Mumbai, November 17, 2025: iQOO SOUL, the Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) division of S8UL, a global powerhouse in gaming and esports content, delivered a championship-winning performance at the Chennai Esports Global Championship (CEGC) 2025, capturing the title after an intense three-day Grand Finals held from November 14 to 16 in Chennai. Competing under the BGMI Smash Rule format, the team sealed victory with a decisive win in the 16th match of the finale. iQOO SouL finished the tournament with 162 points, 4 impactful Chicken Dinners, and a total of 107 eliminations, earning a ₹21 lakh share from the tournament’s ₹50 lakh prize pool.

The roster comprised of, Nakul “NakuL” Sharma, Harsh “Goblin” Paudwal, Yash “LEGIT” Chaudhary, Khush “Jokerr” Singh, and Aaryaman “Thunder” Seth, showcased consistency, discipline, and high-pressure resilience across the Grand Finals. Guided by IGL Nakul’s sharp mid-game calls and structured late-game control, iQOO SouL maintained momentum against the country’s strongest BGMI contenders. Nakul’s leadership throughout the weekend earned him the Best IGL award, recognizing his tactical clarity and clutch decision-making.

Commenting on SouL’s momentous victory, Naman ‘Mortal’ Mathur, Co-founder of iQOO SouL, said, “iQOO SouL’s performance at CEGC 2025 reflects their dedication, synergy, and competitive fire. The Smash Rule format leaves little room for error and the way the team stepped up in every match was incredible to watch. This championship win is a proud moment for all of us at SouL, and a strong marker of what this roster is capable of. We are excited for the road ahead.”

IGL of iQOO SouL, Nakul ‘NakuL’ Sharma added, “The finals demanded precision and teamwork and I’m proud of how everyone delivered under pressure. Goblin, LEGIT, Joker, and Thunder played with complete trust and confidence throughout the tournament. Winning CEGC 2025 in the final match and receiving the Best IGL award makes this moment even more special. We want to thank the SouL family and our fans for their constant support. This win drives us to aim even higher.”

The CEGC 2025 Grand Finals brought together India’s best BGMI teams for three days of packed arenas, loud cheers, and nail-biting finishes. Through tough zones and close scorelines, iQOO SouL stayed composed and consistent, earning respect for their clean execution and ability to deliver when it mattered most.

With this win, iQOO SouL strengthens its position as one of the country’s most exciting BGMI lineups and continues its journey with the goal of raising the standard of competitive gaming in India. The organization remains committed to supporting its players, building young talent, and contributing to the growth of Indian esports.

New Delhi, August 11, 2025: The inaugural season of the iQOO Battlegrounds Series concluded with Team Orangutan securing first place and a record-breaking lead of 61 points, lifting the championship trophy after three days of intense Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) action at the LAN finale. Held from August 8 to 10 at the Noida Indoor Stadium, the event featured a massive INR 1 crore prize pool and drew thousands of fans on-ground. For the first time, Orangutan claimed the BGMI championship title, marking a historic moment for the team and its supporters.

Executed by NODWIN Gaming and powered by iQOO, the high-performance smartphone brand, the tournament began on July 21 with 32 teams. Thirty squads (teams) were invited squads and two teams qualified through the iQOO Community Cup after a rigorous qualifier stage. From the group stage, the top eight teams from the overall standings went straight to the Grand Finals, while the remaining 24 competed in the Semi Finals. Eight more teams advanced from there, completing the 16-team LAN finals lineup.

Across the 18 matches played at the LAN, Orangutan emerged as champions with 217 points, securing INR 55 lakh from the prize pool. Meta Ninza finished second with 156 points, followed by K9 Esports in third with 121 points. Orangutan’s Ankit Shukla (AKop) was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his stellar showing, amassing 62 finishes in the finals.

Arman aka Aaru, IGL of Orangutan, said, “Four years ago, it was just a dream. Today, it’s in our hands. Every setback, every close call, every tough day only made us stronger. We never gave up, and that made all the difference.”

Fans at the venue were also treated to special meet-and-greet sessions with some of India’s most popular gaming creators from S8UL and Revenant XSpark, including Naman Mathur (Mortal), Raj Varma (Snax), Gulrez Khan (JokerKiHaveli), Payal Dhare (PayalGaming), Kaashvi Hiranandani (KaashPlays), and Tanmay Singh (ScoutOP).

Nipun Marya, CEO, iQOO, commented, “At iQOO, we believe the future of gaming lies in creating meaningful opportunities for the esports community. The iQOO Battlegrounds Series is our flagship gaming IP, bringing India’s best teams to the grand stage. My heartfelt congratulations to iQOO Orangutan for their exceptional win, and to Meta Ninza and K9 Esports for their spirited performance. We’re proud to provide a platform that celebrates skill, passion, and ambition, driving India’s esports ecosystem to new heights.”

The iQOO Battlegrounds Series is the brand’s flagship esports property, designed to showcase top-tier BGMI talent while nurturing the next generation of competitive gamers. Since its inception in 2020, iQOO has been committed to supporting esports, and the first season of this tournament further reinforces that commitment.

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, added, “The iQOO Battlegrounds Series is a perfect example of performance-driven innovation meeting grassroots talent and world-class tournament execution. Congratulations to Orangutan on a well-deserved victory, and kudos to all teams for showcasing the competitive spirit that defines India’s esports scene. With partners like iQOO, our mission is to keep raising the bar, and taking Indian esports to stages that resonate globally.”

The success of the inaugural season sets the stage for the iQOO Battlegrounds Series to become a mainstay in India’s esports calendar, offering a professional platform for players to compete, grow, and make their mark on the global stage.

• BGMI Players can experience the Mahindra BE 6 starting January 16, along with themed items and rewards
• The collaboration offers BGMI players a chance to win a real BE 6 through an exclusive contest.

Bengaluru, January 15, 2025 – In a landmark partnership, that bridges the worlds of gaming and automotive innovation, KRAFTON India and Mahindra have joined hands to bring Mahindra’s Electric Origin SUV- BE 6 into the dynamic universe of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI). This unique partnership offers consumers an immersive experience, aiming to captivate the aspirations of India’s young, tech-savvy audience.

With this first-of-its-kind collaboration, starting January 16, 2025, BGMI players will be able to interact with the, sporty and performance-driven Mahindra BE 6 within the game, bringing a new level of realism and excitement to the virtual battleground. Players can unlock a range of exclusive items inspired by the BE 6, including Suits like Quantum and Chrono Charge, and gameplay tools like Volt Tracer Gun, and Neon Drop BE6 Parachute, Flashvault BE 6 Backpack, SparkStrike Pan and more. Special missions during the collaboration will also reward players with unique prizes such as Mahindra Event Crates, Gifts and a chance to win real Mahindra BE 6.

“This collaboration marks a major milestone in KRAFTON India’s efforts to deliver truly immersive and localized experiences for Indian gamers”, said Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development at KRAFTON India. “Mahindra, an iconic Indian brand known for innovation, and the BE 6 with its sporty and high-end tech, was a natural fit for BGMI’s futuristic and immersive universe. By integrating the BE 6 into BGMI, we’re not only bringing culturally resonant content to the game but also creating unique opportunities for our players to engage with the best of India’s innovation. Henceforth, setting a new benchmark in consumer engagement, captivating automotive and gaming enthusiasts alike. It further paves the way for many more groundbreaking updates as we continue to explore new ways to captivate our community.”

Veejay Nakra, President – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited added, “At Mahindra, we are redefining electric mobility with the BE 6. Built on our revolutionary INGLO architecture and powered by MAIA, the fastest automotive mind in the world, the BE 6 is crafted for those who thrive on thrill of adventure and innovation. Our collaboration with KRAFTON India brings the BE 6 into the virtual realm of BGMI. By merging automotive excellence with gaming innovation, we aim to engage India’s vibrant, tech-savvy audience, delivering thrilling experiences.”

A Real-World Prize to Elevate Excitement

In a move that takes collaboration beyond the virtual world, KRAFTON and Mahindra are offering players a chance to win a real Mahindra BE 6 eSUV. Participants can enter by first completing the Mahindra BE 6 Exchange Centre missions to collect “Nitro Wheel” & redeem the “Mahindra Event Crate” followed by creating a short video (10–30 seconds) showcasing the BE 6 in BGMI and posting it on Instagram or YouTube. To qualify, players must tag BGMI’s and Mahindra Electric’s official accounts and use the hashtags #BGMIxMahindra and #UnleashTheCharge. This contest offers a thrilling opportunity for one lucky gamer to take home the electric SUV. Terms and conditions apply.