Mumbai: The Skillhub Online Games (SOG) Federation has officially launched the inaugural SOG Grandmasters Series, a groundbreaking championship aimed at discovering and nurturing India’s top-tier gaming talent. This prestigious event will spotlight exceptional cognitive skills in a diverse array of traditional skill-based mind sports that have long been part of India’s socio-cultural fabric.
The SOG Grandmasters Series, a first-of-its-kind competition in India, is designed to identify and elevate the country’s best gaming talent, offering them a competitive platform to excel in games that require strategic thinking, decision-making, and mental acuity. The Federation aims to unearth and support 100,000 gamers across India through this initiative, positioning the country as a global leader in skill-based mind sports.
In a significant move to enhance the global stature of Indian skill-based sports, the SOG Federation has entered into a partnership with the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA). This collaboration marks a major milestone in promoting competitive excellence and establishing India’s presence in the international skill games arena. IMSA, a prestigious organization that includes global leaders like FIDE (Chess), the International Esports Federation (IESF), and the Federation of Card Games, will provide valuable support in positioning India’s skill-based mind sports on the world stage.
Shankar Agarwal, President of the Skillhub Online Games Federation, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “The launch of the SOG Grandmasters Series is a defining moment in our mission to elevate skill-based mind sports in India. This championship will not only spotlight exceptional talent but also foster a culture of excellence, integrity, and competitiveness within the gaming community. Our partnership with the IMSA ensures that we adhere to global standards, making India a powerhouse for skill games. We are committed to shaping an ecosystem where talent is nurtured and celebrated.”
The SOG Federation aims to create a robust platform for talented players across various skill-based mind sports, such as chess, rummy, and other traditional Indian games. The Federation’s goal is to identify and nurture players who can eventually represent India at global competitions, further enhancing the country’s reputation in the skill gaming space.
Geoffrey Borg, CEO of IMSA, commented, “India has a rich legacy of talent in skill-based games like chess and rummy. We see the inaugural SOG Grandmasters Series as a pivotal step in harnessing and elevating this talent, creating a strong platform for the future. With India’s immense potential, we are excited to see how this initiative can help position the country as a global leader in mind sports and skill-based gaming.”
The inaugural event of the SOG Grandmasters Series will feature three competitive categories:
Indian Chess Masters (ICM)
Indian Chess Masters for Blind (ICMB)
Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG)
The competition will kick off with online qualifiers, followed by “phygital” zonals, a unique blend of physical and digital formats. The first zonal event will take place in Bengaluru (South Zone) on December 18-19, 2024, with additional zonal events scheduled across other regions in India.
The culmination of the series will be the National Finals in Delhi in early March 2025. Here, the zonal winners will compete for their respective titles, with a total prize pool of more than INR 2 crore. The top competitors in each category will be crowned as Master (Chess, Blind Chess) and Grandmaster (Rummy) of India.
Beyond the tournament, the SOG Federation is committed to fostering the long-term development of skill-based mind sports in India. The Federation will identify and support top talent, providing them with training opportunities and pathways to represent India on the global stage. By creating a competitive structure and focusing on fairness and collaboration, the Federation aims to ensure the growth and sustainability of India’s gaming ecosystem.
The SOG Grandmasters Series is not just a tournament; it is a movement to celebrate and develop the future of skill-based gaming in India. Through this platform, players will gain access to training, recognition, and the opportunity to compete on the international stage, driving India’s reputation as a leader in mind sports.
