are sure to play a pivotal role in boosting a promising future for aspiring gamers and players.”

    Colleg Rivals grand finale is scheduled for mid-September and will mark the conclusion of the Delhi leg following its journey to other cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai. The unique collegiate festival invites students and gamers from all across the country to join the competition and be prepared for an event that will truly unleash India’s gaming potential!

  • AMD and Windows 11’s sponsored AKEF Gaming Utsav 2023 seamlessly fuse tech, gaming, and festivities

    AMD and Windows 11’s sponsored AKEF Gaming Utsav 2023 seamlessly fuse tech, gaming, and festivities

    Mumbai: Hundreds of gaming enthusiasts converged at Gaming Utsav 2023, a one-of-a-kind event organised by AKEF Esports, one of the leading Esports organisations in the country that created a unique fusion of gaming, technology, and a traditional festival for the first time in India. With an Onam-themed ambience, around 400 attendees had the opportunity to revel in the spirit of the grand festival at the Marriott Hotel in Kochi, marking a blend of the spirits of culture and gaming.

    One of the highlights of this year’s Gaming Utsav, which was proudly sponsored by AMD and Windows 11 was the presence of rap sensation Febin Joseph a.k.a. Fejo, and actress Cerena Ann. Fejo has appeared on MTV Hustle, and Mirchi Music Awards 2020 and is known for his hits such as “Thalayude Vilayattu” from Aaraattu, and “Aparaada Panka” from Maradona. He alongside Cerena Ann, a well-renowned figure from Malayalam Bigg Boss, engaged with fans to elevate the event’s excitement to greater heights.

    The event also witnessed the attendance of over 50 regional gaming influencers and popular streamers. Big names such as Blind Psycho, Eagle Gaming, Brightfox, and Game Therapist, graced the event to engage with their fans and provide an unforgettable experience for them.

    Expressing his thoughts on the success of Gaming Utsav 2023, AKEF Play Pvt. Ltd, managing director Amal Arjun JP stated, “This year’s event marked a pivotal step in redefining the landscape of gaming events in India. By ingeniously blending the thrill of gaming with the cultural richness of the Onam festival, we were able to attract people from far and wide to come and rejoice with their favourite creators and celebrities. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our sponsors, AMD and Windows 11, whose support was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.”

    The event offered a diverse range of attractions, from the immersive Gaming Expo showcasing to interactive stalls and creator meet-and-greet sessions. Attendees also had the chance to indulge in gaming experiences at various booths, VR stations, and simulators.

    However, what truly set Gaming Utsav 2023 apart was its Onam-themed celebration, which paid homage to the grandest festival in Kerala. Conventional Onam games such as Vadam Vali and Kasera Kali were contested at the event, echoing the spirit of the festival. Additionally, every attendee was treated with a complimentary Onam Sadya in a classic manner on banana leaves.

    “With an exclusive focus on quality and engagement, we were able to provide each participant with the opportunity to indulge in various gaming activities as well as the celebration of Kerala’s culture. Looking ahead, we are excited to build upon this success, and set new benchmarks for immersive and revolutionary gaming events,” he added.

    The resounding success of Gaming Utsav 2023 has not only established AKEF Esports as a pioneer in India’s gaming industry but also set a benchmark for innovative gaming events in the years to come.

  • Skyesports and Loco join forces

    Skyesports and Loco join forces

    Mumbai: The Skyesports Masters is thrilled to announce that Loco, the world’s leading independent esports and live streaming platform, is the broadcasting partner for India’s first-ever franchised esports tournament. In an exciting development, Loco has also stepped up as the official sponsor for all eight franchised esports teams participating in the Rs. 2 Crore tournament.

    Fans of competitive gaming can immerse themselves in the heart-pounding CS:GO action of the Skyesports Masters by tuning into the matches streaming live on the Loco website and mobile application. Loco is also set to bring unique experiences for fans leading up to the LAN Playoffs at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bangalore on 26 and 27 Aug. The Playoffs will be open to all for free and feature intense esports action, show-matches, meet-and-greets, brand booths, and a grand music show – becoming a one-stop entertainment extravaganza and setting a benchmark for Indian esports events. Tickets are currently available on Paytm Insider.

    Commenting on Loco’s partnership with the Skyesports Masters, Loco co-founder & vice president- business operations Firasat Durrani said, “Having the prestigious Skyesports Masters CS:GO, a significant gaming event in India, on Loco is a testament of our consistent efforts to bring diverse content to our viewers for legacy esports like Counter Strike. Our enduring partnership with Skyesports, and the exciting support for the 8 teams in this tournament, showcases our commitment to not only support and uplift the tournament but also the individual stories and aspirations that breathe life into Indian esports, particularly within the PC gaming community in India.”

    Additionally, Loco is partnering with the eight franshied esports teams in the Skyesports Masters representing the top esports organizations of the country. Velocity Gaming, Enigma Gaming, Revenant Esports, Reckoning Esports, Medal Esports, Gods Reign, Marcos Gaming, and 7Sea Esports are fighting for the throne in India’s first-ever franchised esports tournament.

    Commenting on the partnership, Skyesports CEO & founder Shiva Nandy said, “The Skyesports Masters is a benchmark-setting event for Indian esports as it prioritizes sustainability for all the eight partnered teams. We are thrilled to have onboarded Loco, the world’s leading independent esports and live game streaming platform, not only as the broadcasting partner but also as a sponsor for the teams competing in the event. As we approach a thrilling end to the League Stage of the Skyesports Masters, fans can catch all the action live on Loco as well.”

  • Skyesports Masters: Karma and Mortal set for electrifying live music and gaming fusion

    Skyesports Masters: Karma and Mortal set for electrifying live music and gaming fusion

    Mumbai: Rap sensation Karma, known for songs like Young Galeech and How To Tame Your Beast, has teamed up with popular content creator Naman “Mortal” Mathur to bring an electrifying live music performance at the Skyesports Masters in the Koramangala Indoor Stadium, Bangalore. Taking place on 26 and 27 Aug., the Skyesports Masters is India’s first franchised esports league with an Rs two crore prize pool.

    Karma is set to captivate the crowd at India’s biggest gaming tournament with a performance consisting of some of his most popular hits.

    Speaking about the live performance, Karma (real name Vivek Arora), said, “I couldn’t be more excited to perform at India’s biggest gaming tournament, the Skyesports Masters. The gaming

    community of the country is one I have been deeply connected with and I am looking forward to doing that again at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bangalore along with Mortal.”

    Mortal and Karma will also be teaming up at the event to bring a live performance of the duo’s hit single, ‘The Game is On.’ This will be Mortal’s first live music performance as the legendary gamer hones a new persona for an enthralling live show in Bangalore. “Come watch me perform The Game Is On alongside Karma at the Skyesports Masters! I am looking forward to my first live performance and I am thrilled to see it happening at the historical finale of India’s first-ever franchised esports league,” the popular creator, who boasts more than seven million YouTube subscribers, said.

    Fans can attend the event for some nail-biting esports action and an unforgettable music performance for free by signing up through PayTM Insider.

    The Skyesports Masters Finale at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bangalore will feature the top four teams of the League Stage competing for the title of inaugural champions. Marcos Gaming, Gods Reign, Revenant Esports, and 7Sea Esports will not only be competing for CS:GO glory but also for the lion’s share of the Rs two crore prize pool. For the fans who are unable to attend the event in Bangalore, they can catch all the exhilarating action live on Loco.

    Besides the esports action and musical performance, the Skyesports Masters is set to feature a cosplay competition, creator showdowns, and meet-and-greets. Some of the country’s biggest gamers will be attending the event including Scout, Xyaa, Rakazone, Tonde, and more.