Asia

ESFI onboards FITGMR Inc. for Training & Skill development of Indian Esports Athlete

Published

3 years ago

May 8, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) has partnered with FITGMR Inc., a renowned Esports technology and training firm, to create a top-notch player and coaching development initiative to foster healthy, high-performing, and sustainable growth within the Indian Esports industry.

The partnership, which is set to span multiple years, will see FITGMR working closely with ESFI teams providing in-game coaching and performance training. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, curriculum, and a comprehensive coach training program this partnership will empower India’s competitive players to train and develop the skills they need to play and perform at their best.

Additionally, FITGMR will also be providing comprehensive training to coaches throughout India, equipping them with the expertise and understanding required to guide players toward success.

“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with FITGMR that will bring a wealth of resources to our players, helping them to take their game to the next level. ESFI is committed to providing the best possible environment for its athletes to excel in the world of competitive gaming and this partnership is a testament to our “Athlete-First” approach which will fuel the much-needed growth in the grind of our athletes. With prestigious tournaments such as the Asian Games, World Esports Championships, Global Esports Games coming up, FITGMR’s team of experienced coaches as well as their unique approach to training and development will help our athletes not only hone their skills to reach their full potential but also give them a competitive edge to excel on the international stage. We are excited for the positive impact this association will bring and are looking forward to commencing with it,” said Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF)

Having partnered with the globally distinguished Esports organization Cloud9 as well as the International Esports Federation, FITGMR has a proven track record of training players to help them reach peak performance levels and build a foundation for long-term success. By partnering with ESFI, the company will aid the growth of the country’s gamers by not only developing healthy habits and mindsets but also providing the data, in-game coaching, and feedback that the players require.

“ESFI and FITGMR are both committed to delivering results and doing it the right way. Having the opportunity to create the proper infrastructure, with player physical and mental health incorporated from the outset, means players will thrive in their games while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. If Esports is to succeed in the long-term, developing an infrastructure like this is paramount. We were deeply impressed by ESFI’s unwavering dedication and commitment to nurturing Indian Esports talent. Collaborating with them is a great honor and privilege for us.” said Kristin Anderson, CEO and Co-Founder of FITGMR.

As per the recent ‘Windows of Opportunity’ report by FICCI-EY, The number of Esports players across all competitive level games in India increased from 600,000 in 2021 to 1 million in 2022, and the number is expected to reach 2.5 million in 2023.

The partnership between ESFI and FITGMR represents a significant step forward for Esports athletes’ well-being and highlights the importance of physical fitness and health in the Esports industry.

8bit Binks

S8UL Esports Triumphs in VCSA 2026 Split 1: A Grand Final Masterclass

Published

21 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

s8ul-esports-triumphs-in-vcsa-2026-split-1:-a-grand-final-masterclass

In a heart-pounding display of tactical precision and mental fortitude, S8UL Esports has been crowned the VALORANT Challengers South Asia (VCSA) 2026 Split 1 Champions. The victory came after an intense five-map Grand Final against Revenant Xspark, where S8UL emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, solidifying their dominance in the regional VCT ecosystem.

With this win, S8UL takes home the lion’s share of the prize pool—INR ₹9,00,000—and sets a high benchmark for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The Road to the Trophy

S8UL’s journey through Split 1 was a testament to their growth following the 2025 season. Their path to the podium included:

League Phase Dominance: Consistent performance against seven of South Asia’s elite teams.
Semifinal Sweep: A commanding 2-0 victory over Asterisk, showcasing a roster peaking at the perfect moment.
The 5-Map Thriller: A back-and-forth Grand Final against Revenant Xspark that tested the limits of both skill and composure.

Strategic Growth and Leadership

The victory highlights the successful vision of Mithul “8bit Binks” Nayak, the driving force behind this revamped roster. Under the leadership of veteran captain Ganesh “SkRossi” Gangadhar, the team displayed evolved coordination and the ability to clutch out decisive rounds under immense pressure.

“Winning Split 1 gives us confidence, but we know the season is long,” said SkRossi. “I’m proud of how the team stayed focused in the crucial moments.”

Impact on the VCT Ecosystem

VCSA Split 1 serves as the critical pathway for South Asian teams to climb into the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT). By securing the first title of the year, S8UL not only establishes themselves as the team to beat but also positions themselves favorably for international qualification opportunities in Split 2 and beyond.

Animesh ‘Thug’ Agarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of S8UL, noted: “The team showed incredible composure in a high-pressure final. This result is a testament to the work they’ve been putting in behind the scenes. We’ve always believed in this roster.”

The post S8UL Esports Triumphs in VCSA 2026 Split 1: A Grand Final Masterclass appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards

QTech Games wins Innovation of the Year at the 2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards

Published

2 weeks ago

March 26, 2026

Wladimir P.

qtech-games-wins-innovation-of-the-year-at-the-2026-spice-south-asia-awards

QTech Games, the leading game aggregator for emerging markets, has been named Innovation of the Year 2026 at the prestigious SPiCE South Asia Awards, held at the iconic Shangri-La Colombo in Sri Lanka, overcoming strong regional competition.

The award celebrates the South Asian iGaming innovator that has demonstrated groundbreaking technological innovation, delivering tailored solutions over the past 12 months while excelling in user engagement and sustained growth.

QTech’s recognition follows the successful launch of QTech Hybrid, a platform that enables players to seamlessly transition between retail and digital gaming environments. The solution combines QTech Games’ AI-powered casino lobby, QTech Play, with a retail management system and a state-of-the-art Agent Management System (AMS), allowing operators to scale brick-and-mortar operations online. QTech Hybrid represents a next-generation omnichannel solution, bridging the gap between physical and digital casino experiences.

“We’re thrilled to be recognised for Innovation of the Year in South Asia,” said Philip Doftvik, CEO of QTech Games.
“This award reflects the collective effort of our team and our network of innovative suppliers. From QTech Hybrid to QTechLabs and our Value Added Services, we continue to deliver solutions that drive revenue and engagement for our partners worldwide.

“Being acknowledged for our innovation, market impact, and operational results validates our strategic direction. It underscores QTech’s commitment to setting the gold standard in emerging markets and shaping the future of online casino gaming across Asia and beyond.”

With this accolade, QTech Games reinforces its position as a pioneer in emerging market aggregation, demonstrating that innovative technology and omnichannel solutions are key to scaling operations and enhancing player experiences across the globe.

The post QTech Games wins Innovation of the Year at the 2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Asia

GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines

Published

2 weeks ago

March 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

gli-becomes-the-first-company-accredited-by-pagcor-to-test-and-certify-igaming-platforms-in-the-philippines

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named an Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). GLI is the first gaming testing company to achieve the accreditation and is now authorised to test and certify iGaming platforms in the Philippines.

GLI will bring its global and unsurpassed expertise to the Philippines, helping to ensure PAGCOR meets its policy and regulatory objectives as set out in its rules. GLI’s presence and its GLI-19 Standard will also help suppliers who wish to successfully and compliantly enter the marketplace.

Submissions will be tested against “GLI Standard Series GLI-19: Standards for Interactive Gaming Systems,” which has been widely accepted and adopted by jurisdictions around the world.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said: “Regulated gaming markets ensure a safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all to participate in. A regulated market enables compliance to responsible gaming standards and the provision of tax revenue for reinvestment back into the community. PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply to the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players. We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing / certification, and data security.”

GLI President and CEO James R. Maida said: “We are grateful to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and to the entire PAGCOR team for the trust they continue to place in GLI. Under the Chairman’s skillful leadership, the market in the Philippines has improved steadily, and we are honored to be the first company to be accredited for iGaming testing and certification, and we look forward to working side- by-side with PAGCOR to meet their policy objectives.”

The post GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.