India Hosts First International Esports Championship in 2025

October 26, 2024

India is emerging as an important player in the Esports arena. On October 26, 2024, the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) and the International Esports Federation (IESF) announced a partnership to host the first international Esports championship in India. This event, named the International Esports Masters, is scheduled for March 2025 and aims to attract participants from 150 countries.

Global Interest in Esports

Esports has gained immense popularity globally. Major sports organizations are recognising its potential. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) plans to introduce an annual series of Esports events. Additionally, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) included Esports in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. This growing recognition marks Esports as a legitimate sport on the global stage.

Event Details

The International Esports Masters will be the first international tournament hosted in India. The specific host city is yet to be determined, as it will depend on sponsorship commitments from state governments. SOGF president Shankar Aggarwal noted that state sponsorship could influence the choice of location.

Club-Based Tournament

The IESF is also organizing its first club-based tournament in India. This is a shift from previous events that focused on national teams. According to IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski, the goal is to involve Tier 1 and Tier 2 clubs, promoting a professional level of competition. The emphasis is on community engagement rather than just financial gain.

Hosting an international Esports tournament requires specific infrastructure. India lacks ready-made arenas equipped for high-tech Esports events. Totovski stated that a minimum space equivalent to half a basketball court is necessary. This space would accommodate a stage, practice area, and spectator seating.

Technical Specifications

The technical setup for Esports is critical. Essential requirements include reliable internet, appropriate cabling, and advanced lighting and sound systems. The IESF has detailed guidelines spanning over 100 pages for how these arenas should be constructed.

Confidence in India’s Capability

Despite the infrastructure challenges, both Aggarwal and Totovski express confidence in India’s ability to host the event. Aggarwal believes India has a strong track record in organizing international events. Once agreements and sponsorships are secured, he is optimistic about creating a world-class venue.

Totovski, although not yet familiar with India’s existing infrastructure, acknowledges the country’s capacity for rapid development. He noted that India has the ability to adapt quickly, even if some facilities are not initially ready. This adaptability is crucial for meeting the demands of a high-profile Esports event.

Community Engagement

The focus of the upcoming tournament is not solely on competition. The IESF aims to spread awareness about Esports and create opportunities for communities. This approach seeks to encourage a deeper understanding of Esports and its benefits beyond monetary rewards.

The collaboration between SOGF and IESF marks an important step for Esports in India. With the right infrastructure and community support could become a central hub for international Esports events. The upcoming International Esports Masters is poised to be a landmark occasion in the country’s sporting landscape.

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