I Visited My 1st E-Sports Gaming Tournament In India, And It Was Unlike Anything I Had Seen

E-sports: A term I've been hearing a lot in the past few years. Where gamers compete in a tournament format, get praise and recognition and a humongous cash pool?

If I'd tell my dad about this he won't believe me even today. But it is true. The world of gaming has evolved to this level that it is turning into this lucrative industry for players gaining a lot more than just recognition.

I had read about E-sports tournaments and I've seen a few CS: GO or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive matches on YouTube Gaming and Twitch. However, I never really got a chance to experience a live match at an E-sports arena. All that changed yesterday, of course.

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Acer Predator Gaming League 2019 India Finale

Entering the venue

I got invited to attend the Acer Predator Gaming League 2019 India Finale, which was held at Mithibai College in Mumbai. When I entered the venue, I was completely awed to see the setup. As I entered, I was introduced to the organiser of the event, who briefed me that this was a one-of-a-kind event where 16 teams with four players in each team for PUBG and two teams for DOTA 2 are going to compete against each other.

These teams were finalists from across the country and would represent the nation in the Asia-Pacific Finale that will be held in Bangkok in February 2019. These teams will be competing for a prize pool for USD 400000 or Rs 2,88,00,000! Yes, you read that right, and no, it isn't a typo. The arena was filled with tens of thousands of young gamers who were waiting and excited to see what the teams are bringing to the fight, so was I.

The energy

The main stage was totally LIT! Gaming machines lined up in tiers, gamers in their zone cutting off from the world using noise-cancelling headphones, completely engrossed in ginormous high-refresh rate panels. Behind them were even larger LED panels broadcasting the gameplay, along with two commentators bringing in more energy in an already explosive environment.

Acer Predator Gaming League 2019 India Finale

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The energy amongst the crowd too was electric. People were expressing their emotions with 'ooh' and 'aahs' after every kill, followed by applause. It wouldn't be wrong to say that the atmosphere within was very similar to a soccer or a cricket match, where the crowd was really connecting with the players; as did I. From funny kills to perfectly strategised executions, I was sitting there holding on to my seat, craving for more.

Predator Thronos

During the break time, I decided to step out for some water. While I was walking out of the arena, I glanced upon an alien chair, surrounded with gigantic monitors suspended in the air on a hydraulic arm. The arm was connected to a lounge chair with extended leg support and a table that would rest a full-sized keyboard and mouse with ease.

Acer Predator Thronos

While I was entering the venue I had seen something getting set-up, but I didn't really think it to be this. Acer Predator Thronos was one beautiful monstrosity being at home in the chaotic environment of this tournament. The crowd couldn't help but take selfies standing below, trying to frame this monstrosity in their front cameras. Others who weren't were busy playing PUBG on their smartphones.

I got a chance to experience this exclusive gaming throne, and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't excited. The child in me was barely able to control his emotions by looking at ginormous panels which were now surrounding my peripheral vision. A press of a button brought down the panels to my height, and the keyboard arm came close to my chest, which meant it's time to game.

Acer Predator Thronos

Playing Rise of the Tomb Raider was unbelievably amazing on the Thronos, and I was completely engrossed in the multiple display setup, transcending me to an entirely new world. When my time was up and I was making my way out of the overly comforting Thronos, it instantly made me think that single display gaming is now completely ruined for me, and how my basic table-chair setup is quite destitute compared to this.

The closing ceremony

Like all good things, this too came to an end. After a brilliant series of matches, Team Raptors made it to the top for PUBG, whereas team Signify won the finals for DOTA 2. Both the teams won a cash prize of Rs 3,00,000 and will soon be on their way to the Asia Pacific Finale in Bangkok. The crowd was definitely going bonkers, cheering with all their hearts.

Team Raptors

I happen to speak with one Kunal Tripathi, about the way India is progressing with E-sports and his feelings about it. He responded saying that he was very happy to see India at such a good ranking globally in such a short period of time. He further added that it'll be great to see schools and colleges taking E-sports seriously and probably adding it to the list of sports for its students, as it has everything other outdoor sports possess and will enable India to be a winner globally in E-sports tournaments.

The experience of my first E-sports tournament was nothing short of amazing. I can't wait to attend another nail-biting experience like this, as I fantasize about the Thronos in my dreams.

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