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Tag: Riot Games

  • Yuki Chiba teams up with Riot Games for new VCT Pacific anthem

    Yuki Chiba teams up with Riot Games for new VCT Pacific anthem

    MUMBAI: What happens when one of Japan’s hottest rap voices joins forces with gaming giant Riot? You get an anthem that slaps harder than a last-round clutch. Riot Games has teamed up with Japanese rapper and singer Yuki Chiba for ‘Shinpai Muyou’, the official music anthem of VCT Pacific. It marks Chiba’s first venture into gaming music, and the collab couldn’t have come at a more hype-fuelled moment just ahead of the league’s Stage 2 kickoff.

    Dropping globally on 11 July via Coup D’Etat Recordings, the track blends a punchy bassline with feel-good flow, carried by Chiba’s signature cadence and packed with lines that are bound to echo across Discord servers and stadiums alike. A music video will also premiere on the VCT Pacific YouTube channel the same day.

    “Shinpai Muyou is a reminder to myself and my fans to not worry and always believe in yourself,” said Chiba, whose laid-back swagger and lyrical optimism are front and centre in the track. “There’s no need to stress when you can just vibe.”

    And that message couldn’t be more timely. Valorant Champions Tour Pacific is heading into Stage 2 from 15 July in Seoul, with the much-anticipated Grand Finals roadshow making its Japan debut on 30-31 August in Tokyo.

    Valoerant Esports Head of APAC Jake Sin called the anthem “a dream project,” saying: “We’re thrilled to work with someone as talented as Yuki Chiba, especially as we gear up for our first-ever Finals roadshow in Japan.”

    The stakes are high, two teams from Stage 2 will qualify directly for Valorant Champions Paris, with two more determined by their cumulative 2025 Championship Points. With both music and esports fans tuning in, ‘Shinpai Muyou’ is set to become the sound of the season.

    Ticket details for the event will be announced shortly on the Valorant Esports website. Until then don’t stress, just press play.

  • Reliance teams up with Blast to storm India’s booming esports arena

    Reliance teams up with Blast to storm India’s booming esports arena

    MUMBAI: Reliance Industries’ wholly-owned subsidiary Rise Worldwide has joined forces with European esports powerhouse Blast to form a joint venture that aims to revolutionise India’s nascent but rapidly expanding competitive gaming landscape.

    The partnership will leverage Blast’s tournament expertise and publisher relationships to bring global esports properties to Indian shores while developing bespoke competitions for the local market—a digital playground that already boasts a staggering 600 million gamers, representing 18 per cent of the world’s button-bashers.
    India’s gaming market, currently valued at $3.8bn, is projected to rocket to $9.2bn by 2029, growing at a blistering 19 per cent annually. Meanwhile, the global esports market is expected to surge from $2.8bn to $16.7bn by 2033, suggesting there are digital gold mines yet to be excavated.

    “India is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing gaming markets in the world,” said Blast chief executive Robbie Douek, whose company currently works with gaming titans including Epic Games, Valve, Riot Games, Krafton and Ubisoft across popular titles with a combined monthly player base exceeding 350 million.

    The new venture will capitalise on Blast’s production prowess and intellectual property portfolio while tapping into Jio’s technological muscle and distribution network via the JioGames platform. Services will span tournament management, targeted marketing, production and broadcasting—essentially creating a full-service esports juggernaut.

    “With this partnership, Indian esports will be able to realise its full potential,” said Reliance Sports  head Devang Bhimjyani.

    The timing appears impeccable, as the Indian government recently granted official recognition to esports by declaring it part of the “multi-sports event” category, providing legitimacy to a pursuit once dismissed as mere child’s play.

    Blast, known for producing tournaments that fill arenas and generate billions of views across 150+ territories, will now bring its show-stopping production values to a country where cricket has traditionally dominated sporting consciousness. With planned arena stops in global cities like London, Singapore, Austin and Rio in 2025, the addition of Indian venues seems a natural next step in the company’s expansion strategy.

    For India’s growing army of competitive gamers, the partnership offers tantalising prospects: international exposure, improved tournament infrastructure, and potentially, a shot at the multi-million dollar prize pools that have transformed gaming nerds into millionaire celebrities elsewhere in the world.

  • India’s top teams to compete for VCT ascension slot & $66k prize pool at NODWIN Gaming arena

    India’s top teams to compete for VCT ascension slot & $66k prize pool at NODWIN Gaming arena

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming, the leading South Asian gaming and esports company, in collaboration with Riot Games, are set to bring the electrifying LAN playoffs of the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia Split 2 to Delhi’s NODWIN Gaming Arena in Chattarpur from June 25-28. Get ready for South Asia’s top VALORANT teams to battle it out for a shot at VCT Ascension!

    After the high-octane league stage, Revenant Esports and Velocity Gaming emerged as the top two finishers from Group A, while True Rippers and Orangutan led the standings in Group B. Now, these four leading VALORANT teams representing South Asia will compete in the LAN playoffs for not only a chance to secure a spot in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Ascension in Japan this year but also for a share of the $66,000 (approximately Rs 55 lakhs) prize pool. The champions will claim $20,000 (approximately Rs 16.7 lakhs) in prize money.

    This electrifying LAN event at the NODWIN Gaming Arena promises to be an exceptional and unforgettable experience, bringing fans and players together for an action-packed, heart-pounding fight to the top. Additionally, the action will also be broadcast live on NODWIN Gaming’s YouTube channel. OMEN by HP is the tournament’s title partner and Philips is the styling partner.

    Expressing his excitement, NODWIN Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee stated, “We are ecstatic to bring the LAN playoffs of OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia Split 2 to the NODWIN Arena which will have the region’s most talented VALORANT athletes competing to bolster India’s presence in the global landscape. This event represents the pinnacle of VALORANT esports in India, and NODWIN Gaming is proud to provide a platform for these talented teams to showcase their skills. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our partners and look forward to elevating the esports experience for both players and fans.”

    The OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024, organised by NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games, began earlier this year and marked the beginning of an exciting competitive season. With a dual-split format, this tournament serves as a pivotal milestone for South Asian teams aspiring to qualify for the VCT Ascension 2024: Pacific.

    “The OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 has served as a crucial platform for teams and players in the region to demonstrate their skills. So far, throughout Split 1 and the league stage of Split 2, this tournament has not only showcased some incredible VALORANT plays, but also reinforced our commitment to providing competitive opportunities for the region. We are now eager to witness some amazing matches and memorable moments as South Asia’s top four teams battle it out for a coveted spot in the VCT Ascension Pacific,” said Riot Games’ esports lead, India & South Asia, Sukamal Pegu.

    The Split 1 of the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 garnered significant success, drawing 30,000 attendees to the offline cup final one and two, alongside an impressive online viewership of 3.2 Million across. The upcoming Split 2 LAN Playoffs are set to be a leap forward for VALORANT in India, building on past successes and propelling the game’s competitive scene to new heights.

    For further updates and information about the VALORANT Challengers South Asia, follow NODWIN Gaming on social media.
     

  • NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games announce OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024

    NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games announce OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024

    Mumbai: Industry-leading gaming and esports media company NODWIN Gaming, in partnership with leading video game publisher Riot Games, announced the much-awaited 2024 season of OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia. After the success of India’s first-ever publisher-backed esports league, the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 aims to immerse fans in the excitement, offering an unparalleled VALORANT experience to the community.

    Offering a prize pool of $ 130,000, and the opportunity to represent the region at VCT Ascension 2024: Pacific, the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 marks a significant milestone in the partnership between NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games. The tournament aims to build upon both organizations’ commitment to crafting a viable and adaptable roadmap for organizing and delivering quality community favourite esports tournaments within the Indian ecosystem with a strong emphasis on sustainability and growth.

    The upcoming 2024 VALORANT Challengers South Asia season will see HP’s flagship gaming brand OMEN return as the tournament’s title partner. OMEN is named as the brand of choice for VALORANT Challengers South Asia and has played a consistent role in empowering the gaming community through their state-of-the-art gaming ecosystem including PCs and delivering to gamers an immersive gaming experience at OMEN playground stores and partnerships on esports platforms.

    In a bid to enhance overall competitiveness, the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 will be set up in a dual-split format, presenting players and teams with a multitude of opportunities to display their skills and compete at the highest level in South Asia. The dual split format also adds extra excitement and strategic depth to the tournament, offering fans an extended period of exhilarating VALORANT esports action. The first split will see two Cups up for grabs, with the finals unfolding in a thrilling LAN setting in front of a live audience. Additionally, a transfer window between the two Split 1 Cups will allow teams to make strategic roster changes and bolster their line-ups.

    The upcoming edition of the VALORANT Challengers South Asia will also see a promotion and relegation system incorporated into the tournament flow. Post-completion of Split 1, the 2 lowest-ranked teams from the city Cups will compete against Premier rivals to secure a spot in the Split 2 Main Event stage.

    Speaking on the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024, NODWIN Gaming co-founder and managing director Akshat Rathee said, “The OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia is a testament to the collaborative efforts of NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games. We are united in our shared goal of advancing the Indian esports scene through a sustainable and adaptable roadmap while delivering exhilarating VALORANT esports action to our community. In its 2024 edition, the VCSA seeks to elevate the fan experience by bringing them closer to the action through multi-city LAN roadshows, and curated content for enhanced esports viewing.

    With the innovative dual-split tournament format, a substantial prize pool of $ 130,000 and the opportunity to represent the region at VCT Ascension 2024: Pacific, the stage is perfectly set for an exceptional season of VALORANT action. The upcoming season has a lot in store, and we are thrilled to bring VCSA 2024 to our community!”

    Riot Games Esports lead South Asia Sukamal Pegu said, “The OMEN VCSA represents the best VALORANT Esports action in the region and we are excited to bring another edition for the fans, together with NODWIN Gaming. Riot’s goal is to bring the VCSA closer to our fans and this fresh design will not only make it more exciting for the viewers but also create more opportunities for the aspiring esports athletes in the region, with the in-game Premier mode leading into our CL ecosystem. Viewers can expect to see not only fan-favourite athletes returning from the 2023 VCSA season but also some fresh talent who can potentially shake things up this year!”

    The collaboration between NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games aims to enhance the fan experience by bringing them closer to the action. Through innovative content, engaging broadcasts, specially curated LAN events, and interactive fan engagement initiatives, OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 seeks to create a dynamic and inclusive environment for the entire esports community.

    The OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 will bring the competition to the heart of Indian cities with electrifying LAN events. This immersive experience fosters a sense of community and allows fans to witness the intense competition up close, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for both players and spectators.

     

  • Riot Games successfully concludes Convergence 2023

    Riot Games successfully concludes Convergence 2023

    Mumbai: Riot Games today announced the successful conclusion of Lenovo and Intel-sponsored Convergence, its first-ever international VALORANT esports tournament held in India in partnership with The Esports Club. Hosted at the Manpho Convention Centre in Bangalore, Convergence showcased the pinnacle of competitive VALORANT gameplay, celebrating skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. The tournament, which spanned over four days, saw over 10,000 attendees visit on-ground to support six of the finest VALORANT teams from across the globe.

    The championship match, held in front of an enthusiastic live audience and streamed to millions of viewers globally, showcased intense showdowns and breathtaking plays. After a nail-biting finale match, FUT Esports emerged triumphant, solidifying their place in history as the first ever champions of Convergence. Their exemplary teamwork, precision, and unwavering determination set a new standard for excellence in VALORANT esports.

    Convergence successfully met all of Riot Games’ set objectives concerning viewership, production quality, competitive standards, and fan engagement, including achieving the remarkable feat of organically trending as the #1 topic on Twitter in India for two consecutive days. The event also featured various engaging activities for attendees, including fan meet-and-greets, exclusive merchandise stalls, and community-driven initiatives, creating a memorable experience for gaming enthusiasts.

    “We are thankful to the players, teams, sponsors, partners, and especially our Indian fans for making Convergence 2023 an unparalleled success,” said Riot Games esports lead, India and South Asia Sukamal Pegu. “The passion displayed by our fans is our driving force and serves as a constant source of inspiration. Congratulations to FUT Esports for their exceptional performance and to all participating teams for their dedication and sportsmanship. Convergence will be back with a bigger and more exciting edition in 2024.”

    Riot Games country manager, India and South Asia Arun Rajappa said, “Convergence was the perfect finale to a year of exciting initiatives in India and South Asia, from celebrating VALORANT’s anniversary with fans at gaming cafes, to cheering on teams at the VCSA, to giving back to the community at Harbor’s anniversary event. We were also thrilled to bring amazing influencers together at Radiant Retreat. It’s been a fantastic journey, and we can’t wait to bring even more games and experiences to our players in the region in 2024.”

    Riot Games has been actively engaged in fostering community engagement through multiple initiatives over the past year. Earlier this year, Riot Games celebrated the one-year anniversary of VALORANT’s first-ever Indian agent Harbor by conducting a beach clean-up with the Indian gaming community, and also commemorated the third anniversary of VALORANT in India with BHARAT VALORANT celebrations.

  • Convergence: Everything you need to know

    Convergence: Everything you need to know

    Mumbai: Get ready for an unforgettable showdown as Riot Games debuts Convergence, its first-ever esports tournament in India in partnership with The Esports Club and sponsored by Lenovo! We’re excited to announce the match-ups and schedule as six of the best VALORANT teams in the world battle it out at the Manpho Convention Center in Bangalore from 14 to 17 December.

    Riot Games country manager, India and South Asia Arun Rajappa said, “Convergence marks an incredible moment for Riot Games in India, and we’re grateful to our devoted VALORANT fans who’ve been with us since 2020. India holds a special place in our global growth vision, and our focus on player-centric community building remains unwavering. Our aim is to establish India as a premier destination for esports, fostering an inclusive ecosystem that not only uplifts players but also captivates audiences, reinforcing the vibrancy of the gaming landscape.”

    If you want to be there in person to witness the action firsthand, you can grab your tickets. here.

    Participating Teams

    Convergence will see franchised teams from Asia, Europe, and the Americas and True Rippers Esports, an Indian team that qualified via a Closed Qualifier event.

    1. Global Esports (India)
    2. Gen.G Esports (South Korea)
    3. Team Vitality (France)
    4. FUT Esports (Turkey)
    5. FURIA (Brazil)
    6. True Ripper Esports (India)

    Tournament Format

    Tournament Schedule

    Where to Watch

    The tournament will be broadcast in multiple languages (Hindi, English and Korean) and the full list of channels can be found below.

    Twitch

    English: https://www.twitch.tv/valorant_pacific
    Korean: https://www.twitch.tv/valorant_kr

    YouTube

    English: https://www.youtube.com/@VCTPacific
    English: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsportsClub
    Hindi: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsportsClub
    Hindi: https://www.youtube.com/@VALORANTEsportsSA
    Korean: https://www.youtube.com/@VCTkr

    Others

    Korean: https://bj.afreecatv.com/valorant
    Korean: https://game.naver.com/esports/Valorant/home

  • Riot Games’ ‘Convergence’: Trailblazing teams in India’s first VALORANT International e-sports tournament

    Riot Games’ ‘Convergence’: Trailblazing teams in India’s first VALORANT International e-sports tournament

    Mumbai: Riot Games’ Convergence, its first ever international VALORANT esports tournament in India in partnership with The Esports Club, and Lenovo as the title sponsor, is all set to kick off, with the top VALORANT teams from across multiple regions taking the field to compete for the prestigious title. Held from 14 to 17 December 2023 at the Manpho Convention Center in Bangalore, Convergence will be Riot’s first international VALORANT e-sports event on the Indian circuit, showcasing its commitment to the growing gaming culture in the country.

    For Indian gamers, the tournament marks an exciting opportunity to see some of the top VALORANT teams from around the world play each other live – including two Indian contenders, Global Esports and True Rippers Esports to cheer for. With the other contenders representing Asia, Europe, and the Americas from Riot’s VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), the event is sure to be the pinnacle of professional VALORANT esports and boost the Indian VALORANT circuit. Here is a quick look at the teams competing later this month:

    Global Esports

    Mumbai headquartered Global Esports are one of the teams to watch this tournament. Known for their strategic site executions, the team will have plenty of fans to cheer for them in Bangalore, particularly for             local boy Abhirup Paul ‘Lightningfast’ Choudhury. Together, they will be looking to convert their homeground advantage into a strong performance at Convergence.

    FUT Esports

    Representing Turkey, FUT brings a unique flair to the competition with their unpredictable playstyle and knack for surprise tactics. With the potential to take games off any team, they will be strong title contenders and a dark horse coming to challenge the established order.

    Furia

    Representing Brazil, one of the most competitive FPS gaming regions in the world, Furia’s precise and aggressive gameplay has been forged in the fires of the competitive South American region, and has made them a force to be reckoned with. They will be looking to bring their A-game to the Convergence battleground as they go toe to toe with the best in the world.

    Team Vitality

    Hailing from Europe, Vitality’s strategic plays have been their standout feature and carried them to 5-6th Place at the EMEA League of the 2023 Valorant Champions Tour. Convergence will be a new proving ground for the squad, who will be looking forward to clinching the title at the tournament.

    Gen.G Esports

    Gen.G is a powerhouse North American / Korean organization, this year fielding a talented all-Korean squad with a reputation for explosive plays and clutch moments. With a roster stacked with top-tier talent, they are determined to establish themselves as the dominant force in the global VALORANT scene.

    True Rippers Esports

    Fighting their way up to the tournament from the Indian qualifiers, Bangalore based True Rippers Esports have already begun their journey in the tournament with a bang, and will look to continue their winning ways by taking games off the established top teams at the event. Performing in front of a home crowd, the underdogs may be new to the scene but definitely not ones to be counted out.

    As the tournament kicks off, Indian fans can look forward to seeing a stellar showcase of VALORANT performances and global talent going up against Indian esports athletes. Convergence is set to be India’s biggest VALORANT event, and a delight for fans both in India and around the world.

  • Riot Games announces India Closed Qualifiers for ‘Convergence’

    Riot Games announces India Closed Qualifiers for ‘Convergence’

    Mumbai: ‘Convergence’ by Riot Games in partnership with The Esports Club, is all set to showcase India’s esports prowess as the company today announced its plans to host an India Closed Qualifiers into the upcoming tournament. Joining forces with Lenovo as the Title Sponsor for its first ever international VALORANT esports tournament in India, Riot Games is committed to promoting local teams in the tournament scheduled between 14 to 17 December, 2023 at the Manpho Convention Center in Bangalore.

    The India Closed Qualifiers will witness Indian VALORANT teams earn a chance to compete with some of the best professional VALORANT teams from Riot’s International Leagues from across the Pacific, EMEA and Americas. Scheduled to begin on 30 November, the closed qualifiers will invite the top six professional VALORANT teams from India to battle it out and secure a spot in the main tournament. The six teams will follow a Double Elimination format to select the home team that will join the Convergence main event. The upper bracket and lower bracket finals, as well as a grand finale of the qualifiers will be streamed on The Esports Club’s YouTube Channel, starting from 29 November. All teams have secured their invitation to the qualifiers based on their performance in the Indian domestic season in 2023.

    Riot Games esports lead India & South Asia Sukamal Pegu said, “We are super excited to announce that the India Closed Qualifiers gives top local teams a great platform to showcase skills and play against some of the best professional VALORANT teams in the world. The goal behind Convergence is to grow esports talent in India and the qualifiers are a testament to the hyperlocal opportunities we are creating for our VALORANT community in the region.”

    “Lenovo India has been championing esports as a dedicated way to reach out to gaming audiences, and with VALORANT being a popular title that’s well enjoyed across India we have been engaging with the title during various online and offline events. With our portfolio of great gaming products on Legion and LOQ, we feel it’s a great way for Lenovo to be seen and experienced by relevant younger TG who we believe will be glad that we are able to bring a great esports event to India” said Lenovo India director – marketing Chandrika Jain.

    The main Convergence event starting from 14 December will be broadcast live in English on Riot’s Pacific Channels and in Hindi on Riot’s South Asia channels. The Esports Club will also carry the broadcasts on their channels.

    Bolstering the gaming culture in India, Riot Games has been actively involved in fostering community engagement and enhancing the player experience with multiple initiatives over the past year. Recently, Riot Games celebrated the one-year anniversary of VALORANT’s first ever Indian agent Harbor by conducting a beach clean-up with the Indian gaming community, and also commemorated the third anniversary of VALORANT in India with BHARAT VALORANT celebrations.

    The gaming community can witness the live action of the upcoming Convergence tournament through free and paid ticket options. Stay tuned for further details on ticketing set to be revealed in the coming weeks. 

  • Riot Games to host ‘Convergence’

    Riot Games to host ‘Convergence’

    Mumbai: Riot Games has announced plans to host Convergence, its first ever international VALORANT esports tournament in India in partnership with The Esports Club (https://theesports.club/). The tournament is scheduled to take place between 14 to 17 December, 2023 at the Manpho Convention Center in Bangalore.

    Convergence represents Riot’s first international VALORANT esports event in India, showcasing its commitment to the growing gaming culture in the country. The tournament will bring together some of the top VALORANT teams from around the world, such as Global Esports, FUT, Furia, Vitality, and GenG, to compete on the same stage in India. The aforementioned teams play in Riot’s VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) in Asia, Europe and Americas, representing the pinnacle of professional VALORANT esports. They are set to compete against each other in the main event, commencing on 14 December.

    “Convergence is us at Riot saying thanks to our amazing fans in India, who have supported us since the launch of VALORANT in 2020. We have also since grown the India team to deliver such hyperlocal experiences to our players here. With Convergence, Indian fans will finally get to see some of their favorite VALORANT athletes perform in person and also interact with them off-stage. It will be a perfect ending to the 2023 VCT season and we are just getting started here in India for such international events.” said Riot Games esports lead India & South Asia Sukamal Pegu.

    “We are excited to partner with Riot Games to introduce their first ever international VALORANT tournament to the gaming community in India. This event will not only enhance the esports experiences in the country but also elevate India’s presence on the global gaming stage,” said The Esports Club founder & managing director Vamsi Krishna.

  • Riot Games celebrates one-year anniversary of Indian VALORANT Agent Harbor

    Riot Games celebrates one-year anniversary of Indian VALORANT Agent Harbor

    Mumbai: Riot Games celebrated the one-year anniversary of VALORANT’s first ever Indian agent, Harbor by conducting a beach clean-up at Mahim beach in Mumbai on the 26 of October 2023. The event was organised in partnership with Global Esports, and saw the VALORANT community including players as well as popular influencers such as Binks, Pinkcess, CaspeR, SkRossi, Jimmy, Harsh, and others, come together for the initiative.

    Hailing from India’s coast, Harbor storms the field wielding ancient technology with dominion over water. The beach clean-up drive was a tribute to Harbor’s water-themed abilities, as well as a means to promote awareness of the significance of maintaining clean beaches. It also served as a gesture of gratitude to the Indian gaming community, which has shown immense love and support for the VALORANT agent over the past year.

    Riot Games country manager, India & South Asia, Arun Rajappa said, “We are grateful to the vibrant Indian gaming community, and believe that the success of Harbor is a testament to their unwavering support. The inclusion of an Indian agent not only highlights the significance of the thriving gaming community within the country but also underscores India’s rising influence in the global gaming arena. We are committed to delivering even more innovative and inclusive gaming experiences for our audience here, while also giving back to the community that has embraced our efforts wholeheartedly.”

    Riot Games has been actively engaged in fostering community engagement and enhancing the player experience with multiple initiatives. Earlier this year, Riot Games unveiled eye-catching mural art and billboards to celebrate the successful launch of Agent Harbor with the Indian gaming community, and also commemorated the third anniversary of VALORANT in India with BHARAT VALORANT celebrations.