By Sagar V. Mankar 
Nagaland, a picturesque state in Northeast India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Every year, the state celebrates the Hornbill Festival during the first week of December, showcasing its traditions and cultural vibrancy. Named after the hornbill bird, an iconic figure in the folklore of Nagaland’s various ethnic communities, the festival has been a major attraction since its inception in 2000.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the festival, and to commemorate the milestone, Nagaland ventured into the rapidly growing esports industry. The 1st Hornbill Esports Championship 2024 began on December 7 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, adding a modern twist to the festivities. The event was inaugurated by Anthony Ngullie, Secretary of the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland, who emphasized its significance in engaging the youth and embracing technological advancements.
Esports: A Booming Industry
The global esports industry is flourishing, with revenues projected to surpass $1.8 billion by 2025. With a worldwide audience of over 640 million enthusiasts, esports has evolved into a dynamic field of opportunities. India, too, is witnessing a rapid rise in this sector, with its esports market expected to grow at a staggering 46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching over Rs 11 billion by 2025.
Recognizing this potential, the Hornbill Esports Championship was organized by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports in collaboration with LVL UP Consultancy. The event attracted participants from across the nation to compete in three categories: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), DOTA 2, and FC24 (FIFA).
Competition Highlights
The championship witnessed fierce competition, with 16 teams battling it out in BGMI, five teams competing in DOTA 2, and 32 individual players showcasing their skills in FC24/FIFA.
Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources & Sports, spoke about the transformative impact of technology on sports. He highlighted the state government’s vision of making esports a core element of youth engagement and expanding the championship to include more disciplines in the future. “This is a small step, but a significant one for our people. In the days to come, we aim to expand this championship to feature 10 to 20 different esports disciplines,” Sekhose said.
Career Opportunities in Esports
Sekhose also acknowledged the international prominence of esports, mentioning the upcoming Esports Olympics 2025 in Saudi Arabia. He expressed confidence that the championship would prepare Nagaland’s players for global competitions while creating career pathways in gaming, content creation, and digital development.
Prize Pool
The championship offered attractive cash prizes:
- BGMI: Rs 3.50 lakh total prize pool, with Rs 1.20 lakh for the champion.
- DOTA 2: Rs 2 lakh total prize pool, with Rs 1 lakh for the champion.
- FC24: Rs 50,000 total prize pool, with Rs 25,000 for the champion.
- Additional Rs 5000 for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in BGMI.
A Vision for the Future
The Hornbill Esports Championship aims to become an annual event, attracting national and international talent while contributing to the state’s digital economy. This initiative underscores Nagaland’s progressive approach to integrating tradition with innovation, making it a trailblazer in the esports domain.
Sources: Event reports, industry analysis, and official statements.