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Ultra and CLD Distribution launches next-generation Esports platform Ultra Arena
Mumbai: Ultra, a complete PC video gaming ecosystem created by AAA games industry talent from companies like Ubisoft, Playstation and Nintendo, and CLD Distribution, owner of Smartoys stores and official distributors for the largest retailers in Europe, today proudly announce the launch of Ultra Arena, a next-generation esports and tournament platform for all gamers.
Created to expand access to competitive gaming for casual gamers and pros alike, Ultra Arena will go live globally on 8 August 2023 following a series of successful closed beta tournaments. Currently, gamers often need to join a multitude of third-party websites and Discord servers to compete in their favourite games. Ultra Arena addresses this by integrating directly within Ultra’s ecosystem of PC gaming apps, bringing together tournament organisation, prizes and rewards in a single intuitive hub.
In addition to major benefits for gamers, Ultra Arena provides a multitude of opportunities for publishers, esports organisations, and gaming brands to connect with their audiences. Apart from supporting tournament sponsorships and custom branding for teams and competitions, brands and organisations have the ability to create and oversee their own exclusive tournaments and events. They can also assemble highly competitive lineups to represent them by directly engaging with emerging esports talents.
Ultra Arena will host tournaments for titles including League of Legends, Overwatch 2, CSGO, and PUBG, as well as games that are already available to play on Ultra Games. Tournament organisers take control of the rules and brackets to cater to various skill levels, as well as reward systems. Prize pools can be made up of Ultra’s $UOS ecosystem token, digital games, and digital collectables. Physical licensed products such as graphics cards and keyboards can also be offered, which players can choose to keep or trade with others on Ultra’s built-in Uniq Marketplace.
Ultra’s co-CEOs – Nicolas Gilot and David Hanson – have a long track record in gaming and esports, even creating their own CSGO org in the early 2000s. Announcing the launch of Ultra Arena, Nicolas Gilot said, “Today, esports beyond the very top professional level quickly becomes a mishmash of tournament platforms, Discord servers, and LFG groups. It’s a major challenge for competitive gamers and excludes casual gamers who’d nevertheless like to compete against similar-ability players in their favourite games. By offering a convenient and user-friendly hub within the wider Ultra ecosystem, we’re making it easier for players of all skill levels to access tournaments whilst providing unparalleled opportunities for esports and gaming brands to engage their fans and communities”.
CLD Group CEO Raphael Pluta said, “After 24 years of passionate work within the gaming industry, I’m so proud of this partnership that will enable gamers to grow, compete and have fun in a safe and exciting environment. Our ambition is to connect physical products with this futuristic esports platform to offer the very best phygital experience. I strongly believe that Ultra Arena is an opportunity for retailers and e-tailers around the world to create communities, build marketing activations and grow their fan bases in innovative and authentic ways. Now more than ever, the gaming industry will show its power!”
The launch of Ultra Arena follows the successful public launch of Ultra Games, Ultra’s next-generation PC games store, in April 2023. Tournaments can be held on Ultra Arena for any suitable gaming title, regardless of their availability on Ultra Games. Ultra Arena will be regularly updated with new features such as large-scale ongoing leagues for key esports titles. To download Ultra and start exploring the ecosystem.
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.
