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Esports In Goa: In Take-Off Mode

The coastal state of Goa has so much to offer, it’s rare to get bored or not have fun in Goa. Since we’re talking about all things Goa and boisterous, why not talk about one spirited aspect that Goa is slightly missing on – Esports in Goa!

With more and more brands, organisations, celebrities, and the public becoming aware and accepting esports – the once alien industry has become a known one. This is evident from the global esports organisations setting up their rosters in India, top global brands partnering and sponsoring esports tournaments in India and most prominently, a global developer like Krafton developing an India-specific esports game. Needless to say, esports is becoming a viable career option now. 

The First Phase

Goa remains a little secluded regarding the esports scene. The football-loving state is yet to host esports as a sport vigorously. But when we say the state is comparatively behind the rest of the country, we do not mean it is still unknown to the game of skill. The state houses a decent amount of exceptional esports players, esports organisations and teams. 

The Promotors

Clive Fernandes, Co-founder of TST Esports, one of the pioneers’ esports organisations in Goa, tells us how the esports scene in Goa is at a starting stage. Comparing esports with football, he says, “Today, the kind of love and acceptance that football receives made it reach its peak in Goa. But there was a time when it was just at its starting stage, only with a few local players. Esports, right now, is exactly where football was in the initial stage; there are players, there are teams, but very few tournaments happening.” Esports tournaments in the state are not yet as grand and massive as they are in the rest of the country. Regional tournaments do happen from time to time but internally among the players.

ALSO READ: Go Goa With Gutshot Magazine’s Print Edition! Issue Out Now

Educational Institutes in Goa play a significant role in promoting esports tournaments. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Goa hosts one of Goa’s biggest and prominent esports tournaments – ‘MATKA’. The esports tournament is held every year as a part of their annual technical fest ‘Quark.’ The event features esports titles like DOTA, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and FIFA. The tournament has received sponsorships and support from top brands like Asus, Nodwin and more in the past and features prize pools in lakhs.

Priyanshu Apurva, Event head of Quark, tells us, “MATKA is one of the most supported and anticipated events out of the 20-25 events hosted at Quark. Owing to massive participation of more than 60 goan teams and to promote esports on our homeground, two Goan teams will have the opportunity to directly advance.”

The best part about the esports tournaments hosted during Quark is that the tournament is open to all esports players and teams across the country, even to players who are not a part of the institute. The next online eliminators for the MATKA event will take place in January which will be followed by an offline finale during the Quark fest a couple months after. Events like this help give the esports scene in Goa a significant boost. However, it is safe to say that there are considerable esports players in Goa but limited opportunities for these players. 

The land of tourism and beaches has one of the most open cultures in the country, be it casinos or parties and nightlife. The free-spirited culture of Goa is open to all that is unconventional and fun. It won’t be long until we see some of the top and massive esports tournaments happening in Goa, with domestic and international players flying to the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ to participate in these tournaments.

Read the full story in the Nov-Dec 2021 edition of Gutshot Magazine. With a one-time sign-up, you get access to all our e-magazines and many such interesting articles. Sign-up now for your dose of exclusive stories and entertainment. 

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