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IICT Launches Esports Premier League to Fuel India's Orange Economy Growth

The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai hosted the inaugural IICT Esports Premier League, drawing participation from over 1,000 students and visitors from more than 20 colleges across India. The event featured competitive gaming titles like BGMI and Valorant, alongside open-access formats, as part of efforts to promote the AVGC sector within India's Orange Economy. CEO Vishwas Deoskar highlighted that an esports event of this scale had never before been organized at an institution in Mumbai. The league, supported by industry partners including Hitwicket and CyberPowerPC, is planned as an annual initiative to integrate esports and creative technologies into India's educational landscape.

Key Points: IICT Hosts Inaugural Esports Premier League in Mumbai

  • Boosts Orange Economy & AVGC sector
  • Draws 1000+ students from 20+ colleges
  • Features popular titles like BGMI & Valorant
  • Supported by major industry partners
2 min read

IICT hosts Esports Premier League to boost PM's vision for India's Orange Economy

IICT Mumbai hosts first Esports Premier League with 1000+ participants, boosting AVGC sector and India's Orange Economy vision.

"An esports event of this scale has never been organised in Mumbai at an institution. - Vishwas Deoskar"

Mumbai, February 8

The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai, on Sunday hosted the inaugural edition of the IICT Esports Premier League, highlighting the growing significance of esports and gaming in India, particularly within the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics sector, a key component of the country's burgeoning Orange Economy.

The IICT, a Government of India Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR (Extended Reality), modelled on the IIT-IIM framework, welcomed students and gamers from over 20 colleges across India, including Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology and VIT, to participate in the league.

According to a press release, "The league featured popular competitive titles, including BGMI and Valorant, as well as open-access formats such as FIFA, Real Cricket 24, Hitwicket, Cosmic Race, and Beat Saber VR, drawing over 1,000 students and visitors from more than 20 colleges across India, including Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, VIT, and others."

Speaking to ANI, Vishwas Deoskar, CEO of IICT, emphasised the significance of the event for both the institute and the broader esports ecosystem in Mumbai.

"This is its first season. An esports event of this scale has never been organised in Mumbai at an institution," he said.

"Esports is for players. Cricket is being played. Car racing is happening. There will be awards. The awards will be declared shortly. There will be an award ceremony for the first, second, and third-place teams. I am happy to share that around 500 people have attended. All the teams that participated played with great enthusiasm and competitive spirit," he added.

The IEPL event was supported by several industry partners. Hitwicket and Cosmic Race contributed to the cash prizes, while CyberPowerPC from the USA supported the players with gift vouchers, merchandise, and hardware giveaways. Xwall.io introduced a unique "phygital" sports experience that blends physical movement with digital gaming. Cineon Broadcast India Limited joined as the technology partner.

The IEPL will be organised annually as part of broader efforts to integrate esports, creative technologies, and industry-aligned skilling into India's educational and economic landscape.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As a parent, I have mixed feelings. While skill development is good, I hope such events don't encourage excessive screen time for students. Balance is key. It's promising that it's tied to education and future jobs, but institutes must also promote physical activity.
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Vikram M
Great initiative! Including games like BGMI and Real Cricket 24 shows they understand the Indian gaming landscape. The industry partnerships are crucial for making esports a viable career. Hope this leads to more tournaments and recognition for our talented gamers.
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Rohit P
Over 1000 participants from 20+ colleges is impressive for a first season! Mumbai needed a flagship esports event at an institutional level. This can really put Indian esports on the map. Waiting to see the award winners!
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Sarah B
The "phygital" sports experience from Xwall.io sounds innovative. Blending physical movement with gaming is a smart way to address health concerns. It's good to see global and Indian partners supporting this. Hope the momentum continues!
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Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The article mentions the PM's vision, but the event details feel more corporate/institutional. It would be more impactful if there was clearer information on how this directly benefits ordinary students beyond the tournament—like specific skilling programs or job placements in AVGC.
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