The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) has announced India’s final teams for the upcoming BRICS Esports Championship 2026 in Moscow and the Global Esports Games (GEG26) in Los Angeles, following the conclusion of the National Esports Championships (NESC) on August 5. This event served as the official selection tournament to determine the nation’s representatives at two significant international esports competitions.
India will field a two-member team for the BRICS Esports Championship, scheduled for September 9-15 at the VK Play Arena in Moscow. The team will compete in TEKKEN 8, featuring national champion Arsalan Wani, who qualified through the NESC BRICS qualifier, alongside Gurashish Singh, who previously won at the NESC for the Asian Games. Shubham and Ashish rounded out the top three in the qualifier.
For the Global Esports Games, India aims to strengthen its global presence by competing in diverse titles across PC, console, and mobile platforms. Team India has secured spots in various games, including Counter-Strike 2, where Diamond Dogs earned the national berth after defeating Friedup Gaming. Other games where India has strong representation include Clash Royale, NBA 2K, Rocket League, iRacing, and eFootball.
Lokesh Suji, General Secretary of ESFI, emphasized the significance of these competitions for athlete development. He noted that such exposure will enhance skills and prepare the team for future international events, particularly the upcoming Asian Games.
– Why this story matters: Highlights India’s growing commitment to developing its esports scene and international representation.
– Key takeaway: Indian esports athletes have qualified for two major international tournaments, showcasing the talent and potential within the country.
– Opposing viewpoint: Some critics argue that traditional sports may be overshadowed by the rising prominence of esports, leading to a cultural shift.
