Rajasthan’s Rising Stars: How the Indus International Tournament is Fueling Grassroots Esports Dreams

Rajasthan, India: In the heartland of Rajasthan, where tradition meets tenacity, two rising esports talents— Jogesh Saral Pandey aka BHEEM from Likhita Esports and Piyush Rathore aka ElixiR from Golden Hornets—are making waves on a national stage. Both players have emerged victorious in the Powerplay phase of the Indus International Tournament (IIT), India’s largest homegrown esports competition powered by SuperGaming. Their journey, from grassroots beginnings to national recognition, highlights the growing opportunities in Indian esports—especially for players from non-metro regions.

The Indus International Tournament, based on the Indo-futuristic game Indus Battle Royale, is a landmark event with a ₹2.5 crore prize pool and a grand LAN finale scheduled for May 18, 2025, at Pune’s Drome Arena. SuperGaming, the studio behind the game, has designed the tournament to spotlight homegrown talent through its multi-phase structure—Homegrown, National, Powerplay, and International. For players like BHEEM and ElixiR, this tournament has become more than just a competition; it’s a life-changing platform. Through structured training, growing fan support, and national exposure, they’ve not only elevated their game but also inspired youth in Rajasthan to see esports as a serious career path. Their story proves that talent can thrive anywhere—when given the right platform.