Category: Gaming

Mumbai: Esports has emerged as a popular form of entertainment among the current generation, with professional gamers and teams competing in organised tournaments and events. The industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with the rise of online streaming platforms and increased investment from sponsors and advertisers. Similarly, online poker games have become a convenient and accessible way for players to enjoy the classic card game from the comfort of their own homes. However, advancements in technology have also brought about new challenges, such as concerns around cheating and security in online poker games.

The architect of Poker Sports League CEO and founder Pranav

Bagai is one of the early proponents of poker in India. Bagai’s foray into the poker industry began with “The Shark” in 2008 and since then has created multiple poker related IP’s, published India’s first poker magazine (Card Player India) and

provided consultancy to India’s top online poker operators.

To further discuss the online poker gaming industry, its pros & cons and more such things, Indiantelevision.com caught up with Poker Sports League CEO and founder Pranav Bagai.

Edited Excerpts:

On online poker market tripling in size in recent years, the key driver behind the growth and the evolution of this trend in the future

The remarkable growth of the online poker market can be attributed to several key drivers. Firstly, the widespread penetration of mobile devices has played a significant role, enabling easy access to online poker platforms, and attracting a larger user base. Secondly, extensive marketing efforts, including celebrity endorsements and substantial advertising investments across various platforms, have greatly contributed to the market’s expansion. Moreover, there has been a notable shift in the perception of poker, with people increasingly recognising it as a game of skill rather than mere chance. Additionally, generational change has played a crucial role, as younger individuals who have grown up observing their parents’ involvement in online poker are now actively participating in the game. Looking ahead, with increasing clarity in regulations and the entry of more companies into the market, the trend of online poker is poised for further evolution and growth. The industry is likely to witness a significant transformation as more poker and gaming companies explore opportunities in this space, driven by greater regulatory clarity provided by the Ministry and central bodies.

On technology transforming the game of poker in India, playing a role in the success of the Poker Sports League, and the contribution to the evolution of poker’s perception as a skillful and legitimate competitive sport in the country

Technology has revolutionised the game of poker in India, paving the way for its recognition as a legitimate and competitive activity. The Poker Sports League (PSL) has been a driving force in reshaping public perception and establishing poker as a skillful sport. Through the involvement of esteemed brand ambassador Mr. Vishwanathan Anand in our earlier seasons, the league has set a remarkable benchmark in promoting poker as a game that requires strategic thinking and expertise. Notably, the absence of wagering, gambling, and betting in PSL has solidified its reputation as a skill-based endeavor. This, coupled with the league’s legal status and its widespread broadcasting on platforms like VOOT  and JioCinema, has effectively showcased the skill aspect of poker to a broader audience. Furthermore, the increasing number of professional players and the growing acceptance of poker as a viable career choice by parents have contributed to its success and evolution. In essence, technology, alongside the Poker Sports League, has played a transformative role in reshaping the perception and future of poker in India.

On inspiration of the idea and concept behind the Poker Sports League, and its evolvement over the first four seasons

The idea and concept behind the Poker Sports League (PSL) originated from a meeting with Mr. Berman, the former chairman of Dabur. He approached us with the vision of establishing a poker league due to his previous experience with owning teams in other sports leagues and recognising the growing popularity of poker. The main concept behind PSL was to transform poker, traditionally an individual sport, into a team-based competition. We wanted to provide a platform where players could collaborate and compete together, unlike the usual scenario where even friends end up competing against each other.

Over the course of the first four seasons, the PSL has undergone significant evolution. It has been a period of continuous learning, as we aimed to develop a successful business model and improve various aspects such as the game format, broadcast, partnerships, and sponsorships. There was a fair amount of trial and error involved, but these experiences allowed us to refine our approach.

We are proud to state that we have now cracked the business model.

One significant aspect of the league’s evolution is the increasing participation in the qualifiers. In the first season, we had approximately 1,500 people competing for 36 spots. While the maximum number of participants in the subsequent seasons was around 2,000, this season we have witnessed an astonishing figure of almost 10,000 participants. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the rising popularity of poker, its accessibility, and its acceptance among players.

Moreover, we have focused on enhancing the user experience for players. In the current season, we have partnered with Pocket52, who recently launched a new app with excellent user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). This development has significantly improved the playing experience for our participants.

On sharing some insights into the marketing and financial aspects of the Poker Sports League, and your plans to continue growing the league in the future

In terms of finances, owning a team in the Poker Sports League costs around one crore. Out of the six teams, the top three are expected to break even or make a profit based on their performance. The bottom three teams may experience losses if they don’t secure a top-three position, but their investment isn’t too high, making it more sustainable. Each team receives a 40 per cent revenue share, further enhancing their financial prospects.

For marketing, we’ve used various channels like influencers, Jio, and meme marketing. We’ve also tapped into Pocket52’s multimillion user database. Our marketing efforts will reach over 200 million people during the four-month PSL season.

Moving forward, our aim is for each team to break even in Season Seven, making team ownership more financially viable. We’ll continue to focus on expanding our marketing reach through different channels to attract more participants, fans, and sponsors. 

On the partnership with JioCinema as the official streaming partner and Pocket52 as the title sponsor for season five, and your view partnership

The partnerships with JioCinema and Pocket52 play a significant role in the growth and success of the Poker Sports League (PSL). Pocket52, our title sponsor for season five, is not only a financial partner but also brings valuable technological expertise. Their app enhances the user experience, particularly during qualifiers, and provides us with valuable data for tracking and evaluating marketing activities. 

On how the government regulations have played a role in supporting the growth of the Indian poker industry, and your anticipation for the future of these regulations

Recognising poker as a game of skill has been a game-changer, providing a solid and secure environment for players, shielding them from fraudulent activities. Thanks to this support, we’ve witnessed the rise of trustworthy platforms that have cemented the industry’s position. Looking ahead, it’s exciting to anticipate continued government support, given the surging popularity of poker. The future of the Indian poker industry looks incredibly promising, with the government’s unwavering backing and a bustling market filled with reputable platforms. We can expect great things on the horizon. 

On the present landscape of the online gaming industry in India, and what opportunities and challenges for the industry in the years to come

In the foreseeable future the industry is poised for tremendous expansion with the rapid adoption of mobile technology and a growing user base. Despite challenges like taxation issues and consumer confidence in payment methods, the future looks incredibly bright for the online gaming industry in India. It holds immense potential for creativity, investment, and becoming a global gaming powerhouse.

On 6 April the Indian government issued regulations to govern the online gaming industry, prohibiting games that involve wagering or betting with real money, what are your thoughts on this, and will it affect online gaming

The recent regulations issued by the Indian government for the online gaming industry mark a significant milestone in the sector’s comprehensive regulation. This step is crucial for the industry to compete on a global scale, foster innovation, and contribute to the vision of ‘Create in India’ and ‘Brand India’, as envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister. Overall, these regulations have the potential to generate employment opportunities within the country.

Mumbai: Following the tremendous success of 2022, Anandabazar Online is thrilled to announce the upcoming edition of the highly anticipated Bengali word game Shabdo Jobdo. A delightful game incorporating Bengali words in the form of a quiz, Shabdo Jobdo serves as an enjoyable tool for mastering the Bengali language. By fostering a connection with the linguistic roots of Bengali, the game aims to keep the younger generation engaged with and passionate about their heritage.

This year, the competition will cover a larger battlefield and will be conducted in several stages. Students from classes eight to 12 from over 100 schools in West Bengal will be selected to participate in the preliminary rounds, involving written tests organised at their respective institutions. The top five students from each school will form a team to represent their school in the final rounds. The top three teams will be awarded attractive prizes at the end of the grand finale.

Anandabazar Patrika, an esteemed newspaper with a century-long legacy, has become a trusted commentator on all things Bengali. The publication’s digital platform, anandabazar.com, has established itself as a formidable presence in the world of digital news over two decades. Apart from hard news, the news portal  covers entertainment, sports, business, education and provides a window into the vibrant Bengali lifestyle.

Above all, Bengalis take immense pride in their language and Anandabazar Online has helped showcase new forms and offerings of the language in innovative ways. Shabdo Jobdo is one such pioneering effort which ensures young minds remain interested and connected with their mother tongue.

Mumbai: Mumbai-based Enigma Gaming, home to India’s most talented esports athletes, has been unveiled as the seventh franchise in India’s biggest gaming tournament, the Skyesports Masters. The organisation will be unveiling its star-studded roster soon which will also feature international imports.

The Skyesports Masters is set to kick off on 8 July with the League Stage happening until Aug. 17. Eight franchised teams will lock horns for a share of the Rs 2,00,00,000 prize pool and the bragging rights. The top four teams of the League Stage will make it to the Playoffs, which are set to be a spectacular on-ground event in front of a live audience.

Commenting on entering the tournament, Enigma Gaming’s founder and CEO, Aryaman Wasan, said, “Counter-Strike has been a pioneer for the global esports industry. Unfortunately, it wasn’t able to grow in India in the same manner because of the lack of development of esports in the country over the past two decades. Now, with the rapid emergence of esports in India over the past three years, we feel it’s the right time to invest in the game. With a new version coming up and the long-term vision of the Skyesports Masters, we are here to support Counter-Strike for the years to come”.

Enigma Gaming is set to unveil its roster soon. The organisation has its sights set on conquering the Skyesports Masters from the first year itself with a team consisting of national players as well as international imports. Two of the players will be from the Skyesports Masters cafe qualifiers, an open-for-all grassroots-level initiative which happened across 20 Indian cities. The mixed roster will not only increase the competitiveness of the Skyesports Masters but also give a chance for new players to shine.

Commenting on the inclusion of Enigma Gaming into the Skyesports Masters, Skyesports Founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “The inclusion of Enigma Gaming, alongside renowned franchises, further solidifies Skyesports Masters’ position as India’s biggest gaming tournament. Enigma’s new roster, consisting of international imports as well, is a testament to their long-term commitment towards the vision of India’s first franchised esports tournament and Counter-Strike”.

Enigma Gaming joins the likes of Gods Reign, Revenant Esports, Marcos Gaming, Reckoning Esports, Medal Esports, and 7Sea Esports as franchises in the Skyesports Masters. Stay tuned for the final team announcement.

Mumbai: Delhi-based Esports organisation, Medal Esports, has been confirmed as the sixth franchise in the Skyesports Masters. The org will be entering Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) to compete for glory and a share of the Rs 2,00,00,000 prize pool in India’s first franchised esports tournament.

The Skyesports Masters is set to kick off with the League Stage from 8 July to 17 Aug. The eight franchised teams will lock horns in an intense round-robin action spanning multiple weeks with the top four advancing to the Playoffs. The Skyesports Masters Playoffs will happen on  26 and 27 Aug as India’s four best CS:GO rosters compete for the title of champions. The on-ground event is set to be a spectacle like never before as a benchmark-setting LAN for Indian esports.

Medal Esports founder and CEO Kabir Kohli said, “Our participation in the Skyesports Masters not only fulfils our long-standing dream of having a team in CS:GO, but also aligns perfectly with our vision of competing in top-tier tournaments. This event, with its franchised model, holds great significance for Indian esports as it will not only promote Counter-Strike from the grassroots with the cafe qualifiers but also provide commercial viability to the teams. We believe in the long-term vision of the tournament and hope to contribute to the growth of Counter-Strike in India”.

Medal Esports will be unveiling a seven-man roster for the Skyesports Masters soon. Two of these players will be from the open-for-all cafe qualifiers, which are currently ongoing in 20 cities across India. More details are available on the official Skyesports Masters website.

Medal has made a long-term commitment to Counter-Strike and will be employing a tried and tested approach to its new roster. The new team will be fostered in an environment of trust and open communication to recognize and build on their mistakes while solidifying themselves as a top Counter-Strike roster in the country.

Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “We are thrilled to welcome Medal Esports as the sixth franchise in the Skyesports Masters. Medal Esports’ long-term commitment to Counter-Strike aligns with our vision of fostering the growth and development of the game in India. We are set to redefine the esports landscape of India with the upcoming Skyesports Masters and I’m thrilled to have Medal Esports as a part of that journey.”

Medal Esports now joins the likes of Revenant Esports, Gods Reign, 7Sea Esports, Marcos Gaming, and Reckoning Esports in the Skyesports Masters. Stay tuned to Skyesports’ socials for the last two franchises in the historic esports league.

Mumbai: Marcos Gaming, India’s homegrown esports brand, has been confirmed as a franchise in India’s biggest gaming tournament, the Skyesports Masters. The organisation will soon be unveiling its CSGO roster, which will fight for a share of the Rs 2,00,00,000 prize pool.

The Skyesports Masters is set to kick off with the League Stage on 8 July. Eight franchised teams will lock horns across several weeks with the top four teams advancing to the Playoffs. Set to happen on 26 & 27 Aug as an on-ground LAN event, the Skyesports Masters Playoffs are set to be an affair like never before in Indian esports, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Marcos Gaming is set to sign a five-man roster for CSGO to compete in the Skyesports Masters. Additionally, the organisation will be adding two players from the cafe qualifiers. The Skyesports Masters cafe qualifiers are happening across two weekends on 17 & 18 June; and 24 & 25 June, are a grassroots effort which aims to recognise and uplift the best talent from 20 different cities across the country.

Commenting on entering the Skyesports Masters, Marcos Gaming founder Sudhir Kumar said, “I am thrilled to be entering India’s first franchised esports league. We believe in the vision of Shiva and Skyesports which was one of our primary motivations to enter the league. The franchise model is important in esports as it brings structure to the industry with a fixed set of deliverables, allowing us to close brand deals easier. There is still work to be done for reviving Counter-Strike in India, and we are here for the long run with the Skyesports Masters and are looking forward to growing this promising title.”

Marcos Gaming is an organisation focused on bringing a family culture to its esports roster and will be signing and nurturing a roster with the same goal. The organisation has strived to commit to Counter-Strike in the long run and hopes to go on to represent the country internationally.

Commenting on the joining of Marcos Gaming into the esports tournament, Skyesports CEO & founder Shiva Nandy said, “We are delighted to welcome Marcos Gaming as one of the franchised teams in the Skyesports Masters. The tournament will serve as a gateway for the revival of Counter-Strike in India and we need organisations who are committed to being the catalyst for this. Akhil’s and Marcos’ long-term commitment is aligned with our goals for the league and the game.”

Mumbai: Cricbuzz has partnered with Decathlon during the ongoing T20 League. The partnership aims to provide a thrilling experience to all cricket enthusiasts with an exciting offer to support their favourite team by donning a brand-new jersey and dominating fantasy cricket leagues.

If a user is an avid cricket fan, now is the perfect time to download the Cricbuzz app and subscribe to Cricbuzz Plus. With this exclusive partnership, enthusiasts can get a 20% discount on FLX jerseys from Decathlon and access to the Cricbuzz Fantasy Handbook, a comprehensive guide to help dominate the fantasy cricket leagues and achieve those big wins.

Alternatively, users can walk into any Decathlon store, scan the QR code and subscribe to Cricbuzz Plus to get the same benefits.

“As T20 League returns home to India, we are thrilled to partner with Decathlon to provide cricket fans with a chance to win big and cheer for their team from the stadium,” said Cricbuzz CEO Pankaj Chhaparwal. “We are confident that our users will find immense value in this partnership,”

On the collaboration, Decathlon brand director FLX Sarun Chandran said, “Cricket is nothing short of a religion in India, and it binds the whole nation in an unbreakable bond simmering with love and major fan following. At Decathlon, we are committed to democratizing sports for everyone with our high-quality products. The collaboration with Cricbuzz for the ongoing cricket league, one of the largest cricket fests in India, is another addition to our efforts towards engaging with cricket fans, enthusiasts, supporters, and players across the globe. Each person who discovers their love for sports with Decathlon is a win for us, and by working together with Cricbuzz, we hope to inspire a greater audience with the true essence of the game.”

Overall, this partnership promises to be a game-changer for all cricket enthusiasts, offering an all-encompassing experience that includes merchandising, fantasy leagues, and more.