The Gujarat Titans have made a groundbreaking move by launching the “Battlegrounds Mobile India-Titans Rising” tournament, becoming the first Indian Premier League (IPL) team to enter the e-sports arena. With a substantial prize pool of ₹22 lakh, this tournament promises to deliver thrilling competition as established professional teams go head-to-head with emerging talents.
Tournament Overview
Kicking off on October 10, 2024, the tournament features multiple elimination phases designed to showcase the best of BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India). The initial stage includes five offline open qualifiers running until October 15, where over 2,048 teams—comprising more than 10,000 gamers—have already registered to compete. This open format allows aspiring teams to demonstrate their skills and secure a spot in the subsequent rounds.
Competition Structure
The tournament format is crafted to deliver peak excitement:
- Open Qualifiers (October 10-15): All registered teams compete for 32 advancement spots.
- Pre-Quarters (October 16-17): The top 32 qualifying teams will face off against 32 invited teams, creating a competitive pool of 48.
- Quarterfinals (October 18-20): From here, 48 teams will compete for 24 spots in the semifinals.
- Semifinals (October 21-23): The best 24 teams will battle it out for a chance to reach the Grand Finale.
- Grand Finals (October 24-27): The leading 16 teams will vie for the championship title and a portion of the prize pool.
Notable Participants
The tournament will showcase top e-sports organizations like Revenant E-sports, Team IQOO SouL, and Team Orangutan, along with star players such as Sc0utOp, Omega, and Goblin. Their participation is expected to elevate the competitive landscape and draw significant viewer interest.
Streaming and Engagement
All matches from the pre-quarters onward will be streamed live on the Gujarat Titans‘ YouTube channel, ensuring that fans can follow the action closely. This initiative not only enhances fan engagement but also helps bridge the gap between traditional sports and e-sports in India.
Significance of E-sports
Col. Arvinder Singh, COO of Gujarat Titans, highlighted the increasing global recognition of e-sports, pointing out its inclusion in major events like the Olympics and Asian Games. The “Titans Rising” tournament aims to engage fans while expanding the team’s brand presence in this burgeoning sector.
As e-sports continues to gain traction worldwide, the Gujarat Titans’ entry into this space marks an exciting development for both cricket and gaming enthusiasts. With intense competition on the horizon, all eyes will be on this innovative tournament as it unfolds over the coming weeks.