Gaming
Reckoning and GodLike Esports to take India to Pokémon Unite Asia 2026
Two top Indian teams clinch spots in Japan’s Asia Champions League showdown
MUMBAI: India’s Pokémon Unite scene is set to shine on the global stage as Reckoning Esports and GodLike Esports secure their places at the Pokémon Unite Asia Champions League 2026 in Japan.
Reckoning Esports booked India’s primary slot by winning the India League, a $20,000 online tournament featuring ten of the nation’s top esports outfits. The league spanned five action-packed matchdays before culminating in a nail-biting King of the Hill Playoff. In the grand final, Reckoning edged past GodLike Esports 3–2, denying the fan favourites the title.
Reflecting on the victory, Reckoning Esports captain Jeet “Swifty” Kundra said, “Winning after such a long season means a lot. The format tested our consistency and mental strength, and the grand final showed just how close the competition is. Representing India in Japan is an honour, and we can’t wait for the challenge.”
GodLike Esports bounced back in style via the Pokémon Unite Winter Tournament 2026, an open-qualifier event giving teams from across India a shot at glory. They stormed through the single-elimination bracket and clinched a 3–0 win in the grand final, securing India’s second slot at the Asia Champions League.
Commenting on the comeback, GodLike Esports captain Om “Scepter” Gore said, “Losing the India League final was tough, but it drove us to come back stronger. The Winter Tournament let us focus on clean, confident play, and qualifying for the PUACL feels incredible. We’re determined to make India proud on the world stage.”
GodLike Esports founder & CEO Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude added, “This is a huge moment for Indian esports. Our team’s dedication has earned them the right to represent India, and we’re excited to showcase our talent to the world.”
The Pokémon Unite Asia Champions League 2026 takes place at Yokohama Buntai, Japan, on 28–29 March. Reckoning and GodLike will be among 16 teams vying for the championship and a share of the $200,000 prize pool.
Gaming
Formula 1 and Mumbai Falcons launch India’s first official F1 sim racing championship
Nationwide competition creates pathway from virtual racing to pro motorsport
MUMBAI: Formula 1 has teamed up with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited to launch India’s first officially sanctioned F1 sim racing competition, marking a new step in the country’s growing motorsport ecosystem.
The championship, titled F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, will offer a structured national platform for sim racers, with participants competing on the official F1 25 across multiple stages. The competition will begin with online qualifiers, followed by city-based simulator rounds, before culminating in a national final in Mumbai this November.
Open to players across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox, registrations for the event will begin on 30 April via the Mumbai Falcons app. The format mirrors real-world racing, featuring official circuits, team liveries and competitive structures aligned with the global series.
Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan said the initiative arrives at a time when interest in the sport is surging in India, adding that a structured sim racing platform could help identify and nurture the next generation of talent.
Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited managing director Ameet Gadhoke noted that the championship aligns with the team’s long-term goal of building a strong motorsport pipeline in the country and placing Indian talent on the global stage.
The launch also reflects broader momentum in esports, especially after its recognition under India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. By bridging gaming and real-world racing, the initiative aims to offer aspiring drivers a credible entry point into professional motorsport.
With interest in Formula 1 steadily rising and conversations around its return to India gaining pace, the new championship could become a proving ground for future racing stars.
