When was the First eSports Tournament Held in India?
The first significant eSports tournament in India can be traced back to the early 2010s. However, pinpointing the exact year can be challenging due to the proliferation of smaller, local, and college-level tournaments that predated the more prominent and professional events. One of the earliest notable eSports events was the television broadcast of a tournament that gained significant recognition, providing the platform for the competitive gaming community to gain wider exposure.
UCypher: The First Televised eSports Tournament in India
The first televised eSports tournament in India was UCypher, which was broadcasted live on MTV India in January 2018. This event marked a pivotal moment in the growth of eSports in the country, bringing the exciting world of competitive gaming into the living rooms of millions of Indian viewers. UCypher featured a mix of popular games, showcasing the talent and skill of some of India's best players. While it might not be considered the first major eSports tournament, its televisation made it a landmark event in the Indian gaming scene.
The ESL India Premiership: The Premier eSports Tournament
The ESL India Premiership, inaugurated in 2016, marks the first premier eSports tournament in India. This competitive league has evolved over the years, with its 2020 edition being its 5th edition. The ESL India Premiership is the longest-running eSports tournament in the country, with a rich history and a robust ecosystem. It features a variety of games, including CS:GO, DOTA 2, FIFA, PUBGM, and Clash of Clans.
The 2020 edition of the tournament has a substantial prize pool of 1.15 Crore (approx. $1.6 million). This significant prize money has attracted both professional players and avid gamers, making the ESL India Premiership one of the most anticipated eSports events in the country.
Other Prestigious eSports Tournaments in India
Alongside the ESL India Premiership, other prestigious tournaments have emerged in the Indian eSports landscape. DreamHack, for instance, which was first held in Mumbai in 2018, quickly gained popularity. DreamHack was back in 2019 in Delhi and plans to return to Hyderabad for its 2020 edition, marking its third appearance in Asia and a significant event for the Indian eSports community. The 2018 and 2019 editions stand out as the only occasions when DreamHack has been held in Asia, further cementing its importance in the Indian eSports scene.
In addition to these major tournaments, the eSports scene in India remains vibrant and dynamic. ESL CUP and the Lenovo Legion eSports tournament are ongoing, offering robust competition and high-profile events. These tournaments are often live streamed, making it easier for spectators and enthusiasts to stay engaged and connected to the action.
Collaborations with media platforms like Hotstar have also played a crucial role in bringing eSports to a broader audience. On July 9, 2020, at 2 PM, a CS:GO match was telecasted for free on Hotstar, highlighting the growing interest and accessibility of eSports in the country. This event not only entertained the audience but also raised awareness about eSports as a legitimate and competitive field.
Collegiate eSports Competitions
Educational institutions in India have also contributed significantly to the growth of eSports. Colleges and universities across the country regularly host eSports fests, providing a platform for young talents to hone their skills and compete against peers from other institutions. These college fests are not only fun and engaging but also serve as a bridge between the academic and professional worlds, offering opportunities for players to transition into a professional career in eSports.
Conclusion
The journey of eSports in India has been marked by sustained growth, innovation, and remarkable resilience. From the first televised tournament in 2018 to the latest editions of major championships, the eSports landscape in India continues to evolve. As more players, teams, and events come to the forefront, the future of eSports in India looks bright and promising.
Register now for the ESL Starter Cup and be part of the exciting journey of eSports in India.