Category: Gaming

  • Glorious Gaming’s entry into India will significantly boost the country’s gaming community

    Glorious Gaming’s entry into India will significantly boost the country’s gaming community

    Mumbai: To elevate the gaming experience of players to unprecedented heights through their high-end, professional-grade gaming products, USA-based Glorious Gaming, a leading lifestyle gaming company has officially set foot in the Indian market. The company aims to revolutionize the gaming hardware sector by introducing Gaming keyboards, mice, mousepads, and other accessories to combine performance, quality, and design at affordable prices.

    Glorious Gaming’s entry into India will significantly boost the country’s thriving gaming community. As gaming continues to rapidly grow in terms of player base as well as revenue generation, the state-of-the-art products of Glorious Gaming will provide a seamless experience to gamers that will improve their performances and enable them to unleash their true gaming potential not just inside their house but also in tournaments.

    Think 24 India, a subsidiary of IT distributor WB Technologies based in Kuwait, will be the authorised distributor of Glorious Gaming hardware in India. Being a well-renowned name within the gaming distributors’ circuit, Think 24 India has a rich portfolio of distributing the best gaming accessories from top-notch brands that fulfil all gamers’ requirements.

    Sharing his thoughts on bringing the exemplary gaming products of Glorious Gaming to India, B N Subramani, business development manager at Think 24 Trading India Pvt. Ltd commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Glorious Gaming and bring their exceptional products to the passionate and ever-growing gaming community of India. Being the official distributors our mission is to empower gamers with the finest gaming peripherals that blend performance and design seamlessly. By offering such a diverse range of globally acclaimed gaming products, we want to tap into the huge gaming market of the nation and enhance its performance with cutting-edge technology, and immersive design”.

    Glorious Gaming will be launching an impressive lineup of high-performance gaming gear such as its award-winning Glorious Mechanical Keyboards. Equipped with customisable RGB lighting and advanced switches, the keyboards will be the pathway to a responsible and seamless typing experience for gamers.

    In addition to the keyboards, the company will also unveil its ultra-lightweight designed Glorious Gaming Mice along with its high-quality Glorious Mousepads. While the ergonomic design of the mice will ensure a comfortable grip, its impressive Dots Per Inch (DPI) range of between 100 to 19,000, and a 1000Hz polling rate will offer unrivalled precision and responsiveness to gamers. On the other hand, the numerous sizes of its mousepads will help optimise gaming performance, providing a smooth glide.

    “What sets Glorious Gaming apart is their best-in-class variety of products that offer gamers the freedom to design their ideal gaming experience. The keyboards, mice, and mousepads allow every user to enjoy gaming to the fullest. We are committed to providing the premium products of Glorious Gaming to cater to every gamer’s diverse needs,” added B N Subramani.

    To complete the high-profile lineup, Glorious Gaming provides a variety of gaming accessories for keyboards and mice, including wrist rests, keycaps, switches, coiled cables, mouse feet, bungees, and more, for gamers to create a full and immersive gaming setup.

    According to the ‘Gaming Accessories Market’ report by Allied Market Research, the global gaming accessories market was valued at $6.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $14.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.9 per cent from 2022 to 2030.

    By region, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to remain the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. One of the key factors driving market growth in the Asia-Pacific region is the growing number of professional gamers. Aside from that, advancements in wireless technologies, as well as an increase in demand for online games, are fuelling market growth.

    With Esports officially being recognised as a multi-sport event by the Indian government, the video-gaming industry is going to experience meteoric growth. Glorious Gaming’s entry into the country’s market will propel the performances of gamers on the national and international stage, thereby contributing to the development of the sector.

    Gamers and enthusiasts from all over India can purchase these products on Think 24 India’s Amazon store, Flipkart, and other selected gaming retail locations.

  • GST council sticks to its earlier decision: Imposes 28 per cent tax on online gaming

    GST council sticks to its earlier decision: Imposes 28 per cent tax on online gaming

    Mumbai: The GST council has stuck to its earlier decision to impose a 28 per cent levy on the full face value of bets placed on online gaming, casinos and horse racing, and planned to implement it from 1 October.

    Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who chaired the Council’s meeting, said the Centre would now strive to amend the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law in Parliament’s current session itself to enable the implementation of the levy, despite dissent from Sikkim and Goa over the modalities of the tax for casino users.

    Tamil Nadu finance minister Thangam Thennarasu raised concerns about the levy’s impact on the State-wide ban on online gaming, which Sitharaman said would be addressed in the language of the new norms to explicitly state the tax cannot be levied where a ban is in place.

    Delhi government’s representative sought a fresh review for the online gaming sector, but most other States leaned towards sticking to the council’s decision last month which had been taken after three years of deliberations, Sitharaman conveyed after the virtual meeting.

    The online gaming industry, which had termed the council’s decision a death knell endangering billions of dollars of investments and thousands of jobs in the sunrise sector, remained anxious but appreciated a critical clarification on the valuation rules for the 28 per cent levy, approved by the council on 2 August.

  • Loco partners with LiveLike to turbocharge fan experiences with a new loyalty rewards program for gamers

    Loco partners with LiveLike to turbocharge fan experiences with a new loyalty rewards program for gamers

    Mumbai: Loco, the world’s leading independent esports and live-streaming platform, has partnered with LiveLike, a leading audience engagement suite. Together, Loco and LiveLike aim to enhance the live-streaming experience for users and provide innovative, interactive features to the gaming community.

    Through this partnership, Loco is using the LiveLike platform, which was built to drive brand affinity, retention and loyalty, identify superfans and reward them by allowing them to complete quests, unlock status badges, and earn points that can be redeemed for prizes. Loco has begun to introduce users to the quest feature, available within every livestream, encouraging users to participate and take their viewing journey to new heights. In early testing, Loco has had an overwhelming response, with over 1 million users initiating a quest, and 70% successfully completing at least one.

    Loco has introduced four distinctive types of quests – Daily, Fan, Top Fan and Super Fan, carefully designed to engage and reward its users. Based on each quest, users can earn points by time spent watching live streams and unlock premium perks by sending stickers to streamers. LiveLike’s platform seamlessly facilitates all of these quests, efficiently converting points into currency and keeping track of completed quests to update user accounts accordingly. The fan rewards encompass a range of exciting benefits, such as customized and exclusive merchandise giveaways, opportunities to attend meet and greets with top streamers, discount codes for e-commerce and in-game items, and much more. Through these engaging quests and rewards, Loco aims to provide a captivating and fulfilling experience for its users within the gaming community.

    Additionally, Loco has also introduced polls, another interactive feature from the LiveLike suite. This integration not only encourages user registration but also enables participants to share their thoughts, promoting a vibrant community and fostering a sense of inclusivity.

    Commenting on the partnership, Loco co-founder Anirudh Pandita said, “At Loco, we are on a mission to turbocharge fan experiences, ensuring that each user feels like more than just another person in the crowd. Our partnership with LiveLike allows us to take interactivity to new heights, providing opportunities for fans to engage with streamers in ways they never could before. With Loco, you can truly be a super fan, and that’s the value we strive to deliver to our dedicated community. Exciting new features are already being introduced on our platform, and we are eager to showcase what’s next to our creators and users.”

    LiveLike CEO & co-founder Miheer Walavalkar said, “Gamers, game fans and live streamers have set nearly every key trend in our industry over the past few years, yet there is still so much more that can be done to harness their passion. I am incredibly impressed by what Loco has built in such a short amount of time, starting by identifying and successfully connecting with the gaming community in India, and proud that they have chosen LiveLike to raise the bar by providing an unparalleled experience.”

    Loco has captivated millions of users with dynamic content that showcases popular gameplay videos of beloved titles such as Battlegrounds Mobile India, Free Fire Max, Valorant, CS GO, Dota 2, Call of Duty, FIFA, and more. Since June 2020, Loco has grown to have 60M Registered Users (with 9x year-on-year daily active user growth); 600K+ streamers (with 4x year-on-year creator sign up growth); and 20M Monthly Watch Hours, which is nearly 4x of the nearest competitor. Today, highly active users spend 60+ minutes on Loco daily watching live content, making it the go-to choice for India’s gaming community.

  • S8UL Gaming Fest wows Bangalore with thrilling gamers and fans on day one

    S8UL Gaming Fest wows Bangalore with thrilling gamers and fans on day one

    Mumbai: India’s vibrant gaming community united for an electrifying start to the highly anticipated S8UL Gaming Fest at the Manpho Convention Centre in Bangalore. The two-day fest which is organised by S8UL, the nation’s foremost Esports organisation in partnership with the Esports Club, attracted an impressive number of fans who got the opportunity to not only meet their beloved gaming idols but also participate in exciting activities on Saturday.

    The gaming enthusiasts were treated to an unforgettable experience, giveaways, meet and greet opportunities with the country’s leading gamers, cosplay competitions with bumper prizes, and exclusive merchandise to lay their hands on. Featuring a plethora of activities, the S8UL Gaming Fest also headlined a highly competitive Valorant tournament.

    The tournament witnessed the prominent gamers of S8UL including SnaxGaming, PayalGaming, Regaltos, 8Bit Mamba, 8Bit Sid, and KrutikaPlays entertaining fans with a breath-taking display of gaming action. Following the Valorant matchups, the gamers witnessed a live faceoff between notable names Mortal and Scout who took the excitement to the next level, in an enthralling battle of FIFA amongst themselves.

    Notably, the gaming fest which had free entry for all, enabled fans to immerse in the world of premium gaming experiences with VR and racing simulators as well as chances to try their hands on the latest high-end gaming devices from Lenovo and Intel.

    The gaming extravaganza will continue on Sunday too, promising even more fascinating activities for the gaming enthusiasts along with an insightful panel discussion on Esports and Youtube to educate the fans regarding the gaming content creators’ ecosystem and provide them with valuable insights.

    In addition to the panel discussions, exclusive tournaments of FIFA, Mortal Kombat, and Valorant will also take place for the fans to relish throughout the day. While the FIFA and Mortal Kombat tournaments were also organised on the first day offering a prize pool of Rs 50,000, the Valorant tournament will boast a lucrative prize pool of Rs 2 lakhs.

     

     
     
     

     
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     
     

     
     

    A post shared by S8UL (@s8ul.esports)

     

     

  • Rajasthan’s Hanuman Patel bags a cash prize of Rs 78 Lakh in PokerBaazi’s EndBoss

    Rajasthan’s Hanuman Patel bags a cash prize of Rs 78 Lakh in PokerBaazi’s EndBoss

    Mumbai: In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Hanuman Patel, a humble electrician from Rajasthan living in Hospet, Karnataka, has emerged as a shining star of the highly anticipated EndBoss 2023 tournament. Patel won a prize pool of Rs 78 Lakh and emerged as a silver medallist in the tournament. 

    As an underdog from a small town, Hanuman’s victory in the EndBoss 2023 is a testament to the immense potential and talent that thrives beyond the metropolitan cities in India. His achievement not only brings glory to his family and town but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring poker players across the nation.

    Hailing from Luni, Rajasthan, Hanuman Patel runs a small electrical shop in Hospet, Karnataka, which further highlights his awe-inspiring journey from a local entrepreneur to a nationally acclaimed gaming maestro. His relentless spirit and determination demonstrate that with the right mix of passion and perseverance, anyone can achieve greatness, no matter their background. 

    Imbibing a famous Rajasthan saying in his Poker journey, “Life is not always a race, you need to walk through it at times to experience things,” Hanuman commenting on his feat shared that “Poker is a game of patience and constant learning. I started playing free tournaments and winning those gave me the confidence to participate in bigger tournaments. Winning such a significant amount has given a new meaning to my life. I am thankful to PokerBaazi for creating such a level-playing field for players like me to learn and achieve glory at the same time.” 

    Baazi Games CEO and co-founder Navkiran Singh shared, “Stories like Hanuman’s are the ones that move you. He proves that constant determination and perseverance are key to building a successful career in Poker. I am elated to see how online gaming in India is giving opportunities to people to change their lives while at the same time honing their skills that are also useful in the real world. I am certain that in the next few years, more players like Hanuman will have successful feats and careers in Poker.”  

    With the prize money of Rs 78 Lakh, Hanuman Patel is determined to provide a better life for his family. As a devoted family man, he envisions securing a brighter future for his loved ones and access to better education and opportunities for his children.

  • ESFI: 28 cent GST excludes Indian Esports targets iGaming

    ESFI: 28 cent GST excludes Indian Esports targets iGaming

    Mumbai: In the recently conducted 50 meet of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council in New Delhi, it was announced that 28 per cent GST will be levied on the full value of online gaming, horse racing, and casinos. Further, the GST Council further agreed that there should be no distinction between a ‘game of skill and a game of chance.’

    Clearing the confusion regarding whether the GST will have any sort of impact on the Esports or video gaming industry of the country, Esports Federation of India (ESFI) president & acting director general of Olympic Council of Asia Vinod Tiwari stated, “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.

    In April of this year, the government made amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 to lay out a comprehensive framework for the online gaming ecosystem. According to Tiwari instead of using the umbrella term of “online gaming”, the GST council should have ideally used the more specific term “iGaming’ which is known worldwide, or even “online real money game” which is defined in “The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules to avoid the confusion.

    “We must acknowledge the TRUTH that the primary objective of the 400 million Indian video gamers (and approximately three billion gamers worldwide) is ‘purely entertainment’, and not financial gains or making money. It is regrettable that in India, our video games or Esports Industry is often unjustifiably associated with ‘iGaming, betting, RMG, gambling, and many more, which creates unnecessary confusion and misperceptions,” he added.

    Additionally, it is crucial to highlight that video game publishers have strict policies against implementing entry fees for any Esports events organised using their video games, further separating it from iGaming.

    Having been included as a demonstration title in 2018, Esports is also going to make its full-fledged debut as an official medal sport at the 19th Asian Games where India will be participating in four titles – League of Legends, FIFA Online 4, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition, and DOTA 2. Moreover, Esports has recently been officially designated as one of the medal sports in the 20 Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

    The inclusion of Esports in major international multi-sport tournaments is a testament to the giant strides it has been making to cement its position as a mainstream sport within the country.

  • Revenant Esports sweeps India Circuit to qualify for the Brawl Stars Championship 2023 LCQ

    Revenant Esports sweeps India Circuit to qualify for the Brawl Stars Championship 2023 LCQ

    Mumbai: Revenant Esports, Asia’s fastest-growing esports organization, has scripted history by becoming the first Indian team to qualify for the Brawl Stars Championship (BSC) 2023 Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). The organization is set to represent the country at the LCQ, which will take place as a LAN event, against the top teams of the world for a slot at the Brawl Stars World Finals 2023. 

    Revenant Esports’ Brawl Stars roster features Hero-x, Ashmit “Sergeant Clash” Raj Singh, Prashant “Trashant” Malik, and Jerome “Response” Kuek Jiaen. The team has been absolutely dominant in the National Circuit, with back-to-back victories in the Brawl Stars Championship India Monthly Finals, cementing its name as the best roster in the country. 

    For the 2023 season, India was added as a new region to the Brawl Stars Championship. As a part of this, Supercell announced six monthly qualifiers for the country between February and August. These qualifiers featured an open-for-all format with the top teams receiving Qualification Points for the LCQ. After an immensely successful season, which saw Revenant win four of the five Monthly Qualifiers so far, the team has built an inaccessible lead in the qualification standings. 

    Thus, Revenant Esports has qualified for the Brawl Stars Championship 2023 LCQ, which will happen as a LAN event at an undisclosed venue later this year. The top four teams from the LCQ will move on to the Brawl Stars World Finals 2023, where they will face the best of the world for a share of the $750,000 prize pool and the title of world champions. 

    Commenting on the qualification to the international LCQ, Sergeant Clash said, “Making it to the Brawl Stars Championship 2023 LCQ is a big goal that we have managed to achieve – but our work only starts here. We have trained tirelessly to build our dominance in the Indian scene, but it’s now time for us to focus on defeating global teams. We are here to seize this opportunity and will be giving our best for a shot at the title and making all our Indian fans proud. 

    This won’t be the first international outing for Revenant Esports in Brawl Stars. Earlier this year, the team flew to Japan to compete in the Snapdragon Mobile Masters, finishing in seventh place. “We learned a lot from the Snapdragon Mobile Masters and have made some internal changes to ensure we are better prepared this time,” Clash added. 

  • Nodwin Gaming and Star Sports announce BGMI season 2 with Rooter as the digital streaming partner

    Nodwin Gaming and Star Sports announce BGMI season 2 with Rooter as the digital streaming partner

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming, one of the world’s leading emerging market gaming and esports media company, in association with Star Sports, India’s leading sports broadcaster, has announced the highly anticipated return of India’s biggest esports tournament, BGMI Masters Series.  Building upon its record-shattering success in season 1, the upcoming season 2 of the BGMI Masters Series which kicks off on August 4, will feature 24 teams, and offer one of the highest-ever prize pools of INR 2.1 crore (over USD 250K) for a non-publisher event. 

    Among the 24 teams, 14 esports outfits will be invited directly, while the remaining 10 spots are to be earned by the victors from the Open Qualifier where anyone in India can participate. The high-octane live broadcast of the BGMI Masters Series Season 2 will kick off at 9:30 pm on the Star Sports Network and Rooter. 

    The television broadcast of the inaugural season of the BGMI Masters Series (2022) was a tremendous success, garnering over 36 million viewers over the course of the tournament. In celebration of that success, BGMI Masters Series Season 2 will be broadcast on Star Sports in three different languages – Hindi, English, and Tamil. This initiative undertaken by NODWIN Gaming, and Star Sports aims to connect core esports with viewers from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds, making esports content more inclusive and appealing to a broader audience. Beyond the regular broadcast, Star Sports has also announced additional programming to provide viewers with a distinctive and enriching esports experience, setting the popular sports network as a key destination for BGMI enthusiasts. 

    Commenting on the new season of the BGMS Masters Series, NODWIN Gaming co-founder & managing editor, Akshat Rathee said, “Last year, we took a bold and historical leap of faith by airing the BGMI Masters Series on primetime television with our partners Star Sports. That leap turned out to be an incredible success, revolutionizing the esports ecosystem and transforming how esports is traditionally consumed in India. BGMS season 2 doubles down on our commitment to bringing the epitome of BGMI esports to the masses. We have a larger prize pool, larger participation base, and larger distribution with all our partners. We are sure that this year we will amaze you with the games, the production, and the passion only our community can bring. Remember to tune in with your family!”

    Speaking about the upcoming season, Disney Star head – sports, Sanjog Gupta said, “Esports is a rapidly emerging category, fueled by the growing gaming culture in India and the global acknowledgement of its status as a sport. The first season of the BGMI Masters’ series, in partnership with NODWIN Gaming, was positioned as the pinnacle tournament for the game in India and demonstrated the potential of a world-class esports competition staged at an elevated scale. Over 36 million viewers tuned in for the first season on TV with more than 40% below the age of 21. Encouraged by the results, we believe that this endeavor – BGMI Masters – will excite the gaming community, drive wider acceptance for esports among non-gamers, and overall, engage a younger demographic on our platforms.”

    The digital broadcast of the Masters Series 2022 followed suit with the television broadcasts’ record-breaking performance and surpassed the 100 million viewership milestone, setting a new record in the history of Indian esports. For the upcoming BGMI Masters Series Season 2, NODWIN Gaming has announced its partnership with India’s biggest gaming and esports content platform Rooter as the championship’s digital streaming partner. Rooter’s expertise in delivering sharply crafted streaming experiences and an extensive distribution ecosystem across Android, iOS, web, and connected TV, will contribute to NODWIN Gaming’s objective of setting the benchmark for esports audience experience within the ecosystem.

    Speaking about the association, Rooter co-founder & COO, Dipesh Agarwal said, “NODWIN Gaming’s BGMI Masters Series has become the biggest and most loved esports IP in the country, and we are excited to be their exclusive digital streaming partner. From multi-platform distribution strength to sharp, tech-led content creation solutions, we’ve been pushing the boundaries of how Indians consume and engage with esports. For the tournament, we are geared to deliver the rich and immersive viewing experience that fans expect from us, even as we create more interactive avenues for them to root for their favorite teams. The much-awaited Master Series is also a great opportunity for brands to connect with the gaming community in a highly engaging setting. We are now actively working with multiple brands to help them reach out to the community through our media solutions like sponsorships, advertising campaigns, creator marketing, and more.”

    NODWIN Gaming has also announced its partnership with Indian two-wheeler manufacturing giant TVS Motor Company as the mobility partner for the upcoming season of the BGMI Masters Series. Under the aegis of this collaboration, TVS Raider, the leading sporty commuter from TVS will exclusively be the mobility partner of the BGMI Masters Series Season 2. 

    The BGMI Masters Series Season 2 promises an even more intense showdown than its previous edition. Mass-favorite esports powerhouses from last year’s tournament have undergone significant roster changes, and with emerging underdog teams qualifying from the preceding qualifiers, an exciting David vs. Goliath narrative could be on the cards. Furthermore, the community might even witness an unexpected turn of events, heralding the arrival of a new BGMI powerhouse.  

    The newest season of the BGMI Masters Series is set up to be a magnificent celebration of gaming excellence, exhibiting exhilarating gameplay, and unforgettable esports moments delivered exclusively to the community by NODWIN Gaming, Star Sports, Rooter, and TVS.

    NODWIN Gaming invites all to embark on this thrilling journey as the Indian esports community witnesses the rise of the next generation of BGMI Masters. This remarkable journey marks a significant paradigm shift within the Indian esports industry, unveiling many untapped opportunities for esports organizations to expand their regional dominance and for brands seeking fresh advertising avenues.

  • Starlight Gaming eyes India market with $10 million investment

    Starlight Gaming eyes India market with $10 million investment

    Mumbai: As per media reports, Starlight Gaming, is planning to invest $10 million in its India unit.

    Softstar Entertainment, the parent company of Starlight Gaming, has said that the company was taking “calculated steps” in this regard.

    According to general manager Yautian Chen, the goal is to set up a “formidable business entity in India” and continue investing.

    Last week, Starlight Gaming launched its battle royale game “Raider SIX” at an event in Mumbai.

     

  • Indian League of Legends Stars Shine from Gaming Cafes to Asian Games 2022

    Indian League of Legends Stars Shine from Gaming Cafes to Asian Games 2022

    Mumbai: The Esports industry in India has witnessed exponential growth in the past decade, enabling it to emerge as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. The advent of high internet penetration, cheap smartphones, and emerging technologies have all resulted in a thriving community of video gamers who are propelling the sector to greater heights with their triumphs on the international stage.

    While the country’s Esports landscape is mobile dominated, it is the PC title League of Legends that is making the country proud. Despite the game having no official server in India, the determination and passion of the game’s talented athletes saw them utilise their skills to impressively qualify for the 19 Asian Games Hangzhou.

    By prevailing in the National Esports Championships (NESC) organised by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI), the star-studded unit of Akshaj Shenoy, Aditya Selvaraj, Aakash Shandilya, Mihir Ranjan, Sanindhya Malik, and Samarth Trivedi battled against the odds to secure their berth at the prestigious tournament. The team produced dazzling displays in the Central and South Asia seeding event to not only ensure favourable seeding at the tournament but also emerge as a powerhouse amongst the 19 teams that will be competing in the title.

    Here are the legends of the titles that will be representing the country in the hopes of scripting history at Esports debut as a medal sport in the Asian Games 2022:

    Akshaj Shenoy (Team Captain)

    Akshaj Shenoy who goes by the in-game name ‘Kai’ is an exceptional individual who serves as the team captain for the Indian League of Legends team. With his strategic mindset and exceptional gameplay skills, the 21-year-old from Bangalore has become a driving force behind the team’s success. Kai’s leadership qualities and ability to make quick, decisive decisions make him an invaluable asset to the team. He is currently ranked first in South Asia.

     “Compartmentalising your life is the key,” said Shenoy who has been striving to break stereotypes about gamers, and scored 95 per cent in his 12th board exams in 2020. “I want to have a solid educational background and pursue an MBA in HR management while being a professional gamer. That’s how I keep myself motivated and keep haters at bay,” he said.

    “League of Legends currently does not have an India server and players are scattered on different servers. However, with the introduction of the new SEA server with reliable and stable pings, Indians and other South Asians should look to build a community in these servers.” the captain says while requesting the players to switch to the SEA servers.

    “We are also going against professional players from countries who have fostered Esports as a sport for quite a period of time compared to India which has just recognised its potential. Organisations have been pumping resources into these individuals and they have received huge amounts of support in terms of Infrastructure, sponsorships, and coaching.  Nonetheless, this does not demotivate us as this gives us a chance to prove our capabilities and showcase them to the world”.

    Akshaj’s parents are proud of their son’s achievements in Esports as well as how well he manages his academics. His mother is an online yoga instructor while his father manages a business.

    Achievements:

    1# ESFI RDAG NESC’22 LoL Qualifiers (April 2022)(played as Temple of Kings)

    1# SMG x LXG League of Legends Cup (May 2023)(played as Temple of Kings)

    1# AMD Skyesports PRO League (March 2022) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# WD Black CUP Season 2 Skyesports (January 2022) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# SMG Summer Cup Season 1 (April 2023) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# TEC South Asia Championship League (July 2020) (played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# Asus ROG LoL Showdown 2 (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# Asus ROG LoL Showdown (August 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# SMG South Asian Championship (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# LXG League of Legends LAN Cup (May 2023)(played as Temple of Queens)

    3# TEC South Asia Championship League Season 2 (August 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    3# TEC South Asia Championship League Season 3 (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports) 

    3# Lenovo Rise of Legion LOL Cup (October 2019)(played as Gatekeepers) 

    3# South Asia Champions Cup(May 2019)(Played as Gatekeepers)

    Aditya Selvaraj

    What started as a mere hobby quickly transformed into a relentless pursuit of passion for Aditya Selvaraj. Known by his in-game name Krow for the past decade, the 28-year-old has made the battlefield of League of Legends his playground and has earned several laurels with his strategic brilliance as a flexible player in the game and enabling the team with his tactics outside of it.

    Based out of Bangalore, Aditya works in game development and has worked at prolific companies such as Electronic Arts and Zynga. He is currently at one of India’s most promising gaming startups at Bombay Play. “I’m grateful to Bombay Play and my colleagues for being supportive of my efforts to represent India on the national stage,” says Aditya. He believes that competing as an Esports athlete for a decade helped him develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and discipline.

    Climbing to the rank of Masters in both League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics, Aditya’s tactical skills have seen him secure the top 6 rank in South Asia. In a string of high-profile tournaments, he claimed victories in the AMD Skyesports PRO League, WD Black CUP Season 2, TEC South Asia Championship League, Asus ROG LoL Showdowns, and SMG South Asian Championship by showcasing his mastery in the top lane. Apart from his accolades as a player, he has also mentored players internationally. “League of Legends is more than just a game to me. It’s a world where I can push my boundaries, and create my own legacy,” says Aditya.

    As the Asian Games beckon, Aditya armed with his vast experience as well as his exceptional talent is aiming to clinch a medal for his country. “With Esports making its debut as a medal sport, the Asian Games have become the pinnacle of competitive gaming for us. I am humbled to be among the select athletes participating in it and will be giving my utmost to seize this golden opportunity,” he said.

    Achievements:

    1# NESC RDAG Asian Games League of Legends Qualifiers (April 2022) (Played as Temple of Kings)

    1# AMD Skyesports PRO League (March 2022) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# WD Black CUP Season 2 Skyesports (January 2022) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# TEC South Asia Championship League (July 2020) (played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# Asus ROG LoL Showdown 2 (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# Asus ROG LoL Showdown (August 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# SMG South Asian Championship (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    3# TEC South Asia Championship League Season 2 (August 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    3# TEC South Asia Championship League Season 3 (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    3# Rise of Legion LOL Cup (October 2019)(played as Gatekeepers)

    3# South Asia Champions Cup(May 2019)(Played as Gatekeepers)

    Aakash Shandilya

    Known as ‘Infi’, meet Akash Shandilya, a League of Legends star who rose to the ranks of greatness in the title. At just 21 years old, the player from Greater Noida has already become a prominent figure in the League of Legends Esports scene. Having set the stage for victory on numerous occasions with his role of ‘Jungle’ in the game, Aakash is no stranger to success.

    From the AMD Skyesports PRO League and TEC South Asia Championship League to the Asus ROG LoL Showdown and the WD Black CUP Season 2, he has consistently carved a path of glory for himself in Indian tournaments. His passion for Esports has not kept him limited to just League of Legends as his supreme talent and ability have seen him triumph in the PC title Valorant as well. Victories in the AIU Valorant eSports Championship and ESI Valorant National eSports Championship serve as a testament to his versatility and adaptability in different gaming environments.

    “League of Legends and Valorant are obviously different games in a lot of aspects, but after playing them both I have been able to expand my horizons as well as my skillset in competitive gaming. Learning from the unique aspects of each game has instilled self-belief in me regarding my ability to succeed which is not limited just to Esports but also in life,” says Aakash.

    With a Grandmaster rank and an impressive individual Asian ranking of 87 at its peak, Aakash has earned a reputation as one of the rising stars in the Indian League of Legends landscape. He now has his sights set firmly on the Asian Games in order to make his country and family proud.

    Achievements:

    1# AMD Skyesports PRO League (March 2022) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# WD Black CUP Season 2 Skyesports (January 2022) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# ASUS Rog LOL Showdown (played in Team Filler Cuties)

    1# TEC  South Asia Champions League Powered by LG Ultragear (played in Team Elixir)

    1# ASUS Rog Battleground LOL Championship (played in Team Elixir)

    2# ASUS Rog Championship LOL (played in Team Elixir)

    1st Runner-Up in AIU (All India University) Valorant eSports Championship 2022

    1st Runner-Up in ESI Valorant National eSports Championship (inter-university) 2022

    Mihir Ranjan

    Hailing from Delhi, Mihir Ranjan has earned his status as a well-renowned name in the Indian League of Legends community by being the only South Asian player in the Attack Damage Carry (ADC) role to reach the Grandmaster tier in-game. “Honestly, being the only ADC from the region in Challenger is a pretty big achievement for me. It proved to me that with dedication, I can conquer any challenge and rise to the top,” he says.

    The 21-year-old who is also known by his in-game name ‘Lotus’ has been making waves in competitive gaming individually as well as with his squad. In Dreamhack 2019, Mihir showcased his prowess in the titles Hearthstone Battlegrounds and Rainbow Six Siege, securing second place in the former and seizing victory in the latter. When it comes to League of Legends, he has triumphed in the AMD Skyesports Pro League of Legends and the ASUS ROG LoL Showdown in back-to-back years. These achievements demonstrate his multifaceted talents, proving that his skill set transcends the boundaries of a single game.

    Mihir’s exceptional talents have not only propelled him to an impressive individual ranking of 37 in the fiercely contested South East Asia Region but also garnered multiple first-place finishes in tournaments open to South Asia region countries. In the Asian Games 2022, he along with his team are poised to leave a lasting legacy in the world of League of Legends and etch their name in Indian Esports history.

    Achievements:

    1st, AMD Skyesports Pro League of Legends, Mar 2022 (South Asia Region)

    1st, ASUS ROG LoL Showdown, Mar 2021 (South Asia Region)

    1st, ASUS ROG LoL Showdown, Nov 2020 (South Asia Region)

    2nd, Dreamhack 2019, Day 2 Hearthstone Battlegrounds

    2nd, Dreamhack 2019, Day 2 Rainbow Six Siege

    1st,   Dreamhack 2019, Day 3 Rainbow Six Siege

    Multiple first-place finishes in tournaments open to South Asia region countries over the span of 2 years

    Only ADC in South Asia Region to hit Grandmaster

    Sanindhya Malik

    With unparalleled love for Esports in his heart and a dream of becoming the best in the business in his mind, introduces Sanindhya Malik who is one of the best TOPs in League of Legends. The 21-year-old Delhi-born athlete stands tall as the highest-ranked South Asian player in the game.

    Sanindhya’s long list of achievements in Indian tournaments is proof of his unparalleled talent. He has conquered renowned competitions such as the AMD Skyesports PRO League, WD Black CUP Season 2 Skyesports, and two editions of the Asus ROG LoL Showdown 2. Apart from this, he has made his presence felt in international tournaments including SMG South Asian Championship, TEC South Asia Championship League Season 2, TEC South Asia Championship League Season 3, and the TEC South Asia Championship League.

    Outside the virtual world, the player known by his in-game name Deadcorp leads a quiet, normal life. “My personal life plays a significant role in my gaming journey. By finding happiness and balance outside of the game, I bring a refreshed mindset and positive energy to my gameplay,” he says. When they take to the battlefield at the Asian Games to create League of Legends history, Sanindhya, and his teammates hope to inspire and motivate the aspiring gamers of India to reach for the stars.

    Achievements:

    1# AMD Skyesports PRO League (March 2022) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# WD Black CUP Season 2 Skyesports (January 2022) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# TEC South Asia Championship League (July 2020) (played as Exulansis Esports)

     1# Asus ROG LoL Showdown 2 (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# Asus ROG LoL Showdown (August 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# SMG South Asian Championship (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    3# TEC South Asia Championship League Season 2 (August 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# TEC South Asia Championship League Season 3 (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# INDIAN GAMING LEAGUE (December 2020) (Played as Riverlost)

    1# Rise of Legion LOL Cup (October 2019)(played as Stormraiders)

    1# LOL INDIA CHAMPIONS CUP (July 2018)(played as Ruthless Gaming)

    Samarth Trivedi

    Pursuing his dreams and love for League of Legends even at the age of 31 Samarth Trivedi who is a native of Thane. While Samarth also known as CrankO excels as an individual, his true strength lies in his ability to synergize with a team 

    As a support player, Samarth selflessly devotes himself to his team’s success, providing unwavering assistance and strategic guidance. “My role essentially translates to being the backbone of the team. At times my responsibilities go beyond the game as I aim to provide emotional support to my teammates and keep team morale high during intense moments,” he says.

    In various international championships, he has left his mark with a notable collection of medals and accolades. His impressive track record includes a 2nd place finish in SLS 2017, a triumphant 1st place in the LOL India Champions Cup, a notable 2nd place in the IGE South Asia Cup, and a commendable 2nd place in the regional Asian games of 2018. Additionally, he emerged victorious as the 1st place winner in the Pro ILG LCL and ICGC 2018. 

    Making his way to the top in the Indian Esports landscape through perseverance, prowess, and tactical brilliance Samarth Trivedi stands as an inspiration to aspiring League of Legends players. Going into the Asian Games 2022, he wants his impact on the title and competitive gaming, in general, to be profound and everlasting.

    Achievements:

    SLS 2017 – 2nd place medal finish 

    LOL India Champions Cup – 1st place  

    IGE South Asia Cup – 2nd place

    Asian games 2018(regional) – 2nd place 

    Pro ILG LCL – 1st place /ICGC 2018 – 1st place

    3rd place – South Asia champions cup season 2 

    2nd runner up – ROG League of Legends championship 

    1st place – SMG tournament 

    1st place – Asus Rog lol showdown 2 

    1st place -Asus Rog lol showdown 

    1st place South Asia championship season 1

    1# AMD Skyesports PRO League (March 2022) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# WD Black CUP Season 2 Skyesports (January 2022) (played as Temple of Kings)

    1# TEC South Asia Championship League (July 2020) (played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# Asus ROG LoL Showdown 2 (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# Asus ROG LoL Showdown (August 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# SMG South Asian Championship (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    3# TEC South Asia Championship League Season 2 (August 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports)

    1# TEC South Asia Championship League Season 3 (May 2020)(played as Exulansis Esports) 

    1# LOL INDIA CHAMPIONS CUP (July 2018)(played as Ruthless Gaming)