With a Gold in Clash Royale and a Bronze in Dota 2, the Indian gaming ecosystem has officially arrived on the world stage
BY PC Bureau
MUMBAI, INDIA — March 23, 2026 — India has emerged victorious on the world stage, clinching the coveted 1st place in Clash Royale and securing a strong 3rd place finish in Dota 2 at the Global Esports Games World Finals. Competing against elite players from 19 countries, the host nation showcased extraordinary talent, cementing its position as a rising superpower in the global esports arena.
Official Tournament Rankings:
Clash Royale:
1st Place: India (Anuhit) 🏆
2nd Place: Kazakhstan (Miko)
3rd Place: USA (Wallace)
Dota 2:
1st Place: Team Türkiye 🏆
2nd Place: Team Mongolia
3rd Place: Team India
Following these spectacular results, India celebrated the successful conclusion of its first-ever time hosting the Global Esports Games World Finals. Held from March 19 to 22, 2026, the premier tournament made its South Asian debut in Mumbai, following successful previous editions in Singapore, Istanbul, and Riyadh.
The event was marked by a surge of national pride as the Esports Games Federation (ESGF) officially presented the Indian contingent with their national jerseys, celebrating their podium finishes and boosting morale.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the players’ achievements and expressed his pride in Mumbai hosting the international event. He reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to promoting gaming, the creator economy, and robust digital infrastructure. Furthermore, he outlined future initiatives, including the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to encourage education in content creation and the implementation of a hub-and-spoke model to train the youth.
Organized in collaboration with the Global Esports Federation (GEF), the historic event drew high praise from leadership. Advocate Nandan Jha, Founder of ESGF and Senior Advisor to GEF, stated, “We are immensely grateful to the Government of Maharashtra for taking a visionary step toward shaping the future of esports in India. Our players’ top-tier finishes prove that India is ready to lead. This historic initiative sets a strong precedent, and we urge all state governments to step forward and actively support the hosting of international championships.”
India’s dominant performance at this tournament serves as a critical milestone for the nation’s rapidly emerging gaming ecosystem, proving that Indian athletes are not just participating—they are conquering.
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About ESGF
The Esports Games Federation (ESGF) is the national apex body dedicated to the promotion, regulation, and development of esports and skill-based gaming in India. ESGF is a proud member of both the Global Esports Federation (GEF) and the International Esports Federation (IESF), and is officially recognized by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). Formerly known as the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), the organization collaborates with national and international bodies to champion responsible gaming, foster player development, and elevate India’s participation in global esports.
The organization is spearheaded by Founder and Advisor Advocate Nandan Jha, President Ashok Dhyanchand, and Secretary General Gursharan Singh. ESGF is further supported by a distinguished advisory board comprising a former Chief Justice of India, former Supreme Court judges, senior administrative officers, eminent journalists, and legal exper
