NEW DELHI: The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced the Chennai Esports Global Championship (CEGC), an international-scale esports event that will see professional teams from India and abroad compete in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI).
Organized by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) in collaboration with Skyesports, the championship will take place this November at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, marking a historic first for a state-backed global esports tournament in India.
The Counter-Strike 2 International Tournament will be held from November 7–9, featuring top teams from India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. With a USD 50,000 prize pool, the competition will also be part of the Valve Regional Standings, making it one of the most significant global events to take place in India’s esports calendar. The BGMI National Tournament will follow from November 14–16, offering a ₹50 lakh prize pool for India’s leading mobile esports teams.
The grand Opening Ceremony on November 7 will bring together esports leaders, government representatives, and international stakeholders to inaugurate the event — a step that organizers believe will position Chennai as a rising hub for global esports.
Dr. Atulya Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, said,
“Tamil Nadu is proud to pioneer the convergence of technology and sport. Having successfully incorporated esports into the Chief Minister’s Trophy, we are now ready to showcase our state’s prowess on the world stage. This landmark initiative aligns with the vision of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin to promote emerging sports and empower the state’s youth.”
J. Meghanatha Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary of SDAT, added,
“The Chennai Esports Global Championship reflects our vision to make Tamil Nadu a global esports destination. Beyond competition, it will boost industries like broadcasting, production, and content creation — generating jobs and growth for our creative economy.”
Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, said,
“The CEGC is India’s declaration that we’re ready to build and sustain a global esports ecosystem rooted in local talent. With SDAT’s support, we aim to make Chennai a bridge between Indian esports and the global scene, much like how Saudi Arabia’s Esports World Cup became a global hub.”
The CEGC aims to blend competition, culture, and tourism, showcasing Tamil Nadu’s heritage while positioning India within the global esports landscape.
According to IMARC Group, the global esports market was valued at USD 2.08 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 10.06 billion by 2033. The Asia-Pacific region leads this expansion, and India, with 453 million gamers in 2023, is expected to surpass 730 million by 2028, further solidifying its place in the international esports industry.
