Over 10,000 Players Set to Compete in Qualifiers for Mumbai’s Live Esports Festival
Over 10,000 Players Set to Compete in Qualifiers for India Rising: Road to EWC 2026
Mumbai, India – In an exciting development for the esports community, the Esports Foundation (EF) and JioBLAST have announced a groundbreaking partnership to launch India Rising: Road to EWC 2026, a national competition pathway leading up to the prestigious Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC). This initiative is expected to attract over 10,000 players from across the country, marking a significant step in India’s burgeoning esports landscape.
The partnership aims to create a long-term flagship property that will not only enhance the competitive scene but also foster a vibrant gaming ecosystem in India. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be formalized to outline future collaborations beyond 2026.
What to Expect from India Rising
India Rising will kick off with nationwide open qualifiers for Chess, culminating in a grand finals event held live at a fan festival in Mumbai. The winner will secure a coveted spot in the EWC 2026 Chess main event, scheduled for August 11-15, 2026, in Riyadh. This inaugural edition highlights India’s strength in Chess, with the potential for expansion into multiple esports formats in subsequent years.
The initiative will invite all titled Indian players to participate in a closed qualifier, while grassroots players will have the opportunity to register for open qualifiers, creating a diverse and competitive environment.
A Festival of Esports and Entertainment
The festival promises to be a spectacular offline event in Mumbai, featuring the India Rising Chess finals alongside a variety of entertainment options. Attendees can look forward to exhibition matches in popular titles like VALORANT and Mobile Legends: 5v5, as well as live music, cosplay, comedy, and interactive gaming zones designed for fan engagement.
Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer of the Esports Foundation, emphasized the importance of investing in regions that are shaping the future of the gaming industry. “India is central to that vision,” he stated, highlighting the country’s vast player base and emerging talent.
Building a Pathway for Indian Talent
Charlie Cowdrey, CEO of JioBLAST, echoed this sentiment, noting that while India boasts one of the largest gaming communities globally, a clear pathway to international competition has been lacking. “Partnering with the Esports World Cup to build India Rising will change that,” he said, expressing excitement for the opportunities this initiative will create for Indian players.
A Bright Future for Indian Esports
With a new generation of Grandmasters like Gukesh Dommaraju and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu leading the charge, India is poised to make a significant impact on the global esports stage. The country is projected to surpass 500 million players by 2026, with player spending expected to exceed $1 billion.
JioBLAST will spearhead the design and execution of India Rising, establishing a structured route from grassroots participation to global competition at the EWC. As the esports landscape continues to evolve, this initiative promises to be a game-changer for Indian talent.
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