Gaming
India gears up for Esports Conclave 2025 to shape gaming future
MUMBAI: India is levelling up in the esports arena, with the Esports Conclave 2025 set to take centre stage on 1 April in New Delhi. Organised by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) in partnership with Krafton India and supported by Invest India as the knowledge partner, the conclave is poised to redefine the future of competitive gaming in the country.
Bringing together senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and esports professionals, the event will tackle crucial topics like international tournament readiness, investment opportunities, job creation, and esports infrastructure development. The discussions will also contribute to an Esports framework recommendation for the government, charting a course for esports regulation and industry recognition.
With the theme “Forging the Path to Global Leadership”, the conclave will explore ways to integrate esports into Aatmanirbhar Bharat, positioning India as a powerhouse in the global gaming ecosystem.
The need for a structured regulatory framework has become more pressing as esports gains momentum. With its inclusion in major sporting events like the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, the industry is no longer just a niche digital phenomenon, it’s a legitimate competitive sport with global stakes.
PEFI secretary Piyush Jain said, “The upcoming Esports Conclave 2025 will mark a historic milestone in establishing India as a global powerhouse in the world of esports. Esports has evolved into a dynamic and competitive sporting industry with immense potential of growth. This conclave will serve as a catalyst, bringing together industry leaders, gamers, and policymakers to shape the future of esports in India. It will facilitate crucial discussions on policy frameworks, infrastructure, and opportunities for Indian talent on the global stage. PEFI is dedicated to making India a frontrunner in this digital sports revolution and is fully prepared to embrace this new era of competitive gaming.”
Krafton India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn said, “Esports is the future of competitive entertainment. With its official recognition in premier sporting events such as the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, Indian athletes now have the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stages. At Krafton India, we are committed to fostering a structured, sustainable, and internationally competitive esports ecosystem that empowers players and drives industry growth. Esports Conclave 2025 is a defining moment in this journey, bringing together policymakers, industry pioneers, and esports professionals to shape a long-term vision for India’s Esports industry.”
Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee said, “With esports now finding a place in major international sporting events, India has a real shot at becoming a global contender. Esports Conclave 2025 is an important step in that direction – it’s where the right conversations can happen between the industry, government, and other key players. Whether it’s building grassroots programs, improving tournament ecosystems, or integrating esports into initiatives like Khelo India, this platform gives us a chance to align on what the future should look like. The goal is simple: create the structure and support needed for Indian esports talent to thrive on the world stage.”
The Indian gaming industry is projected to hit 7.5 billion dollars by FY28, growing at a staggering CAGR of 20 per cent. As one of the fastest-growing esports markets in the world, India is not just playing the game, it’s setting new rules.
By bringing together visionaries from policy and industry, Esports Conclave 2025 is more than just a conference; it’s a game-changing moment for India’s digital economy. With strategic vision, investment, and collaboration, India is gearing up to not only participate in the global esports arena but to dominate it.
Gaming
Nodwin Gaming partners with Runestone for esports data and integrity solutions
South Asian esports leader joins forces with Czech tech firm to enhance tournament operations.
MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming has just levelled up its game by bringing in a specialist to keep the scoreboard honest and the fans fully engaged. The leading South Asian esports and gaming company has announced a strategic partnership with Runestone, a Prague-headquartered esports technology firm specialising in real-time data and engagement solutions for tournament organisers and publishers.
The collaboration aims to strengthen competitive integrity, improve operational oversight, and deliver more interactive viewing experiences across Nodwin’s properties. It will initially focus on the Nodwin Clutch Series for Counter-Strike 2, a Tier 2 tournament that provides emerging teams with consistent competitive opportunities and helps build the talent pipeline.
The latest edition of the series recently concluded with Big defeating ECSTATIC 2–1 in the grand final of the $50,000 online event.
Nodwin Gaming chief business officer at MENA and global head of data monetization Teemu Koski said, “Integrity and transparency are fundamental to sustainable esports ecosystems, especially in Tier 2 competition where the next generation of talent emerges. Runestone’s expertise complements our experience in building scalable esports IPs.”
Runestone head of partnerships Michael Schwartz added, “Nodwin Gaming has built one of the most dynamic esports ecosystems across emerging markets. We’re thrilled to collaborate on supporting tournaments with greater transparency, deeper fan interaction, and scalable tools.”
Both companies are exploring opportunities to extend the partnership across additional titles, including mobile-first competitive ecosystems, and to develop new products for publishers, tournament operators, and event promoters.
In the rapidly growing world of esports, where fair play and fan excitement are equally crucial, Nodwin Gaming and Runestone are teaming up to ensure every match is not only competitive but also transparent and engaging. This alliance could well become a game-changer for Tier 2 tournaments across South Asia and beyond.
