Anand Mahindra Invests ₹30 Crore in Indian Super Gaming League

Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, has invested ₹30 crore in Let's Game Now, the company behind the Indian Super Gaming League (ISGL).

The funding round was co-led by Mahindra and Bestvantage Investments. A UAE-based family office also participated in the investment.

Let's Game Now plans to use the funds to accelerate the development of ISGL and strengthen its presence in India's competitive gaming industry.

Mahindra confirmed the investment in a post on X on October 28, 2026. He also compared the league's ambitions with the Pro Kabaddi League, which he helped establish.

Rather than focusing only on individual tournaments, the league aims to create a franchise-based competition that connects established sports teams with the gaming community.

Mahindra's involvement could also help attract more attention from brands, sponsors, and potential investors.

"Yesterday, I posted about how delighted I was to see Kabaddi growing in popularity overseas. And how satisfying that was, since spreading the sport beyond India was one of my hopes when we created the Pro Kabaddi League. Well, I’m now excited about backing another league that’s taking shape. But this time, the action isn’t on a mat. It’s on a screen!" Mahindra wrote on X.

"I’m delighted to invest in Let’s Game Now, the company behind the Indian Super Gaming League ISGL2k26... To help create a whole generation of Indian gaming champions."

Mahindra also addressed concerns about gaming and excessive screen time. "I know gaming raises concerns about screen time & distraction. But responsible, competitive esports is a different ball game. It demands strategy, reflexes, teamwork & discipline," he added.

He also highlighted the career opportunities that a professional esports ecosystem can create. These opportunities extend beyond players to coaches, analysts, content creators, designers, and producers.

Let's Game Now was founded by Santanu Basu, who also co-founded the Indian Super Gaming League alongside Gautam Badalia.

Basu has a background in competitive gaming and is considered one of India's early professional esports players. Basu competed internationally in the FIFA football video game and finished third at an international tournament.

His co-founder, Gautam Badalia, brings extensive experience in finance and business. He previously served as CEO of Route Mobile and has more than two decades of experience in investment banking and capital markets.

Founded in 2018, Let's Game Now operates across the gaming and esports industries. The company organises online tournaments, large offline events, and live broadcasts for brands across South Asia and Southeast Asia.

According to the company's figures, it has organised more than 2,000 events, worked with over 30 clients, and built a community of more than 1.4 million members.

The Indian Super Gaming League is a franchise-based esports competition organised by Let's Game Now. Its format brings established sports franchises into competitive gaming instead of relying entirely on standalone tournaments.

The league features 8 teams associated with football and kabaddi franchises, alongside teams created specifically for the competition. These include Mumbai City FC, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Inter Kashi, Puneri Paltan, Bangalore Bhargavas, and Andhra Agneyas.

Players can compete through city qualifiers to earn opportunities in the league.

The 2026 season features several games, including chess, EA Sports FC 26, Call of Duty: Mobile, FAU-G, and Cricket 26. City qualifiers began in Mumbai in March 2026.

The 2025 edition of the league was a smaller affair, showcasing three Indian Super League clubs alongside Valorant and chess contests. The event boasted a prize pool of ₹1 crore.

With its expanded format, ISGL aims to bring more teams, games, and players into India's competitive gaming ecosystem.

Let's Game Now hasn’t yet revealed the dates for the league’s next stage, but more information is expected to be shared soon.