From Controllers to Crowns: India's Top 8 Esports Teams and Their Championship Story

In recent years, India's esports scene has surged, captivating gaming enthusiasts nationwide. Rapid growth in competitive gaming has propelled exceptional esports teams to the forefront, etching their names in gaming history through nail-biting tournaments and awe-inspiring victories, showcasing unparalleled skill, dedication, and teamwork. This surge in popularity is owed to widespread internet availability and smartphone democratization, expanding esports' reach to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Affordable internet access has fostered a thriving community of streamers and viewers, with India amassing 17 million esports viewers in 2021, a figure set to soar to 85 million by 2025 according to Statista. A watershed moment arrived in June 2022 when a mainstream Indian channel aired its first esports tournament, sparking escalating viewership and an influx of sponsorships. This surge has birthed major-league esports tournaments and magnified esports teams' followings, elevating professional players to celebrity status.

1. Global Esports:

Global Esports, undoubtedly one of the finest and rapidly ascending teams in the Indian esports realm, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the competitive gaming landscape. For anyone closely following the esports scene in recent years, the name Global Esports is likely to resonate powerfully. In a remarkably short period since its inception in 2017, the organization has made remarkable strides on both the national and international fronts. With a diversified portfolio spanning esports titles such as CSGO, Dota 2, Fifa, PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Valorant, Global Esports stands as a multi-faceted powerhouse. Notably, the team achieved the distinction of being the first organization from the region to partake in the Valorant International League, standing tall as the sole South Asian representative in this prestigious league. The team's laurels extend further, having claimed victory in the coveted BGMI Master Series 2022. This consistent exhibition of excellence underscores Global Esports as an emerging prodigy in the global esports arena, repeatedly showcasing its mettle. The team's star-studded lineup has consistently secured triumphs in esteemed tournaments like the ESL India Premiership and the Valorant Conqueror's Championship, thereby cementing their stature as one of the foremost contenders in the competitive gaming sphere.

2. Velocity Gaming:

Founded in 2017 under the moniker Team Mahi, Velocity Gaming has steadily climbed the ranks to establish itself as a formidable force within the Indian esports sphere. While initially making waves in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), they later transitioned into Valorant in 2020, swiftly cementing their presence in the South Asian gaming landscape. Their journey to prominence reached its peak this year when they clinched the coveted title of Valorant Conquerors Championship, solidifying their position as a top-tier Valorant team in India. Furthermore, their exceptional strategic acumen and mechanical finesse, honed during their time in the CS: GO scene, led them to triumphs in prestigious tournaments like the ESPL 2021 and the Indian LAN Gaming Cup. Notably, their achievements have earned them a well-deserved spot in the Asia Pacific (APAC) Challengers Tournament, underscoring their status as a dominant force on both the regional and global stages.

3. Team S8ul:

Team S8ul stands as one of the premier Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) teams in the country, a dynamic fusion of two influential esports organizations, SOUL and 8bit. The inception of S8UL brought together three celebrated esports personalities from India: Naman Mathur, widely known as Mortal, Animesh Agarwal, also recognized as 8Bit Thug, and Lokesh Jain, who goes by Goldy. In a remarkable display of skill and synergy, Team S8ul clinched victory in the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) of June 2022, etching their name in history as not only the tournament champions but also the first-ever team to secure all individual and team accolades. This year, their prowess earned them a distinguished invitation from Tencent to represent India on the global stage at the PUBG Mobile World Invitational 2022. Furthermore, Team S8ul's eminence transcends BGMI, as they have also made a significant impact in the realm of Call of Duty Mobile. Their achievements reverberate through victories in the COD Mobile India Cup and the COD Mobile Pro League, a testament to their unmatched teamwork and undisputed dominance. Adding to their laurels, S8ul Esports earned the prestigious title of "Content Group of the Year" at the Esports Awards 2022, solidifying their position as multifaceted leaders in the esports domain.

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4. Godlike Esports:

GodLike Esports, founded in 2018 by the esteemed BGMI player and streamer Chetan "Kronten" Chandgude, boasts a roster that includes some of the most outstanding BGMI players, including Jonathan and Clutchgod. Their journey in the esports realm has been nothing short of remarkable. Notably, they made history as the first Indian representatives in the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC 2021), a testament to their skill and dedication. The team's prowess extends beyond PUBG Mobile, as they have also captured the hearts of fans through their remarkable performances in Free Fire tournaments. With exceptional coordination and strategic brilliance, they secured triumphs in tournaments like the Free Fire India Championship, firmly establishing themselves as a dominant force in the Free Fire competitive scene. One of their major achievements includes a remarkable second-place finish in the BGMI Master Series 2022, an event organized by Nodwin Gaming. GodLike Esports stands as a true powerhouse, consistently showcasing its prowess and leaving an indelible mark on the esports landscape.

5. Orangutan Gaming:

Team Orangutan has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most competitive esports teams in India. Their achievements speak volumes about their skill and dedication. In a landmark moment, the team secured a remarkable second place in the Battlegrounds Mobile India Showdown 2022, which marked India's first official LAN event. Building on this success, Orangutan Gaming clinched victory in the Penta BGMI Invitational 2022 held in May. Not confined to a single title, their strategic brilliance and quick thinking have also translated into victories in other games. They showcased their mettle in the world of mobile esports with wins in the Red Bull M.E.O. Season 3 and the ESL India Premiership, solidifying their reputation as a versatile and dominant force in the esports arena.

6. Enigma Gaming:

Over the past few years, Enigma Gaming has risen as an indisputable force within the Indian Valorant esports landscape, showcasing its dominance through victories in numerous third-party tournaments. In the current year, their prowess earned them a coveted spot in the Skyesports Champions Grand Finals and a well-deserved position in the VCT APAC Challengers. Notably, Enigma Gaming's remarkable performance extends beyond Valorant, as they have taken the competitive gaming scene by storm in titles like Rainbow Six Siege. Their expertly executed tactical finesse and seamless teamwork have propelled them to triumph in esteemed tournaments such as the ESL India Premiership and the India Rainbow Six Siege Championship.

7. Hyderabad Hydras:

Hyderabad Hydras, a prominent esports team in India, has been making significant waves within the competitive gaming arena. As a formidable participant in the esports Premier League, they demonstrated their prowess by securing an impressive 4th-place finish in ESPL 2021. Additionally, their achievements extend to the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2021, where they clinched a commendable 6th place. This series, organized by Krafton, showcased its commitment to excellence. With a focus on both elevating the Indian gaming ecosystem and solidifying its standing as a premier team, Hyderabad Hydras has soared through the ranks in the PUBG Mobile ecosystem. Triumphs in events such as the PUBG Mobile India Series and the PUBG Mobile Pro League have solidified their reputation as an undeniable force within the realm of mobile battle royale esports. Their exceptional teamwork and skill continue to set a high bar for competitors in the ever-evolving landscape of esports.

8. Skylightz Gaming:

Skylightz Gaming has risen to prominence in both the competitive Valorant and BGMI (BattleGrounds Mobile India) scenes. In the realm of Valorant, their precision and strategic brilliance have led to victories in tournaments like the Valorant Conqueror's Championship, where they showcased their remarkable ability to outmanoeuvre and outgun their opponents. Simultaneously, Skylightz Gaming has also established itself as one of India's most talented BGMI teams. Their recent performances have been nothing short of excellent, culminating in a historic victory as they became the first team to clinch the BattleGrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) championship. This remarkable achievement was just the beginning, as Skylightz Gaming's triumph earned them a coveted spot in the PUBG Mobile Global Championships (PMGC) Grand Finals. This feat not only marked their exceptional skill but also made them the first Indian team in over two years to proudly represent the nation on the global PUBG stage.

Conclusion:

Initially, the mentality of people in India prompted them to think that gaming was just a waste of time. However, it's truly sensational how something once perceived as a mere pastime has gradually evolved into a billion-dollar industry. The craze for esports has become so prevalent that even major smartphone companies have launched gaming-centric models. Pro-players have set a compelling example, demonstrating that a hobby can be transformed into a lucrative professional career through skill enhancement. Beyond the players, spectators armed with esports knowledge and skills can also earn through platforms like FanClash, India's largest esports tournament platform, offering enticing prizes and opportunities for both novices and professionals in grand global tournaments.

Amidst this transformative wave, the esports landscape in India is evolving at an unprecedented pace. The eight formidable teams mentioned earlier have risen as frontrunners, captivating fans and igniting inspiration within the upcoming generation of gamers. Their exceptional skills, unwavering dedication, and triumphant conquests across various leagues and championships serve as a resounding testament to their commitment to the competitive gaming realm. As these teams continue to assert their dominance on the esports circuit, they are effectively laying the foundation for an exciting future, one where India proudly asserts its stature on the global esports stage and firmly establishes itself as a thriving hub of gaming talent.