The grand finale of College Rivals, hailed as India’s premier esports talent hunt, concluded in grandeur as 28 college students from across the nation emerged victorious, sharing a substantial INR 50 lakh prize pool.
Organized by Ampverse, an influential intellectual property in Asia's gaming landscape, in partnership with DMI Finance, the event marked a significant milestone in Indian esports history. Over 5,000 spectators witnessed the thrilling showdown as finalists showcased their prowess across six titles: BGMI, FIFA 23, Road to Valor, Valorant, Tekken 7, and Counter Strike-2, competing in a best-of-three format.
In the fiercely contested BGMI category, Divyansh Vashisht from Delhi School of Professional Studies clinched the top spot, securing a hard-fought victory against Sahil Nagpal of APJ in the final match. Divyansh walked away with the lion's share of INR 4 lakh, while Sahil bagged INR 2 lakh. Swayam Jain of IIPS and Deepak Mishra of DSNV claimed the third and fourth positions, each earning INR 1 lakh, with the remaining finalists awarded INR 50,000 each.
A standout feature of the finale was the opportunity presented to one BGMI player, who secured a professional esports contract with Rivals Pro Esports, fulfilling a dream for many aspiring gamers.
Ashwin Haryani, Country Head of Ampverse, India, expressed pride in the groundbreaking success of College Rivals, underscoring its role in revolutionizing Indian esports. He reiterated the commitment to nurturing a sustainable ecosystem that empowers gaming enthusiasts at the grassroots level, fueled by the overwhelming response received.
Apart from BGMI, intense competition unfolded across other titles, each boasting a substantial prize pool of INR 5 lakhs. Notable victories include Karman Singh Tikka's triumph in FIFA 23 and Vayam Bhatt's dominance in Tekken 7. Arnav Manoj showcased exceptional skill in Road to Valor, while Vinit Mane and Samyak Magare emerged victorious in Valorant and Counter-Strike 2, respectively.
Beyond the esports arena, attendees were treated to a diverse array of activities, including live performances by acclaimed artists, interactive sessions with esports personalities such as Mortal and ScoutOP, cosplay competitions, arcade gaming zones, and culinary delights, culminating in an immersive and unforgettable experience.
The journey of College Rivals commenced with city qualifiers in August, drawing participation from over 92,000 individuals across the nation. The event traversed through five cities, igniting the passion for esports among students and setting the stage for a historic grand finale that celebrates talent, camaraderie, and the burgeoning esports culture in India.
