By Sagar V. Mankar 
India is preparing to host its first-ever international Esports tournament in 2025, thanks to a recent partnership between the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) and the International Esports Federation (IESF).
This multi-title event, known as the International Esports Masters, will mark a significant moment for India in the world of competitive gaming, as it introduces the country to the global Esports stage.
The collaboration was formalized on October 24 and has gained the backing of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, who expressed strong support for the initiative.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of expanding India’s Esports ecosystem, which he believes will provide Indian athletes with valuable global exposure.
The tournament is set to attract participants from about 150 countries, making it a major event with the potential to draw international attention to India’s growing Esports community.
The host city for the tournament is yet to be decided, and SOGF President Shankar Aggarwal highlighted that sponsorship will play a key role in the selection. According to Aggarwal, if a state government is willing to offer substantial sponsorship, it could increase the chances of the event being held in that state, underscoring the essential role of public and private support in hosting such large-scale events.
Esports has rapidly gained popularity worldwide, with leading sports organizations recognizing its potential. For instance, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is planning an annual Esports series, and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) included Esports in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. These moves reflect Esports’ growing status as a recognized and respected field in the global sports landscape.
The International Esports Masters will follow a club-based competition format. Traditionally, IESF tournaments feature national teams competing against each other, but this new format will bring together professional Esports clubs from different countries, offering a fresh and community-oriented approach. IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski shared that the goal is to unite Tier 1 and Tier 2 clubs in a professional competition that highlights Esports culture.
This approach will shift the focus from high prize incentives to creating an inclusive, accessible platform that welcomes communities with limited access to international gaming events. By doing so, the International Esports Masters seeks to make Esports more approachable for new audiences and create a space where diverse talent can thrive.