iWorld
India’s top teams to compete for VCT ascension slot & $66k prize pool at NODWIN Gaming arena
Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming, the leading South Asian gaming and esports company, in collaboration with Riot Games, are set to bring the electrifying LAN playoffs of the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia Split 2 to Delhi’s NODWIN Gaming Arena in Chattarpur from June 25-28. Get ready for South Asia’s top VALORANT teams to battle it out for a shot at VCT Ascension!
After the high-octane league stage, Revenant Esports and Velocity Gaming emerged as the top two finishers from Group A, while True Rippers and Orangutan led the standings in Group B. Now, these four leading VALORANT teams representing South Asia will compete in the LAN playoffs for not only a chance to secure a spot in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Ascension in Japan this year but also for a share of the $66,000 (approximately Rs 55 lakhs) prize pool. The champions will claim $20,000 (approximately Rs 16.7 lakhs) in prize money.
This electrifying LAN event at the NODWIN Gaming Arena promises to be an exceptional and unforgettable experience, bringing fans and players together for an action-packed, heart-pounding fight to the top. Additionally, the action will also be broadcast live on NODWIN Gaming’s YouTube channel. OMEN by HP is the tournament’s title partner and Philips is the styling partner.
Expressing his excitement, NODWIN Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee stated, “We are ecstatic to bring the LAN playoffs of OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia Split 2 to the NODWIN Arena which will have the region’s most talented VALORANT athletes competing to bolster India’s presence in the global landscape. This event represents the pinnacle of VALORANT esports in India, and NODWIN Gaming is proud to provide a platform for these talented teams to showcase their skills. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our partners and look forward to elevating the esports experience for both players and fans.”
The OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024, organised by NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games, began earlier this year and marked the beginning of an exciting competitive season. With a dual-split format, this tournament serves as a pivotal milestone for South Asian teams aspiring to qualify for the VCT Ascension 2024: Pacific.
“The OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 has served as a crucial platform for teams and players in the region to demonstrate their skills. So far, throughout Split 1 and the league stage of Split 2, this tournament has not only showcased some incredible VALORANT plays, but also reinforced our commitment to providing competitive opportunities for the region. We are now eager to witness some amazing matches and memorable moments as South Asia’s top four teams battle it out for a coveted spot in the VCT Ascension Pacific,” said Riot Games’ esports lead, India & South Asia, Sukamal Pegu.
The Split 1 of the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 garnered significant success, drawing 30,000 attendees to the offline cup final one and two, alongside an impressive online viewership of 3.2 Million across. The upcoming Split 2 LAN Playoffs are set to be a leap forward for VALORANT in India, building on past successes and propelling the game’s competitive scene to new heights.
For further updates and information about the VALORANT Challengers South Asia, follow NODWIN Gaming on social media.
iWorld
Prime Video bets big on India with global originals, films and franchise expansion
Execs highlight scale, travelability and new IP bets as India anchors global strategy
MUMBAI: At Prime Video Presents 2026, the message was clear and confident. India is not just part of the plan, it is central to it.
In a lively fireside chat hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, Kelly Day, vice president of prime video and amazon mgm studios international, Nicole Clemens, vice president of international originals, and Gaurav Gandhi, vice president for Apac and Anz, laid out an ambitious roadmap. Think bigger stories, wider reach and a sharper focus on building franchises that travel.
Kelly Day, a regular visitor to India, set the tone early. Calling the country “one of the most important markets globally”, she pointed to the sheer scale and diversity of audiences as a driving force behind Prime Video’s growth. Indian Originals, she said, are not just local hits but global engines powering subscriptions and engagement.
That global appeal is already visible. According to Clemens, around 25 percent of viewership for Indian content now comes from outside the country. Shows rooted deeply in local culture are finding fans worldwide, proving that specificity, when paired with universal themes, travels well. From gritty dramas to sharp thrillers, Indian storytelling is increasingly crossing borders with ease.
Clemens, who joined recently to lead international originals, was particularly upbeat about India’s creative range. She highlighted a growing slate of over 100 shows in development and production, with more than 60 percent returning for multiple seasons. For her, the formula is simple. Authentic stories, told well, resonate everywhere.
Adding to the buzz, she teased new and returning titles, alongside a fresh superhero universe, the Kalyug Warriors. It signals a push into new genres while doubling down on familiar fan favourites.
If content is king, distribution is the clever courtier. Day outlined Prime Video’s layered business model in India, which blends subscription, rentals, add on channels and ad supported viewing through Amazon MX Player. The idea is straightforward. Give viewers choice, whether they want premium, free or pay per view.
India, she noted, has also become a testing ground for innovation. Tiered pricing, mobile only plans and language diversity have all been sharpened here before being exported to other markets. In many ways, the India playbook is now influencing global strategy.
For Gaurav Gandhi, the next chapter is about scale with intent. He outlined four priorities. Making Prime Video more accessible, pushing Indian content globally, building stronger franchises and supercharging the films business.
On films, the platform is moving beyond licensing into co productions and now theatrical releases in partnership with amazon mgm studios. These films will eventually stream on Prime Video, creating a full circle from cinema halls to living rooms across 240 countries.
Franchise building remains another key pillar. With hits like The Family Man, Mirzapur and Panchayat already enjoying multi season success, the focus is now on creating the next wave of enduring IP. Newer titles are already lining up for second seasons, signalling a steady pipeline.
What stood out through the conversation was a shared belief. Streaming in India is still in its early innings, and the runway is long. With a mix of local flavour and global ambition, Prime Video is betting that stories from India will not just stay at home, but travel far and wide.
Or as the executives seemed to suggest, the world is watching and India has plenty more to show.
