International Esports Tournament in India to Debut in 2025

India to Host Its First International Esports Tournament

International esports tournament is set to take place in India in March 2025, marking the country’s entry into the global esports arena. The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) and the International Esports Federation (IESF) have collaborated to bring this prestigious event to life.

Growing Interest in Esports

Esports has gained tremendous momentum with sports bodies worldwide, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) recognizing its significance. The IOC's plans for an annual esports series and its inclusion in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games underscore this trend.

Event Details and Expectations

• Date: March 2025
• Expected Participants: Over 150 countries
• Host City: To be determined based on sponsorship

SOGF President Shankar Aggarwal highlighted that the choice of city will depend on the involvement of state governments and their readiness to sponsor the event.

A Shift in Esports Events

The IESF aims to make this championship unique by facilitating club-level competitions rather than just country versus country formats. IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski expressed that this initiative is about spreading the essence of esports and creating opportunities for diverse communities.

Infrastructure Challenges Ahead

Despite the excitement, India faces challenges in hosting such a significant event due to a lack of suitable arenas and high-tech infrastructure. The minimum requirement for an esports arena includes space comparable to half a basketball court along with dependable internet solutions and specialized equipment. However, Aggarwal remains optimistic about India's capability to deliver a world-class experience.