Putting up stellar performances, Revenant Esports emerged victorious in the LAN playoffs of the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia Split 2, securing their spot at the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Ascension: Pacific.

Organized by NODWIN Gaming, the leading South Asian gaming and esports company, in collaboration with Riot Games, the tournament’s playoffs witnessed fierce competition amongst Revenant Esports, Velocity Gaming, True Rippers, and Orangutan at the NODWIN Gaming Arena in Chattarpur.

Revenant Esports, featuring India’s top VALORANT players including in-game leader (IGL) Jayanth Ramesh (skillZ), Ganesh Gangadhar (SkRossi), Kasif Sayyed (Paradox), Prish Valvani (Tricky) alongside Kazakhstan’s Dastan Zhumagali (dos9) and Sultan Akbay (sultan), remained unbeaten throughout Split 2. After winning three straight games in the league stage, the team sustained their momentum in the LAN playoffs.

They defeated Orangutan 2-0 in the upper bracket semi-finals, followed by a 2-1 win over True Rippers in the upper bracket final. In the grand finale, Revenant Esports secured another decisive victory over True Rippers with a commanding 3-0 win. The LAN playoffs were contested in a double elimination bracket, with all matches played in a best-of-three format, except the lower bracket final and grand final, which were best-of-five.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the victory, Ganesh Gangadhar aka SkRossi of Revenant Esports stated, “Winning the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia Split 2 is an incredible milestone for us at Revenant Esports. We faced numerous hurdles in Split 1, but those results only made us stronger and more determined to prove ourselves on the main stage again. Personally, returning to the South Asia circuit after competing internationally was a rollercoaster journey, but I have always believed in the potential of our region. This win reinforces that belief and motivates us to aim even higher. A huge shoutout to all our fans for their constant support. We promise to keep pushing our limits and make you proud at VCT Ascension.”

OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 boasted an overall prize pool of $130,000 (approx. INR 1 crore) across Split 1 and Split 2. The total prize pool of Split 1 was $66,000 (approx INR 55.11 lakhs) distributed evenly across Cup 1 and Cup 2.

In Split 2, Revenant Esports took home $ 20,000 (approx. INR 16.68 lakhs) from the overall $ 64,000 (approx. INR 55 lakhs) prize pool while fellow finalists True Rippers secured $12,500 (INR 10 lakhs). Velocity Gaming were awarded with $10,000 (approx. INR 8.34 lakhs), and Orangutan received $7,000 (approx. INR 5.84 lakhs). OMEN by HP was the tournament’s title partner and Philips was the styling partner.

“Congratulations to Revenant Esports for demonstrating their prowess against the top teams in the region. Through OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia, NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games have dedicated themselves to establishing a sustainable ecosystem for the title, providing a platform for the nation’s best talent to shine. The invaluable support from our partners and the overwhelming response from fans, has made this event truly unforgettable. We are proud to have played a role in elevating the VALORANT esports scene in the region and look forward to Revenant Esports representing South Asia on the global stage,” said Gautam Virk, Co-Founder and CEO of NODWIN Gaming.

The dual split format of the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024, initiated earlier this year by NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games, has been instrumental in showcasing the skills of South Asian teams and players. The tournament saw an impressive online viewership of 8 million across Split 1 and 2, recording a total footfall of 30,000.

“The OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2024 has been an incredible journey. The intense competition and high level of gameplay we have witnessed has been truly inspiring for the viewers as well as the next generation of esports athletes. We are excited to see Revenant Esports take on the best teams from across APAC at the VCT Ascension Pacific and wish them the very best. We look forward to continuing our support for the region’s growing esports ecosystem,” commented Sukamal Pegu, Esports Lead, India & South Asia, Riot Games.

As the sole Indian representative, Revenant Esports will compete against nine other leading teams from the continent at the VCT Ascension: Pacific which is set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, this September. The winner will secure a coveted spot in the Pacific League 2025.

Fun88, a leading company in sports and entertainment, has announced its official title sponsorship with the Vizag Warriors for the Andhra Premier League (APL).

The partnership shows Fun88’s ongoing support for regional cricket leagues in India. By supporting the Vizag Warriors and the APL, Fun88 strengthens the future of Indian cricket. Fun88’s dedication to enhancing sporting experiences aligns well with the Vizag Warriors’ goals for success.

Dr. Narendra Ram, co-owner of the Vizag Warriors team and founder of Lifespan Pvt Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fun88 News as the official title sponsor of the Vizag Warriors. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for our fans and aligns with our vision to support the growth of cricket in the region.”

The Andhra Premier League, recognised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been key in encouraging cricket in Andhra Pradesh since its beginning in 2022 by the Andhra Cricket Association. The Andhra Premier League (APL) 2024, is currently underway. This year’s tournament, featuring six teams, kicked off on Sunday, June 30, and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, July 13. The Vizag Warriors, co-owned by Lifespan Pvt Ltd, is a strong team in the Andhra Premier League. They are known for their competitive spirit and dedication to cricket.

As the Andhra Premier League continues, the support from Fun88 is expected to provide a significant boost, enhancing the Vizag Warriors’ resources and capabilities. Both organisations are enthusiastic about the opportunities this partnership brings, promising fans an exciting and competitive season ahead.

Indian games are now increasingly getting more recognition for seamlessly blending mythology and tradition, which offers players a culturally rich experience. These games weave together ancient narratives and art with modern gameplay, resonating deeply with players and elevating India’s standing in global game development.

One standout example is the highly anticipated Indus Battle Royale by Pune-based SuperGaming, which has garnered over 11 million pre-registrations on Google Play. The Indo-Futuristic game is set in the distant future on the island of ‘Virlok’, which was once home to an ancient race of intergalactic explorers, ‘the Yaksha’. Players assume the role of Mythwalkers in search of the rare resource ‘Cosmium’.

For any battle royale, Avatars are integral to providing immersive gameplay as they allow players to choose their unique styles and skills. In Indus, Avatars are inspired by Indian history, mythology, and culture, each with its own captivating backstory. Despite their standardized functions, they come in diverse forms, enabling Mythwalkers to select models that best fit their preferences. Here is a glimpse into the fascinating legends behind the Avatars of Indus:

1. Adi and Adya

Series: Challenger

Background: Adi and Adya are the inaugural standard-issue Avatars, crafted after billions of credits and countless hours of research and development. Designed to embody and cater to the competitive spirit of Mythwalkers, they represent the cutting-edge technology that defines the Indus Battle Royale experience. These Avatars are chosen by those looking to balance efficiency with style.

2. Null and Void

Series: Explorer

Background: Null and Void are the initial prototype models that successfully landed on Virlok. Their utilitarian design reflects their age. Despite the creation of more sophisticated models, their charm and reliability make them a common choice for Mythwalkers. They symbolize the call of the infinite void, daring Mythwalkers to venture into the deepest secrets of the Cosmos.

3. Diya

Series: Yaksha Vintage

Background: Diya represents a connection to the happier times on Indus. This vintage icon has been revived with the hope of rekindling the past’s joy and celebration. Her design serves as a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Yaksha race.

4. Neo Yash

Series: Yaksha Culture

Background: Neo Yash showcases the cultural values and aesthetics that were integral to Yaksha life. This Avatar embodies the fashion and artistic expression native to Indus, providing a glimpse into the cultural richness of the Yaksha civilization.

5. Rana and Arya

Series: Yaksha Glamour

Background: Known as a celebrated entertainer and dancer, Rana was the headline act of a traveling dance troupe. However, classified documents reveal that his glamorous public persona masked his true role as an elite agent working covertly for the Yaksha Council.

Similarly, Arya was renowned as a performer and master thief who used her performances as a cover for infamous heists. Despite appearing to reform, her continued collaboration with Rana hints at ongoing involvement in clandestine activities.

6. Heena

Series: Indus Icon

Background: Modeled after India’s well-renowned Olympic shooter, Heena is the greatest living bounty hunter in the Indus universe. Frequently summoned by COVEN, an intragalactic syndicate, the sharpshooter is called upon when Mythwalkers need exceptional skill or more often than not, a miracle.

7. Mor-ni

Series: Yaksha Heroes

Background: A legend in exile of the Champions Conclave, Morni is the rare female representative of the Immortal Peacock. Her indomitable will, tenacity, and deadly grace in combat have made her one of the most formidable warriors in Indus.

8. Mech Balika

Series: Indus Automata

Background: Originally a marionette in a theater run by automatons, Mech Balika’s design is inspired by the Rajasthani “Kathputli” string puppet. It remains unclear how or why she became a renowned combat unit, considering the Yaksha’s reluctance to weaponize their robotic creations, viewing it as a loss of innocence.

9. Pokhran

Series: Indus Automata

Background: Developed by the famous Indian scientist Homi J. Bhabha, Pokhran units were rescued by the Yaksha and widely deployed across Virlok. They powered the planet’s most remote corners and facilitated progress. Eventually, their resilience caught the attention of a Mythwalker who captured an intact unit, leading to the creation of this Avatar.

10. Sir-taj

Series: Indus Automata

Background: Sir-Taj is a technological marvel, representing the Yaksha’s deep reverence for their heritage. Universally adored on Indus, he has regained celebrity status among Mythwalkers due to his antics and viral videos on the internet.