Asia’s premier efootball talents are poised to converge in Doha, Qatar, when the inaugural AFC eAsian Cup 2023 unfolds from February 1 to 5, 2024.

Taking place alongside the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, the event will feature teams from 20 AFC Member Associations that are currently taking part in the 18th edition of Asia’s premier men’s national team competition. 

The AFC eAsian Cup will see the 20 teams divided into four groups of three teams and two groups of four. Each team, consisting of two main players and one substitute, will play against the remaining teams in its group twice in 12-minute matches in a 2v2 format.

Played on Konami’s eFootball 2024, the contestants will step on to the virtual pitch using PlayStation 5 consoles.

Group Stage: Day 1

The Group Stage kicks off at 2pm on February 1 with Qatar facing Lebanon in Group A, and Uzbekistan and Syria squaring off in Group B.

Following their battles against Lebanon and Syria, Qatar and Uzbekistan will turn their attention toward their next rivals, Tajikistan and India, respectively at 3pm. At the same time, action in Group C will ensue with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) taking on Hong Kong, China.

More enticing encounters will follow when Vietnam face the challenge of East Asian heavyweights Japan in Group D, and Malaysia square off against Jordan in Group E at 4pm. 

In Group D, Vietnam will lock horns with fellow Southeast Asian side Indonesia at 5pm, while Korea Republic in Group E will do battle against Bahrain. Meanwhile, Kyrgyz Republic’s face-off against Saudi Arabia will mark the beginning of action in Group F.

Finally, the excitement of the event’s opening day will draw to an end with battles between Jordan and Korea Republic in Group E, while in Group F, Saudi Arabia spar with fellow West Asians Oman, and Thailand lock horns with the Kyrgyz Republic at 6pm.

Group Stage: Day 2

The Group Stage action will continue on February 2 as battles resume at 2pm with Tajikistan crossing paths with Lebanon in Group A, while Syria play India in Group B. 

Meanwhile, at 3pm, Hong Kong, China and the Islamic Republic of Iran in Group C will face each other whereas elsewhere a clash between Japan and Indonesia will wrap up the action in Group D. 

At 4pm, matches in Group C will conclude with IR Iran taking on the UAE while at the same time, Bahrain will play their fellow Group E rivals Malaysia. 

Following their battle against the ASEAN side, Bahrain will turn their attention to their clash against Jordan at 5pm while, in Group F, Oman will look to come out victorious over Thailand. 

Finally, the Group Stage will draw to an end at 6pm when Korea Republic and Malaysia meet in their final Group E tie while, in Group F, Saudi Arabia take on Thailand, and the Kyrgyz Republic play their final matches against Oman. 

Mirroring the format of the AFC Asian Cup™, teams finishing in the first and second position in each group, accompanied by the four best third-place finishers will qualify for the Knockout Stage, where the matches in each round will be decided in a best-of-three format.

*All times indicated are in respective local times.

New Delhi, January 3, 2024: With the meteoric rise of the Indian Esports industry last year, the sector is poised for rapid growth in 2024, acquiring a substantial player base and generating significant revenue.

Esports has been confirmed as a medal sport for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, prompting the country’s video gaming community to begin preparations to seize the opportunity to represent their nation on the global stage.

Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director of Esports Federation of India & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), highlighted the importance of the presence of Esports at the prestigious tournament by stating, “Building on the debut of Esports as a medal sport at the Asian Games in 2022, its continued inclusion in this prestigious tournament stands as a testament to the growing recognition of Esports as a mainstream sport on the international stage. ESFI is committed to contributing to a thriving Esports ecosystem in the lead-up to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Over the next two years, our focus is to assemble the best possible Indian contingent starting right from meticulously organizing national qualifiers to ensure a fair qualification process for our athletes. We will leverage our partnerships with Hama and FITGMR to provide top-notch gaming gear and coaching to the contingent to make sure that they are well-prepared to not just compete but bring laurels for the country.”

“Furthermore, the trend of increasing participation and support from various states that are embracing Esports as a legitimate sporting discipline is set to continue in the upcoming year. This positive momentum, marked by the establishment of dedicated academies, integration of Esports into educational curriculums, organization of tournaments, and forging partnerships for the overall development of video gaming, will be instrumental in expanding the footprint of Esports within the sporting landscape,” added Mr. Lokesh Suji.

The trend of increasing participation and support from various states, including the establishment of dedicated academies and integration of Esports into educational curriculums, is set to continue. This positive momentum will contribute to the expansion of Esports within the sporting landscape.

Reflecting on the role of strategic collaborations and make-in-India games in fostering the sector’s growth, Mr. Animesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO of 8Bit Creatives and Co-Founder of S8UL commented, “As we enter 2024, strategic collaborations within the gaming industry are poised to play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the overall sector. We anticipate a significant surge in India-specific games, similar to Indus Battle Royale, which seamlessly integrates the rich and diverse culture of our nation into the gaming world. These titles will offer gamers additional tournaments to compete in and thrive within a homegrown title. Furthermore, we will also witness the implementation of Esports programs, degrees, and scholarships by educational institutions to raise awareness about gaming in the country. This initiative aligns with the government’s promotion of gaming in the country and will empower aspiring gamers at the grassroots level.”

Technological trends, including AI integration, and Metaverse gaming, alongside access to international resources and strategic brand collaborations, will empower a new generation of gaming creators.

Naman Mathur (Mortal), Co-founder of S8UL, emphasized increased brand involvement in gaming and highlighted collaborations between top brands and gaming entities by saying, “We see that brands who have been invested in gaming for a long time have now deepened their commitment, in the shape of more long-term & close to business collaborations. An example is MG’s Comet, a car launched for gamers earlier in the year, where I was personally involved in the launch. IQOO partnering with Team Soul is another example of a top mobile device brand deepening their immersion in the gaming world. Additionally, artificial intelligence enhancements and Metaverse Gaming trends will open doors to a future where virtual worlds seamlessly blend with gaming narratives. Merging these technological trends with the surge of Esports tournaments with higher prize pools promises a year full of exciting opportunities for gamers and creators alike.”

According to the recently published “Leveling up: State of India Gaming FY’23” report by Lumikai in collaboration with Google, India’s gaming market hit $3.1 Bn in FY23 and is projected to reach $7.5 Bn by FY28, growing at a CAGR of 20%.

The Indian esports sector is set to experience significant growth in the upcoming year.

New Delhi, December 27, 2023: The year 2023 has been defined by a multitude of key events and accomplishments for Indian Esports. The ‘Leveling up: State of India Gaming FY’23’ report by Lumikai in collaboration with Google states that India was home to 568 Mn gamers in FY23. The country’s gaming market hit $3.1 Bn in FY23 and is projected to reach $7.5 Bn by FY28, growing at a CAGR of 20%.

The Indian contingent’s participation in the Asian Games 2022, where Esports debuted as an official medal sport, and the remarkable fifth-place finish secured by the League of Legends team emerged as the year’s crowning achievement that showcased the nation’s Esports prowess on the international stage. The amendments made to the Information and Technology (IT) Act by the Indian government played a pivotal role in distinguishing Esports from real money gaming (RMG). This recognition provided legitimacy to the sector, leading to increased sponsorships and investments.

States like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh have also taken proactive steps, with initiatives such as the country’s first esports academy and tournaments. Educational institutions have also embraced Esports with the inclusion of Esports in the curriculum.

Sharing his thoughts on these developments, Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director of Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and Vice-President of Asian Esports Federation (AESF) commented, “The future of Esports is exceptionally bright in India. Through the consistent efforts of ESFI, the Indian government officially recognized Esports as a multi-sport event and categorized it under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in December 2022.Beyond official recognition, infrastructure development is a critical factor for the sustained growth of the Esports industry. The initiatives by our government and numerous states have laid the groundwork for potential financial backing and infrastructure growth in the coming years. Esports now proudly stands alongside the traditional sports of the country, attracting more players and sponsors to the industry.”

S8UL, India’s premier Esports organization, added to the country’s list of international triumphs by winning the first-ever ‘Global Impact on Mobile Gaming’ at the MOBIES Awards as well as the ‘Content Creator of the Year’ award at the global Esports Awards 2023.

Mr. Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Founder and CEO of 8Bit Creatives and S8UL, reflected on these milestones, stating, “The recognition on the global stage including our country’s talented contingent competing at the Asian Games 2022 and S8UL achieving unprecedented success elevated the industry’s status. The stigma surrounding gaming as a career choice has dissipated, opening new opportunities for aspiring gamers and legitimizing Esports as a viable and respected profession.”

The year also witnessed a transformative influx of brands into the Esports ecosystem, with notable examples such as IQOO SOUL’s historic title sponsorship with Team SOUL. Mr. Animesh Agarwal highlighted the significance, saying, “The increasing involvement of non-endemic brands, their entry into the gaming space, and the rise of official tournaments have reshaped the industry’s landscape. IQOO SOUL’s title sponsorship with IQOO highlights the expanding horizons of Esports sponsorships with brands across all domains. The influx of non-endemic brands brings both financial support and broader visibility to gaming creators, organizations, tournaments, and other Esports events.”

After its temporary hiatus, the triumphant return of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) this year was an instrumental factor for the Indian Esports industry. Emphasizing the resilience and growth, Mr. Rohit Agarwal, Founder & Director, Alpha Zegus noted, “Content solutions have been our top priority in 2023, and it has been an incredible year for us. Titles like BGMI had a comeback that boosted the Esports industry by more than 4x factor, while publishers like RIOT took serious efforts and made massive investments into the Indian gaming space. In numbers, we generated more than 400 pieces of quality content for our partners and saw a 300% growth in content solutions as compared to 2022. In 2024, our efforts are going to continue towards content solutions and experiential marketing, expanding our base to different regions, and bringing more quality to our work.”

As Esports continues its ascent as a global phenomenon, the inaugural Esports World Cup 2024 and the entry of streaming giants like Netflix and YouTube into gaming signal a revolutionary shift for Indian esports in the upcoming year. The convergence of these factors coupled with other trends promises a dynamic and transformative year ahead.

New Delhi, December 12, 2023: After a triumphant performance in the Asian Qualifiers, India’s eFootball star, Hemanth Kommu, is set to represent the nation at the prestigious Global Esports Games 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The athlete will compete in his tournament opener against Uruguay as he looks to clinch a medal for India at the global tournament.

Kommu, known by his gaming handle ‘peshemak7,’  has been placed in Group D for the group stage of the Global Esports Games, alongside leading eFootball opponents from Brazil, Iran, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and Uruguay. All group stage games will take place on December 13, featuring a Round Robin Best-of-3 format with 28 players competing in four groups of seven. The top three players from each group will proceed to the Round of 16 playoffs.

Additionally, the tournament will also feature a last-chance qualifier where the 4th-placed player from each group in Stage 1 will battle it out to secure qualification. Only one player will qualify for the final stage, which will be played in a Single Elimination Best-of-3 format.

Sharing his thoughts and talking about his strategies for the group stage, Hemanth Kommu commented, “I am excited to take on some of the leading eFootball athletes of the world once again. The competition going to be intense, but I am ready to give it my all. My game plan will revolve around being smart and adaptable but most importantly keeping my cool under pressure. Since every opponent has their own style of gameplay, I have formulated multiple tactics and strategies based on how things go. I want to extend my gratitude to ESFI for backing me and I will do my best to make India proud by hopefully securing a medal.”

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) alumnus’ journey to qualification was marked by impressive victories against formidable opponents in the Asian qualifiers, including Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The 26-year-old secured his berth for the qualifiers after emerging victorious at the National Esports Championships 2023 organized by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) earlier this year.

“As a prominent figure in the eFootball 2023 landscape, Hemanth has been making waves with his consistent performances and we are confident that his strategic prowess and dedication will lead to him shining on the global stage. The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) is proud to support Hemanth, and we wish him the very best. We forward to witnessing India’s flag flying high not just in Riyadh but in the world of Esports,” said Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director of Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and Vice-President of Asian Esports Federation.

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

The Global Esports Games 2023, hosted by the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and presented by the Global Esports Federation (GEF) will be staged in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from December 12-16, 2023. The global, multi-title Esports competition will feature four major titles: DOTA 2, Street Fighter 6, eFootball 2024, and PUBG Mobile, and will witness the participation of over 250 athletes hailing from more than 50 nations and territories across the globe.

In the past decade, eSports has evolved from a niche pastime to a mainstream spectacle, boasting an audience that rivals traditional sports. This meteoric rise is more than a trend; it’s a shift in global sports entertainment’s cultural and competitive landscape.

The Industry’s Exponential Growth

The numbers are staggering. The global eSports market is projected to grow from $1.72 billion in 2023 to $6.75 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 21.5% during the forecast period¹. The audience for eSports has also expanded, with the number of eSports enthusiasts worldwide estimated to reach 285 million by 2024, supplemented by another 291 million occasional viewers.

Spotlight on Professional Gamers

The ascent of eSports has created a new breed of athletes: professional gamers. These individuals dedicate their lives to mastering their games, often practicing for 10 or more hours a day. The life of a professional gamer can be lucrative; for example, Johan “N0tail” Sundstein has amassed over $7 million in prize money, topping the list of highest-earning eSports players due to his success in ‘Dota 2’ tournaments, per Esports Earnings.

The story of Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, a professional ‘League of Legends’ player, is another testament to the rise of eSports. Renowned for his skill, Faker has become the face of ‘League of Legends’, earning significant prize money and signing lucrative sponsorship deals. In 2020, he renewed his contract with T1 Entertainment & Sports, a landmark deal in eSports history, although the exact figures were undisclosed.

Mainstream Recognition

eSports’ foray into mainstream culture is evidenced by its inclusion in prestigious multi-sport events. The 2019 Southeast Asian Games featured eSports as a medal event, a first for a regional multi-sport event recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

Moreover, universities worldwide are offering scholarships to top gamers, recognizing the skill and commitment required to compete at the highest levels. Institutions such as the University of California, Irvine, have led the charge, offering scholarships for eSports alongside their traditional athletics programs.

Corporate Investment and Media Rights

Media rights deals are increasingly significant revenue streams for eSports. In 2016, BAMTech, a spin-off of MLB Advanced Media, signed a deal with Riot Games for the streaming rights to ‘League of Legends’ content, worth $300 million over seven years, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Corporate sponsorship also plays a pivotal role in the industry’s growth. Brands that traditionally invested in conventional sports are now seeing the value in eSports, with companies like Coca-Cola, Red Bull, and Intel sponsoring tournaments and teams.

The Future of eSports

The future of eSports is bright, with the industry expected to grow in terms of revenue, viewership, and cultural impact. The ongoing development of streaming platforms and digital technology will further lower the barriers to entry, allowing more people to participate in and watch eSports.

As competitive gaming becomes more integrated with traditional sports, the day may not be far when we see eSports as a regular feature in the Olympics, especially with the push for inclusion in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. While that bid was unsuccessful, it underscores the growing recognition of eSports as a legitimate sport.

Conclusion

The rise of eSports is a defining movement of the 21st century, reshaping our understanding of competition, community, and entertainment. It is a testament to the power of digital innovation and a changing world where virtual arenas can draw crowds as vast and passionate as any physical stadium. As we look to the future, eSports stands poised not just to enter the mainstream but to redefine it.

1. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/esports-market-106820 ↩︎

National, December 4, 2023: The Emirates Esports Federation & ITW Global have joined forces to introduce the EGL (E-Gaming League), a global Esports League, which is scheduled to take place in UAE during April 2024. With a lucrative prize pool, the first-of-its-kind league will offer Indian gamers the platform to prove their mettle on the international stage.

Slated to be a multi-title league, the EGL will onboard 6 Franchises as Team Owners that will be competing across various titles like DOTA, PUBG, etc. Player selection will be conducted by franchises through drafts, marking a pioneering move as the league becomes one of the first to embrace a franchise and draft format.

This initiative represents a significant global effort to establish an Esports league modeled after the successful structures seen in traditional sports leagues.

Speaking on the creation of EGL the President of the Emirates Esports Federation, Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakbout Al Nahyan said, “The Emirates Esports Federation under the National Sports Council was set up to ensure the consistent development of Esports in the UAE in a fair and regulated manner. The EGL will revolutionize the Esports industry and go a long way in achieving our goal of creating a space where publishers, players, organizers & brands can come together and co-exist harmoniously to further bolster the future of Esports in the region.”

The tournament will feature a perfect blend of international global players and emerging talents from across the Middle East, UAE, India, China, South-East Asia, Europe, and the USA. Aspiring players will undergo a rigorous selection process, with multiple rounds of qualifiers scheduled for February and March 2024.

“Asia is one of the fastest-growing Esports markets currently and with Indian gamers participating in this league, this league will provide country’s talented esports athletes with the platform to showcase their ability amongst the best-of global Esports talent. We are excited about the potential of this league and look forward to creating an event that will truly change the trajectory and contribute to the growth of Esports,” added Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakbout Al Nahyan.

The top-ranked amateurs and future players emerging from these qualifiers will then be drafted into each franchise through a player auction or draft.

ITW Global, the co-owner of the league is set to bring the concept to reality, Nayeem Khan ITW said, “ITW has been working in the business of sports for the last 15 years and we pride ourselves on understanding the market with an eye on the future, we have always believed in the potential of Esports and are very excited to partner with the Emirates Esports Federation to bring EGL to the fans and players. We look forward to launching EGL India on the same concept in October 2024”

The “India Games Market Report 2023” report by Niko Partners states that the number of gamers in India across all platforms is forecast to reach 444 million in 2023, up 12.1% YoY, and reach 641.2 million in 2027, growing at a 5-year CAGR of 10.1%.

EGL will leverage the growing prominence of Esports in India and focus on bringing tried and tested, successful sports formulas like the franchise setup seen in the IPL to the Esports arena.

Anticipated to commence in April 2024, the inaugural edition of EGL will be preceded by pre-event build-up activities starting in February in the UAE.

Mumbai, December 1, 2023: In a remarkable feat for the second consecutive year, S8UL, India’s leading Esports organization, has secured the prestigious ‘Esports Content Creator of the Year’ award at the Global Esports Awards 2023 on Friday night in Las Vegas. S8UL has established its position as a trailblazer not only in the Indian Esports community but on the international stage as well.

The brainchild of Esports industry veterans Naman Mathur (Mortal), Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug), and Lokesh Jain (Goldy), S8UL made history by outshining global contenders such as Christian ‘IWDominate’ Rivera, Timothy ‘ITZTIMMY’ An, The Score Esports, One True King, Judo Sloth, Last Free Nation, Loud, Tribo Gaules and other well-renowned names. This victory marks a significant milestone for S8UL and elevates the stature of Indian Esports worldwide.

Lokesh Jain aka Goldy, Co-Founder of S8UL and 8Bit Creatives shared his thoughts right after the coveted win, “Winning the ‘Content Group of the Year’ award last year was an incredible milestone for us, and to follow it up with another one this year is beyond words to express our gratitude. This achievement is a testament to our dedication, the hard work of our creators, and the endless support from our fans. S8UL has changed the way gaming and content is perceived in India. We are not just creating content but we are shaping the future of Indian Esports & gaming creators economy on a global scale.”

Since its very inception, S8UL has been the frontrunner of gaming content in India. With a clear vision, they have brought together some of the best gaming content creators under one umbrella to create engaging and entertaining gaming content, which is enjoyed every day by millions of their loyal viewers.

The high calibre of their Esports talent which includes Mortal, Scout, Payal, Mamba, Snax, Rega, Krutika, Sidd, Kaashvi, and many more is evident from the various Esports titles they have been winning over the years including the inaugural ‘Global Impact on Mobile Gaming’ award at the MOBIES earlier this year.

“Winning in this difficult category twice, against some of the biggest names in the industry is a surreal feeling. These milestones let us know that we are on the right path with our vision and also give all of us something to celebrate at a time when the industry is undergoing significant transformations. This victory rounds off yet another historic year for the community. Thank you to the incredible team, our fans, and everyone who believed in us! We are ready for even greater things in 2024! Onwards & Upwards, as always.” said Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Co-Founder of S8UL and 8Bit Creatives.

Besides S8UL, Naman ‘Mortal’ Mathur, the co-founder and widely regarded as the ‘Face of Indian Gaming and Esports’ has also been nominated for the ‘Esports Personality of the Year’ category at the awards. The award was claimed by Disguised Toast.

Mortal has consistently been representing Indian Esports at the global Esports Awards, having been nominated for the ‘Esports Personality of the Year’ last year. Prior to that, he had won second place for the Streamer of the Year for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021.

“Being the only Indian organization to win not once but twice at the Esports Awards is a moment of pride not just for us but for the entire Indian Esports fraternity. This award recognizes the incredible work of our talented creators, team players, and the incredible support from our fans who have been religiously watching our content for the past few years. It gives us immense pride to witness S8UL’s innovative and exceptional content redefining the gaming content landscape of the country and propelling its growth. We are motivated to continue defying expectations and revolutionizing the gaming landscape globally,” said Naman Mathur aka Mortal, Co-Founder, S8UL who was there and collected the award on behalf of S8UL at the award night.

Dedicated to showcasing top-class performance and innovation, the Esports Awards recognizes excellence in Esports and ensures that the success and achievement of Indian Esports is celebrated globally. The 2023 edition of the awards was hosted in Las Vegas where prominent names from the Esports community all over the world were in attendance. Going into what promises to be another exciting year for Indian Esports, S8UL will continue reshaping the landscape of gaming content and setting new benchmarks on the international stage.

New Delhi, September 22, 2021: The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) is all set to roll out the India qualifiers for the World Esports League (WSL) 2021 from September 29 to 30.

The World Esports League is hosted by Technoblood Inc. and organised by the WSL Organising Committee in partnership with the International Esports Federation (IESF). Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the India Qualifiers will be held virtually with top athletes from across the country competing and showcasing their skills and strategies. Popular fighting game TEKKEN7 and multiplayer online battle arena and third-person hero shooter video game Brawl Stars (3V3) will be part of the event.

Fighting game Tekken7 will be played in double elimination format whereas athletes can compete in Brawl Stars in Single elimination format.

“A tight-knit fight gaming community in India has extreme potential, one that we keep witnessing in many esports tournaments in the country. Tekken7 has a legacy of being the best fighting games and we are confident that esports athletes coming over from across the country will be putting up a spectacle of their own. Brawl Stars is a very popular game among the children between 16-21 years of age and we will witness some budding superstars coming out as national champions and bringing the laurels for our country at the Global Finals. This is a very interesting time for esports in India and we are already looking forward to our national qualifiers for WSL ’21,” said Mr. Prabhat Kumar, Director of Esports Federation of India.

The winners of the India qualifiers will be selected to represent the country at the Global Finals of WSL 2021 which are scheduled to take place in Korea from December 16 to 19. The air travel expenses and accommodation of the athletes traveling to Korea will be covered.

In order to take part in the prestigious event, country’s Esports athletes and enthusiasts can register themselves on https://discord.gg/esfi till 26th September 2021.

ESFI continues its partnership with Artsmith-Concepts & Visions as the country’s one of the top Esports and sports-specialised PR firms will extend its support as the communication partner. The qualifiers will be streamed live on ESFI’s official channels on YouTube and Twitch as well as on their Facebook page.

New Delhi, September 14, 2021: The reigning national champion Hemanth Kommu made his way into the Finals of 13th Esports World Championship after a brilliant performance in the Regional Qualifiers.

With a top-position finish in PES 2021 in the South Asia Region, Hemanth also became the first Indian to seal a spot in the Finals at the on-going edition of the Esports World Championships.

The Vijayawada resident, who is currently pursuing his Masters from IIT Guwahati, was up against the athletes from Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Maldives and Sri Lanka in his respective South Asian Region at the Regional Qualifiers which were held online owing to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic.

The 24-year-old Indian carried his winning form from the recent Nationals into this prestigious event and showed excellent display of strategic and skillful game. Hemanth registered convincing victories against his opponents before securing himself a berth in the World Championship Finals, which are scheduled to take place offline in Eilat, Israel from November 14-19.

“It’s a great feeling to represent India in the PES series, the game which I have loved playing since my childhood days. It’s sheer dedication and hard work resulted in getting the spot in the Finals of EWC’21 and it allowed me a chance to bring the laurels for the country. The right mentality and proper grind towards the game makes everything possible and a sure-shot path to get the success,” elated Hemant aka peshemak7 said after securing the Finals berth at the World Championships.

A five-member Team India CS:GO, comprising captain Ritesh Sarda, Shuvajyoti Chakraborty, Anshul Adardkar, Hrishikesh Shenoy and Harsh Jain, and Tekken 7 player Hitesh Khorwal will be seen in action in the Regional Qualifiers later as they will begin their quest for the place in the World Championship Finals on October 5.

The matches will be streamed live on the International Esports Federation’s official channels.

New Delhi, September 09, 2021: A strong 17-member Indian contingent is geared up to present the country’s challenge at the Regional Qualifiers of the 13th Esports World Championship which are scheduled online from September 11 to October 10.

After impressive title-winning triumphs at the recently-concluded National Esports Championship (NESC) 2021, Hemanth Kommu (PES 2021), Hitesh Khorwal (Tekken7), five-member Team for Dota2, comprising of captain Jaikishan Malik, Manav Kunte, Shubham Goli, Vedant Patil, Ranjit Biswal and five-member Team for CS:GO, comprising of captain Ritesh Sarda, Shuvajyoti Chakraborty, Anshul Adardkar, Hrishikesh Shenoy & Harsh Jain will represent India at the prestigious tournament.

The 2021 Esports World Championship, unlike the last edition, which was completely held virtually, will be played with the remodeled format comprising a mix of online and offline competitions. The countries are divided into 10 different regions in the Regional Qualifiers and the winners will proceed to the Finals, which will be played offline in Eilat, Israel from November 14-19. The Indian contingent is placed in the South Asia region alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and UAE.

“The NESC ’21 was a stupendous success in every possible way, there were many surprising and impressive results. This Indian contingent will be tough one to beat and I’m certain that they will not only put up a strong fight but also strive for a podium finish. It’s great to see a growing interest among the Indian youth towards Esports. On behalf of the Esports Federation of India, I wish the entire squad best luck for the prestigious event,” said Mr Yugal Kishore Sharma, Director of Esports Federation of India (ESFI).

The NESC 2021 was full of surprises as the new talents dethroned the defending champions and earned themselves spots at the Esports World Championship.

In PES 2021, the defending champion Moin Amdani among the country’s 31 top players, including Navneetha Anand and Ankur Diwakar, a duo which was part of Team India at the 2018 Asian Games, battled it out. Hemanth notched up a close victory against Navneetha in the final and secured himself a spot in the Regional Qualifiers. However, Amdani lost to Gulrez in losers bracket.

CS:GO also witnessed participation of 22 top Indian teams including Wicked Gaming, Tetroyd, Team Ano, Vac Banned, Redemptions and Infinity Esports. Living up to the favourites tag, Wicked Gaming put up a brilliant show and defeated Team Ano in a nail-biting summit clash.

In Tekken7, thedefending champion Abhinav Tejan and other 66 top Indian athletes took part. Hitesh Khorwal aka rcool emerged as the champion after he brilliantly cut short Rohit Jain’s winning run in the grand finale. The strong title contender Tejan suffered a defeat against Jeonsa, who was later defeated by mokujimaster.

In the popular multiplayer online battle arena game, DOTA 2, Team Punisher sealed a berth in the Regional Qualifiers after beating Macro Monks in the final.

This upcoming edition of the Esports World Championship will witness a strong competition with the National Esports Federations of 77 countries taking part in it. The matches will be streamed live on the International Esports Federation’s official channels.

Hangzhou, China, September 8, 2021: The Olympic Council of Asia has announced the titles for the debut of esports as an official medal sport at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September 2022.

There will be eight medal events, plus two demonstration games, reflecting the popularity and growth of electronic sports in China and Asia. The announcement of the games titles was made on the first day of the two-day Chefs de Mission Seminar video conference for the 19th Asian Games on Wednesday, September 8.

The Director General of the OCA, Mr Husain Al-Musallam, said: “We hope that this announcement allows all participating teams ample time to prepare and equip themselves ahead of the qualifying stages. 

“I believe we have ticked all the right boxes ensuring a high level of competition which promises great viewing for enthusiasts and casuals alike. 

“We at the OCA are looking forward to working closely with our friends at the Asian Electronic Sports Federation and the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee to ensure a successful execution of the esports event at the 2022 Asian Games.”

The Asian Electronic Sports Federation, which is based in Hong Kong, China, has been appointed Technical Delegate of the esports competition at the 19th Asian Games by the OCA. The AESF will be in charge of the qualifying competition and for the operation and management of the esports competition in Hangzhou.

The eight official events, and publisher, are:

1、Arena of Valor Asian Games Version

2、Dota 2

3、Dream Three Kingdoms 2

4、EA SPORTS FIFA branded soccer games

5、HearthStone

6、League of Legends

7、PUBG Mobile Asian Games Version

8、Street Fighter V

The two demonstration events are:

9、AESF Robot Masters-Powered by Migu

10、AESF VR Sports-Powered by Migu         

Mr Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF) said on this announcement:
“Finally, we are here with esports at the Asian Games’22; 8 esports titles means 24 medals. For titles like Hearthstone; EA FIFA, DOTA2, League of Legends, Street Fighter, we have very strong chances of winning Medals for India; Tirth Mehta who got bronze medal last time (2018), will be able to convert that bronze to a Gold this time. We will soon launch the “Road to Asian Games” program in line with AESF, to identify the best of the talent and train them for the main event at Hangzhou, China in September 2022. Thankfully we have enough time at our hands (unlike last time) to have the best of the players represent India at Asian Games’22. For titles like AOV (Asian Games Version) and PUBG Mobile (Asian Games Version); we are waiting for more inputs to come.

It’s time for our Sports Ministry to recognize ESFI and our sport “esports”. We are confident that we will increase our medals tally this time. ESFI & AESF both are committed to develop, support and grow esports not only in India but the region.”

New Delhi, 18 November 2019: Dillon Zachariah, Druv Dayal and Raghav Budhiraja emerged as winners of the Delhi edition of X1 Racing eSports Season 1, a digital simulator-based racing competition held at the Moments Mall in Kirti Nagar on Sunday. The three winners will represent the city in the grand finale to be held on 1st December at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. Dillon Zachariah secured first position, while Druv Dayal came second and Raghav Budhiraja third. The three winners were awarded cash prizes along with a OnePlus phone each.

The winner of the grand finale will also get a chance to train under the founders of X1 Racing, Aditya Patel and Armaan Ebrahim to hone their racing talent.

A staggering 5,000 motorsports enthusiasts from the city competed over the last weekend to set their best lap time in the custom made simulators of X1 Racing eSports. Of the lot, 30 individuals were selected for the Delhi-leg finals which took place on Sunday. Prior to the Sunday extravaganza, the contest was also taken to the Shiv Nadar University in Greater Noida and Manav Rachna Educational Institutions enabling students to participate in the never-before contest which simulates the on-track experience.

“We congratulate the winners and look forward to having them at the grand finale. It was great to see the excitement in these youngsters from Delhi for a racing event. It was a positive sight to see their enthusiasm for motorsports, and we hope this initiative can further help youngsters from all parts of the country in pursuing a professional career in motorsports. We are grateful to OnePlus and JK Tyre Motorsport to have come on board with us, bringing this initiative to life.” said Armaan Ebrahim, Co-founder, X1 Racing.

“We are thrilled by the response the event received in Delhi. This is a big boost for us as organizers, and is a testimony that initiatives such as these are welcomed in the northern part of the country as well. We saw some great talent on display this weekend, and are happy to provide a platform to support these youngsters hone their talent.” added Aditya Patel, Co-Founder, X1 Racing.

The X1 eSports Season 1 will culminate with the much anticipated X1 Racing League, a franchise based motorsports competition will take place on November 30-December 1 in New Delhi and December 7-8 in Chennai. The league will be representing six cities. Owners of the league include India’s first F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan who will own and race for the Chennai team; Delhi team by Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan; Mumbai team by Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd.; Hyderabad team by renowned industrialist Akhilesh Reddy and Ahmedabad by Pen India Studios promoter Dhaval Gada.