New Delhi: India is set to make a significant entry into the global esports arena as the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) partners with the International Esports Federation (IESF) to host the country’s first international esports championship. Scheduled for March 2025, the event, titled International Esports Masters, aims to draw competitors from around 150 countries. While the host city remains undecided, SOGF President Shankar Aggarwal noted that sponsorship support from state governments would influence the final choice.
The global esports industry has garnered attention from major sports organisations, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) planning annual esports events and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) including it in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Indian team that won bronze medal for esports at Commonwealth Games 2022
The upcoming event will mark a milestone for IESF, which oversees 146 member nations, as it prepares to hold its first club-based tournament in India. Previously, IESF events have centred on national teams, but this new format will welcome Tier 1 and Tier 2 clubs, aiming to elevate professional esports while promoting opportunities for communities that seldom engage with such events. “This isn’t just about large prizes; it’s about broadening esports’ reach and impact,” said IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski, who visited India to coordinate with SOGF and meet Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
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India’s lack of an esports-ready arena presents logistical challenges, as the event will require a high-tech facility with advanced infrastructure. Totovski highlighted the need for a space about half the size of a basketball court, complete with internet connectivity, specialised lighting, and sound equipment, adding that over 100 pages of guidelines outline the requirements for hosting such a tournament.
The International Esports Masters marks a significant step for India’s esports scene, bringing the country closer to establishing itself as a global esports destination.
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