ITV

Tag: Gods Reign

  • Game on as BGMS playoffs set to heat up with Rs 1.5 crore prize pool

    Game on as BGMS playoffs set to heat up with Rs 1.5 crore prize pool

    MUMBAI: From campus underdogs to esports titans, India’s BGMI battleground is primed for its fiercest face-off yet. After 20 days of high-octane action, the league stages of the Oneplus Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Challenger Series (BGCS) 2025 and Masters Series (BGMS) 2025 have wrapped up, clearing the path for the Playoffs beginning 9 September.

    The BGCS league saw 16 teams clash, but it was Nebula Esports fresh from the Oneplus Campus Dominate qualifiers that stole the spotlight, finishing on top with 222 points. Hot on their heels were Sinewy Esports (213), Team Versatile (201) and Team H4K (163), all four securing a ticket to the BGMS Playoffs.

    Meanwhile, the BGMS league itself was a blockbuster. Across 56 matches each, 24 elite teams fought tooth and nail. Team Revenant XSpark emerged on top with 557 points, edging out fan favourites Team Soul (551), with Gods Reign (533) and Nonx Esports (529) rounding out the top four. These four have already booked their direct slots in the Grand Finals (12–14 September).

    The fight isn’t over yet. The bottom 12 BGMS teams will now enter the Playoffs alongside the top four from BGCS. From there, the top eight squads will progress to the Semi-Finals (10–11 September), joining the 5th–12th placed BGMS teams. Ultimately, 16 teams will battle for glory in the Grand Finals, chasing both the title and a hefty share of the Rs 1.5 crore prize pool.

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & MD Akshat Rathee noted that BGCS has created a “structured pathway” for fresh gamers, adding: “It’s inspiring to see a collegiate qualifier like Nebula Esports now entering India’s premier BGMI stage.”

    Season 4 continues to flex serious sponsor power: Oneplus as Title Sponsor, Android as Co-Title Sponsor, TVS Motor in its third year, Red Bull in its second, and debuts from Duolingo English Test, Swiggy, and Bisleri.

    And in true prime-time fashion, the BGMS Playoffs (9–11 September, 5–8 pm) will go live on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar, the only esports tournament in India to command a national TV slot.

    The stage is set, the points are tallied, and the stakes like the prize pool are sky-high. The only question left: who will rule India’s ultimate BGMI showdown?

  • Gladiators Esports acquires Gods Reign, unites India’s top BGMI players

    Gladiators Esports acquires Gods Reign, unites India’s top BGMI players

    Mumbai: In one of the largest moves in Indian esports, Gladiators Esports has acquired Bengaluru-based Gods Reign, combining two of the nation’s esports powerhouses. With this acquisition, Gladiators Esports integrates Gods Reign, retaining the well-known Gods Reign brand for the esports team while all other content and marketing operations consolidate under Gladiators Esports. This alliance aims to streamline operations, strengthen brand identity, and harness the combined strengths of both teams.

    Gladiators Esports remarked, “We are thrilled to welcome Gods Reign into the Gladiators Esports family. This acquisition reflects our commitment to elevating Indian esports and driving its growth. By integrating the renowned Gods Reign brand and its talented roster, we are not only broadening our reach and influence but also creating a nurturing space for our players and creators to excel. This marks an exciting new chapter, and we eagerly look forward to shaping a bright future for Indian esports.”

    As part of this move, Gods Reign secures one of India’s most successful BGMI lineups, including top players who consistently perform on major stages with an impressive list of accolades.

    Gods Reign, CEO, Rohith KR added, “This acquisition by Gladiators Esports represents a pivotal step for both Gods Reign and the Indian esports ecosystem. By combining our expertise, experience, and shared vision for advancing Indian esports, we are poised to deliver unmatched experiences and achievements. Our new BGMI roster, featuring both seasoned talent and fresh perspectives, embodies the high level of competition we’re committed to bringing. Through this strategic move, we aim to amplify opportunities for our athletes, engage our community in exciting new ways, and elevate Indian esports on the global stage.”

    The new roster, led by In-Game Leader (IGL) Ammar Khan (Destro), includes players Justin Nadar (Justin) and Parth Garg (DeltaPG), who won the BGMI Series (BGIS) 2023 and BGMI Masters Series (BGMS) 2023 and took runner-up in BGMI Pro Series (BMPS) 2023. The team is further bolstered by Shubham Ranjan Sahoo (NinjaJOD), the BGIS 2024 champion, and coach Robin Singh (Robin), who recently led the team to a win in the Titans Rising tournament.

    This elite roster earned approximately Rs 2.5 crore ($276,703) from esports tournaments in FY23, reflecting a track record they aim to surpass in future competitions.

    IGL Ammar Khan, also known as Destro, expressed, “Having previously played with these talented players and achieved success together, returning to Gods Reign feels like a true homecoming and it’s an honour to reunite under this banner. This acquisition unites some of India’s top esports talent, all of whom are dedicated to constant improvement and focused on victory. With our combined strengths and support, we hope to set new benchmarks in BGMI and demonstrate our potential on both national and international stages.”

    With rosters in games like Counter-Strike 2, Pokémon UNITE, and BGMI, along with gaming creators such as Thor Gaming, Harshdeep Singh, Red Parasite, Miss Senorita, and AJ Jeffy, Gods Reign attracts over 6 million YouTube subscribers and over 1 million Instagram followers. Together, Gladiators Esports and Gods Reign are set to make waves in India’s fast-growing esports and content ecosystems.

  • Gods Reign announces groundbreaking partnership with LG Electronics

    Gods Reign announces groundbreaking partnership with LG Electronics

    Mumbai: Gods Reign, a premier esports organization headquartered in Bangalore and renowned for its top-tier teams and influential content creators, has announced a monumental partnership with LG Electronics. As part of this collaboration, LG UltraGear, the industry leader in gaming monitors, will serve as the exclusive display partner for Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 lineup, ushering in a new era of immersive gaming experiences.

    Commenting on the exciting partnership, Gods Reign CEO Rohith KR said, “We are thrilled to partner with LG UltraGear as our display partners for the next year. Gods Reign believes in elevating esports talent across a variety of different games, and with the rise of Counter Strike 2, we entered the game with confidence, and have managed to find a brand that is aligned with our vision to grow esports in India through investment across a variety of games. Furthermore, we have built a popular content creator lineup, which we will be leveraging to bring more eyeballs towards LG UltraGear’s state-of-the-art gaming monitors. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to growing the esports landscape and the fanbase that Gods Reign has built through our performances in esports tournaments.”

    LG UltraGear will be the exclusive display partner for Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 esports lineup, which stands as one of the nation’s most formidable teams. The team has bagged prestigious titles like the $240,000 Skyesports Masters 2023, the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024: SEA Open Qualifier, and the recently concluded Dust2.in Masters #7 alongside victories against international opponents in the Skyesports Souvenir.

    Notably, LG UltraGear will also forge connections with Gods Reign’s esteemed content creators, including Red Parasite, Thor Gaming, HarshdeepSinghYT, AJ Jelly Gaming, Miss Senorita, and Siddha Gaming. With a combined social media reach exceeding 6 million, these influencers represent a direct link between LG UltraGear and the vibrant gaming community, facilitating meaningful engagement and brand resonance.

    LG UltraGear will receive strategic placement in the jersey of Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 lineup. Additionally, the organization will be closely collaborating with the brand for digital and on-ground events, show matches with influences, and social media promotions.

    Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 squad is primed for further success in the upcoming 2024 Skyesports Counter-Strike 2 Roadmap, boasting a staggering $1 million prize pool across six global events.

  • Union Budget 2024: Government support and tax relief key for Indian esports industry’s growth

    Union Budget 2024: Government support and tax relief key for Indian esports industry’s growth

    Mumbai: Since the Indian government’s official recognition of Esports as a multi-sport event, the industry has witnessed substantial growth as a new-age sport. The sector’s journey to mainstream recognition reached new heights with its inclusion as an official medal sport in the Asian Games 2022 and its potential entry into the Olympics.

    With finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the interim Budget for fiscal 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha on 1 February, the Esports community is optimistic about the prospects of government support.

    Esports Federation of India director & Asian Esports Federation (AESF) VP Lokesh Suji noted, “We hope to see a dedicated allocation of funds for the Esports sector, alongside incentives for Indian video game development studios. This will not only encourage innovation but also enable homegrown titles to prosper within the community. To ensure the long-term success of our Esports athletes and attract more aspiring players to pursue careers in Esports, we also hope for tax relief for athletes on winnings from Esports tournaments. ESFI will remain committed to working closely with the government to further elevate the status of Esports in the country.”

    According to the “Leveling up: State of India Gaming FY’23” report by Lumikai in collaboration with Google, the Indian gaming industry clocked $3.1 Bn in FY23 and is set to hit $7.5 Bn by FY28.

    “The Esports industry is growing at an impressive percentage and is only forecasted to grow. We hope for fair support and conducive policies from the government in the upcoming budget to further foster this growth,” said 8Bit Creatives founder & CEO and S8UL co-founder Animesh Agarwal.

    Recognizing the industry’s potential, states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala are actively engaging with Esports by organizing tournaments, establishing Esports academies, and partnering with the sector’s organizations or publishers.

    Highlighting how the involvement of state governments can be leveraged to enable the development of the video gaming community, Gods Reign CEO K R Rohith commented, “We hope for the government’s consideration and support in encouraging educational programs by adding Esports into Educational Curriculums and skill development initiatives focused on gaming and Esports. This would contribute significantly to nurturing talent within the sector, aligning with the national agenda of promoting digital skills. In addition, we earnestly suggest the allocation of funds to each state government for the organization and promotion of State Esports Championships. This collaborative effort with prominent esports organisations at the state level, starting from the school level to the national level, will undoubtedly contribute to the organic growth of esports across the nation.”

    Furthermore, there is also a call to reduce the GST on esports activities from 28 per cent to 18 per cent and introduction of regulations.

    “From budget 2024, one of the major steps I look forward to is more ‘Esports’ based activities moving to 18 per cent slab (from 28 per cent slab). Apart from this, I’m also looking forward to the government encouraging more state governments to assign budgets for the growth and promotion of Esports (similar to Bihar). Lastly, more regulations in terms of in-game and tournament winnings are expected to come in,” emphasised  Alpha Zegus founder & director Rohit Agarwal.

    With all eyes on the upcoming budget, the esports community is hopeful that government support will pave the way for a sustainable and thriving esports ecosystem in India.

  • Gods Reign signs BGIS and BGMS Champions for BGMI 2024 domination

    Gods Reign signs BGIS and BGMS Champions for BGMI 2024 domination

    Mumbai: Gods Reign, an Esports organization based in Bangalore, has signed the nation’s leading BGMI team as its official roster on a three-year contractual agreement. With a wealth of talent, success, and expertise under their belt, the team is all set to take over the country’s BGMI landscape this year.

    Led by their in-game leader (IGL) Ammar Khan (Destro), the star-studded roster comprises notable entry fraggers Justin Nadar (Justin), and Parth Garg (DeltaPG), alongside prominent support/assaulter Pavan Kumar (Shogun). Furthermore, Gods Reign has also appointed Vedang Chavan (Vedzz) as the team coach and Dharmdipsinh Zala (Code), as the team’s Analyst.

    Vedang, who brings vast experience from representing India in the PUBG PC Acer Predator League in Tokyo, Japan, and Dharmdipsinh, the team’s Analyst, credited for instrumental contributions in 2023, will together provide strategic guidance to help the team formulate effective strategies and analyze numerous data to enhance the team’s prowess.

    Speaking on the thought process behind onboarding the roster and their vision for the year, Gods Reign K.R. Rohith, CEO K.R. Rohith stated, “At Gods Reign, our commitment to excellence is evident. Acquiring the nation’s top BGMI team reinforces our dedication to building a formidable organization for success in 2024. With a proven track record in Star Sports-televised events and official tournaments, this team embodies exceptional skill and a relentless drive for victory. Gods Reign is confident that this well-balanced lineup is poised to achieve new heights in the competitive BGMI circuit in 2024. As we set our sights on upcoming tournaments, we aim to showcase the indomitable spirit that defines Gods Reign as an Esports powerhouse.”

    In 2023, the team secured a total of approximately USD 2.80 lakhs (INR 2.5 crores) in prize money by showcasing their dominance and prevailing in tournaments. This included emerging victorious in official tournaments such as BGMI Master Series Season 2 (BGMS), which was televised on Star Sports, Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2023 (BGIS), and third-party tournaments, including Nodwin BGMI Champions Cup: Champions and the country’s largest online third-party BGMI tournament India Today League Invitationals.

    They almost completed an unprecedented hattrick of official tournament triumphs but unfortunately fell short, finishing as runners-up at the Battlegrounds Mobile Pro Series 2023 (BMPS). Beyond leading their team to victory, the individual brilliance of the team’s stars has consistently shone through, with Justin earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title in BGMS Season 2, and DeltaPG securing the MVP title in the BGIS 2023, as well as the India Today League Invitationals.

    “I am honoured to join Gods Reign, an epitome of Esports excellence. My track record reflects a commitment to success, aligning seamlessly with the organization’s dedication to excellence. With immense pride and confidence, I take on the responsibility of representing the prestigious name of Gods Reign. In unity, I’m convinced we will transcend boundaries, achieving unparalleled success and adding to the ongoing legacy of greatness,” stated BGMI Esports Athlete at Gods Reign Ammar “Destro” Khan.

    To fulfil its commitment to providing its players with an unparalleled support structure, Gods Reign will be providing its brand new BGMI roster with its cutting-edge BootCamp facilities that offer an optimal environment for practice, skill refinement, and strategic planning. Complementing these facilities is top-tier coaching, ensuring that players receive expert guidance and mentorship to elevate their individual and collective performances.

    By creating an environment conducive to both physical and mental well-being, the team is focused on a holistic approach to player development and aims to bring out the best of their squad to replicate their extraordinary performances in the upcoming year.

  • Skyesports Souvenir 2023: India clinches a decisive 2-0 victory against Pakistan

    Skyesports Souvenir 2023: India clinches a decisive 2-0 victory against Pakistan

    Mumbai: The iconic rivalry between India and Pakistan made its way to a new game today as the best of the two countries fought it out in Counter-Strike for international glory in the Skyesports Souvenir 2023. The match saw India, represented by Gods Reign, take down Pakistan 2-0 in an exhilarating series filled with nail-biting action, individual clutches, and comebacks.

    The first game on Mirage was a truly intense one as both teams traded rounds to find themselves in overtime. Team India eventually came out on top with a stupendous clutch by Ember in the final round. The second map, on the other hand, took place on Ancient. While India got off to a great start with a score of 4-0, Pakistan regained their in the later part of the match to bring the score to 14-10, just inches away from taking the series to a third map. However, Team India showed resilience and made a comeback to win the next six rounds back-to-back and clutch the series.

    “Undoubtedly, this was our most challenging series in the Skyesports Souvenir International Playoffs,” said Gods Reign’s (Team India) captain, Hrishikesh ‘Crazy_Gamer’ Shenoy. “Securing this win and making a major comeback in Map Two was exhilarating. We entered the game confident, and I’m proud we maintained composure against a tough opponent. Our vision is now on the upcoming UAE match, which could secure our place in the finals.”

    With this victory, Team India are tied with Team UAE at the top of the standings as both teams have three victories with zero losses. The two powerhouses are set to meet on 28 September. All the action can be caught live on the Skyesports YouTube and Loco channels.

    The Skyesports Souvenir, powered by AMD and Microsoft, is a cross-regional Counter-Strike esports tournament featuring India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The countries will fight across a single-round robin format, with each match being the best-of-three games in the Group Stage. The top two teams from here will then advance to the Grand Finals, taking place on Sept. 30 to crown a champion.