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Zee Media Group Launches India's First Multi-Sport e-Sports Championship

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 21:21 GMT by DNA India

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Zee Media Group Ignites India’s Youth Passion with the Launch of Its First e‑Sports Gaming Tournament

In a bold bid to tap into the booming Indian e‑sports scene, Zee Media Group has announced the launch of its inaugural gaming tournament, a multi‑sport, multi‑platform event that will see the nation’s best young gamers clash for glory and a hefty prize pool. The move, unveiled on the network’s social‑media channels and detailed in a feature by DNA India, marks Zee’s entry into a sector that has seen exponential growth over the past decade, especially in the wake of the pandemic‑driven surge in online gaming.

1. What the Tournament Looks Like

Dubbed the Zee e‑Sports Championship, the competition is set to run for four weeks, beginning on 23 May 2024. It will host four major titles – PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Ludo Kings, and Street Fighter V – each with its own bracket, prize purse, and qualification pathway. The final will culminate in a live‑streamed grand finale on Zee’s flagship channel Zee5 and the network’s dedicated gaming platform Zee Gaming.

Zee Media Group has emphasized that the event is not just a single‑game showdown but a comprehensive celebration of gaming culture. “Our goal is to bring together gamers from all corners of India, foster a sense of community, and create an inclusive platform that celebrates skill, strategy, and sportsmanship,” said Rohit Kakkar, CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises.

2. Prize Money and Sponsorship

The tournament boasts a total prize pool of ₹50 lakhs (approximately $66,000). The breakdown is as follows:

In addition to cash, the top two teams in each title will receive Zee Merchandise Kits, Gaming Gear, and free subscription credits on Zee5. The tournament also secures sponsorship from Red Bull India, MSI Gaming, and Tata Motors, who will provide in‑game items, branded merchandise, and cash incentives.

3. Eligibility and Registration

The competition is open to players aged 16 to 35 who are Indian residents. Participants must register individually or as part of a two‑person team via the official Zee e‑Sports portal. Registration deadlines are staggered:

• PUBG Mobile: 15 May 2024
• Call of Duty Mobile: 17 May 2024
• Ludo Kings: 19 May 2024
• Street Fighter V: 21 May 2024

Players are required to submit a short video (maximum 3 minutes) showcasing their gameplay highlights and explaining why they are a good fit for the tournament. A panel of judges, including former pro‑gamers and Zee’s own esports content creators, will shortlist participants based on skill level and creativity.

The portal also offers a “Practice Mode” where aspirants can hone their strategies and even win practice challenges that reward them with early‑access passes to certain tournaments.

4. Broadcasting and Audience Engagement

Zee’s broadcasting strategy leverages its multi‑channel ecosystem:

• Live Streams: All matches will be streamed in 1080p HD on Zee5 with commentary by well‑known Indian esports personalities such as Nikhil “Siddharth” Sharma and Anjali “Dhaara” Sharma.
• Interactive Polls: Viewers can vote on “Player of the Match” and suggest strategies in real time.
• Community Chat: Dedicated Discord servers will be launched, allowing fans to interact with players, discuss tactics, and join Q&A sessions.
• Behind‑the‑Scenes: Short documentary segments featuring the tournament’s journey, training sessions, and personal stories of participants will be posted on Zee’s YouTube channel.

Zee’s “Zee Gamer’s Club” will offer exclusive perks such as discounted streaming equipment, coaching sessions with pro‑players, and a “Fan of the Week” feature.

5. The Bigger Picture: Zee’s Expansion into Gaming

The tournament is part of a broader strategy for Zee Media Group to embed itself in the digital content space. According to the DNA India article, Zee’s CEO, Sanjay Dutt, has already announced plans to launch:

• Zee Gaming, a dedicated gaming app with daily tournaments, e‑sports news, and a community forum.
• Zee Interactive, a venture aimed at producing original esports content, including docuseries, reality shows, and live‑event production.
• Zee e‑Learning, an educational platform leveraging gamified learning modules targeted at students who are also gamers.

In a statement, Dutt added, “We’re not just broadcasting games; we’re building ecosystems that nurture talent, create entertainment value, and generate new revenue streams.”

6. Community and Cultural Impact

The DNA India piece highlights that Zee’s initiative comes at a time when the Indian esports industry is gaining recognition from mainstream media, corporate sponsors, and even sports authorities. The tournament’s focus on inclusive participation – encouraging players from rural and underserved areas – aligns with national initiatives like “Game the Nation”, an Indian government program aimed at democratizing digital entertainment.

Zee’s organizers have also pledged to collaborate with local NGOs to set up gaming hubs in low‑income districts, providing high‑speed internet and access to gaming rigs for aspiring gamers who lack the resources at home.

7. What to Expect

The tournament is expected to attract over 10,000 participants across its four disciplines. With the final event slated for 10 June 2024, Zee has promised a production value that rivals that of a national sporting event. The grand finale will feature a live awards ceremony, fan interaction segments, and a surprise appearance by Kartik “Tara” Mehta, the Indian esports legend known for his pioneering work in competitive mobile gaming.

For fans and players alike, the Zee e‑Sports Championship offers a platform where talent meets opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual gamer, the tournament’s inclusive ethos ensures that anyone with a passion for gaming has a chance to shine.

8. Takeaway

Zee Media Group’s launch of its first e‑sports gaming tournament signals a new chapter for Indian gaming culture. By combining a sizable prize pool, high‑quality broadcasting, community engagement, and a clear vision for the future, Zee is positioning itself as a key player in India’s digital entertainment landscape. As the tournament rolls out, it will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for talent discovery, fan interaction, and the broader acceptance of esports as a legitimate sporting and entertainment medium in India.