Maharashtra has made history with the inauguration of the Maharashtra Esports Open Championship 2025, the first-ever state-backed esports tournament in India. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, lauded the event as a significant milestone for Indian esports during the opening ceremony at MIT World Peace University, Pune.
The inclusion of esports as a medal sport at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games has propelled its popularity in India. With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) set to debut the Olympic Esports Games in 2027, the recognition of esports as a legitimate sport is now more apparent than ever.
Maharashtra Esports Open Championship 2025: Overview
The Maharashtra Esports Open Championship, organized by the Federation of Electronic Sports Associations India (FEAI) and the Maratha Esports Association (MEA), has drawn 2100 participants from across the state. After intense preliminary rounds, 52 finalists have advanced to the Grand Finale.
Prominent figures such as Jet Synthesis Chairman Siddhant Joshi, Jet Synthesis MD Rajan Nawani, MIT World Peace University Vice Chancellor RM Chitnis, and FEAI President Vaibhav Dange were present at the event, reflecting the growing institutional support for esports in India.
In December 2023, the Government of India classified esports as a “multisport event” under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This move has not only legitimized esports but also ensured financial incentives for outstanding players, similar to those provided to athletes in traditional sports.
Minister Khadse highlighted Maharashtra’s commitment to becoming the esports hub of the country by investing in infrastructure, funding, and opportunities for esports athletes. She emphasized that esports demands technical skill, mental resilience, quick decision-making, and teamwork—qualities essential in any competitive sport. Furthermore, the Maharashtra Esports Open Championship 2025 will serve as the foundation of building a robust esports ecosystem in Maharashta.
With over 500 million gamers in India, the esports industry is all set for rapid growth. Additionally, Maharashtra’s proactive approach to nurturing esports talent is expected to help Indian players secure medals at international events like the Olympic Esports Games, Asian Games, and World Championships.
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