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Gods Reign crowned champions of India’s first franchised Esports tournament
Mumbai: Skyesports Masters, India’s biggest Esports tournament with an Rs two Crore Prize Pool, reached its exhilarating conclusion as Gods Reign took the crown at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium, Bangalore. The team took down Revenant Esports in the thrilling two-day Grand Finale to become the inaugural champions of India’s first-ever franchised Esports tournament on Sunday.
The Skyesports Masters Grand Finale at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium was the country’s first post-pandemic Esports event that took place in a stadium. With more than 7,100 people registering to attend the event live, the on-ground matchup unfolded in front of a huge crowd who were gathered to cheer for their favourite CS:GO team.
The finals contested by revenant Esports and Gods Reign turned out to be an electrifying affair between the two titans of India’s CS:GO landscape. The star-studded team led by Hrishikesh “Crazy_Gamer” Shenoy and comprising Anshul “KiiLSwitCh” Adarkar, Piyush “Clouda” Kalwania, Akash “Ph1NN” Bose, and Parijaat “Rev3nn” Banerjee performed to the best of their abilities to close the series 2-0 against a formidable Revenant Esports.
Gods Reign CS:GO team captain Hrishikesh “Crazy_Gamer” Shenoy said, “We came into the grand finale to win it all and I am glad that my team was able to pull it off. It truly feels amazing to win the inaugural season of the Skyesports Masters after the countless hours of practice and dedication we have put in. We are grateful to all our fans who came to the venue to support us and the others watching from home. This victory goes to them.”
The finals kicked off with both teams exchanging rounds initially to set up nail-biting action in the first map. However, Gods Reign was able to snowball a late-game round win towards the victory. The second map, though, was comparatively one-sided as Gods Reign took the command initially and prevented Revenant from making a comeback, similar to the semifinals.
The event also witnessed the presence of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) member of the Karnataka legislative assembly and vice-president N.A. Harris, who felicitated the players of Gods Reign. “I wish all the best to Esports and our government is in support of you and anything we can do. We are always here for you,” he stated.
The Skyesports Masters was one of India’s biggest gaming tournaments. The event kicked off with the League Stage from 8 July to 17 August as the eight franchised teams competed for the four spots in the grand finale. With more than 50 matches played, the tournament was a testament to the competitiveness of Counter-Strike Esports.
“Congratulations to Gods Reign for their triumph in the biggest CS:GO tournament in the country. The Skyesports Masters served as a platform that showcased the talent and competitive spirit that runs through the veins of the country’s Esports community. We are also grateful to N.A. Haris for gracing the event with his presence and reaffirming the government’s commitment to developing the Esports ecosystem of India. Skyesports will continue to nurture the growth of Esports by organizing high-profile tournaments that enable competitive players along with their teams to thrive and create a name for themselves,” said Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy.
According to the “Windows of Opportunity” report on India’s media and entertainment industry by FICCI-EY, the number of brands investing in Esports in India grew from 72 in 2021 to 80 in 2022, and it is estimated to reach 100 in 2023.
Being the biggest gaming event in the country, Skyesports Masters was a testament to this as the tournament roped in industry giants including AMD, Windows 11, Flipkart, and Zebronics as the sponsors along with Loco, who were the broadcasting partners for the event and played host to the livestream.
Besides the high-octane Esports action, fans were treated to brand booths by Zebronics, AMD, Windows 11, and Flipkart. The event featured a fusion between Esports and music as rap sensation Karma teamed up with prominent content creator Mortal for a music performance.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
