Esports news: Harbhajan Singh and Inzamam ul Haq come together to celebrate World Esports Cup winners

On November 25, 2021, the World Esports Cup began. It featured players from India, Pakistan, and Nepal competing in a three-month competition The members explored every possibility, leaving no stone unturned to emerge as the winners round after round. Harbhajan Singh, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Manisha Koirala teamed up to bring the maiden edition of the World Esports Cup to a close in a fitting manner. The tournament carried a total award price worth INR 75 lakh.

During the facilitation, Inzamam ul Haq said, "The best part is everyone can participate in these games...like how for India and Pakistan matches we had the pressure to win, the same pressure was on these (esports) players...the traditional rivalry of India vs Pakistan matches like in cricket, hockey or kabaddi is high so the competition will be high, and it will continue in esports also."

The growing popularity of Esports

This tri-country cup's first edition was entirely web-based. The three-month competition drew a total of more than 130 million views across India Today Gaming's social media networks (ITG).

There was no shortage of high-powered and intense gameplay at the World Esports Cup, which included both seasoned esports veterans and new talent from the three neighbouring nations.

The gamers from India, Pakistan, and Nepal showed splendid assaults as well as protective techniques, a variety of strategies and skilful coordination. It was Total Gaming, India's top Free Fire group surfaced as champions and lifted the World Esports cup title. India bagged the top four positions, followed by Nepal and Pakistan winning the fifth and sixth spot respectively.

Former Indian bowler, Harbhajan Singh said, "For us, it's a new thing...we used to play for the sake of entertainment. But people are making a career out of it now. There are analysts for them, there are discussions around it and even coaching is provided to make them understand the nuances of the game. Not only the players but many people are now associating with it in order to be something. It is relatively easy for me to understand the demands and effort. I would suggest to these players that if you love esports then put in your hard work and become so strong that no one can beat you."

The winning team received INR 35 lakh in prize money, while the second-place team received INR 15 lakh. Daksh Garg, also known as Mafia of Total Gaming esports Team, received the Most Valuable Player Award (MVP). Ajay Sharma, known as FozyAjay of Total Gaming, was named the Best IGL of the Championship. Nepal's Team Khelmandap Brotherhood won the best underdog team while India's Radhe Thakur was named the Best Clutcher of the Tournament. The fans took part in a vote and Total Gaming emerged as the most favourite. All the individual winners got INR 50,000 as prize cash.