In a landmark moment for India’s esports ecosystem, Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) proudly announces its collaboration with the Global Esports Federation (GEF) to bring the Global Esports Tour (GET) 2025 to Mumbai. This historic event marks the first-ever Global Esports Tournament in India, further cementing the nation’s role as an emerging force in global esports.

The first ever Global Esports Tournament in Mumbai will bring together top-tier professional esports athletes and teams to compete on a world-class stage. This initiative is a direct outcome of the Strategic Framework Agreement signed between SOGF and Global Esports Federation (GEF) in October 2024, signifying a long-term commitment to developing esports across South Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The Global Esports Tour Mumbai will not only showcase high-stakes competition but also serve as a launchpad for India’s esports talent onto the international stage. By hosting a prestigious event of this scale, SOGF aims to bolster India’s esports industry, drive investments, and create unparalleled opportunities for athletes, developers, and organizations within the ecosystem.

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Sibtain Baqri, Chief Executive Officer of SOGF, expressed his excitement about this milestone,“Bringing the Global Esports Tour to India is more than just a tournament—it’s a movement. This event underscores India’s potential as a global esports powerhouse, providing athletes with an international platform to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. SOGF is committed to nurturing this ecosystem, and GET Mumbai is just the beginning of our larger vision to shape the future of esports in India and South Asia.”

Echoing this sentiment, Rustam Aghasiyev, Chief of Staff & Operations at Global Esports Federation, stated: “We are thrilled to expand our global footprint with the Global Esports Tour in Mumbai, which will introduce a new wave of opportunities for Indian and South Asian esports communities. Our partnership with SOGF is a significant step toward fostering an inclusive, competitive, and world-class esports environment in the region.”

Global Esports Tour, the GEF’s professional team series, showcases elite-level esports athletes and teams competing in high-stakes tournaments across iconic global cities. The arrival of GET in India underscores GEF’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and delivering impactful experiences for athletes, audiences, and stakeholders alike.

Thailand’s Transport Ministry has given the green light for Bangkok Port to have an entertainment complex.

Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Friday said his deputy, Manaporn Charoensri, will form a committee on the feasibility of developing an entertainment complex in areas such as ports.

He said multiple locations are being considered.

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Regarding Bangkok Port in the Klong Toey area, Mr Suriya said the location has great potential, given it is a sizeable plot of land with scenic river views and the capability to be transformed into a yacht marina.

Mr Suriya said Bangkok itself is a suitable location for such a development.

As for Laem Chabang or Pattaya having an entertainment complex — which would also house a casino — he said the decision lies with a national committee, and the Transport Ministry has no authority to fix a location.

An academic who specialises in social problems that are allegedly caused by gambling, has expressed concern over whether the government can handle more problems from lawful gambling as it cannot even resolve the existing issues of illegal gambling dens and websites.

He said the gambling “demons” that have been haunting cities, territories and countries like Las Vegas, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Singapore are now creeping their way into Thailand.

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He also pointed out that casinos typically target adults, whereas online gambling seems easily accessible to younger people.

Controlling age restrictions online is far more challenging, increasing the risk of addiction among children and adolescents, he said.

MGM China has announced a salary increment for all eligible team members with effect from March 24, 2025, in recognition of their hard work and contribution for the company.

A 2.5% increment will be awarded for all eligible team members in which 99% team members will be rewarded. For team members with a monthly salary of or less than MOP16,000, a standard salary adjustment of MOP600 will be granted, which represents a 2.5-5.5% increment.

Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our team members for their wholehearted dedication in moving forward hand in hand with the Company. In the new year, MGM will fully support the policy implementation of the SAR Government as always; pragmatically promote the development all-for-one cultural tourism, while working with the team to continue enrich the essence of Macau as ‘One Center, One Platform, One Base’.”

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