Reliance and BLAST Unite to Host New Tournamnet in India

Reliance Industries subsidiary Rise Worldwide has partnered with Blast Esports to boost India's competitive gaming industry, aiming to introduce new games, teams, and investment opportunities.

The joint venture will develop both online and offline tournaments with prize pools reaching up to ₹2.5 crore ($300,000), according to Economic Times.

This collaboration is expected to challenge established players in India's esports market, including Krafton, Nazara-owned Nodwin Gaming, and Skyesports.

"The Indian gaming industry is currently over-dependent on two to three titles to drive economics, and needs an urgent makeover," explained Alpha Zegus founder and director Rohit Agarwal. "With Blast, that does seem highly likely. If all goes well, we will have new titles, new teams, new representation, new jobs, new sponsors and a massive international boost."

This partnership comes at a critical time for Indian esports. Venture capital firm Lumikai reports that India's professional esports industry was valued at nearly $40 million in FY23 and could grow to $100 million by FY28, demonstrating significant growth potential.

The collaboration will leverage Blast's tournament expertise with games like Counter-Strike 2, Fortnite, and Dota 2, while utilizing Reliance's technological infrastructure and distribution networks through JioGames. This combination aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem covering tournament hosting, production, broadcasting, and marketing.

Blast's established relationships with major publishers including Epic Games, Riot Games, and Ubisoft will bring international credibility to the venture.

For Indian gamers and professionals, this partnership represents a significant opportunity. The country already boasts over 600 million gamers—approximately 18% of the global player base—creating a strong foundation for competitive gaming growth. Indian teams like S8UL are already gaining international recognition, having been selected as a club partner for the Esports World Cup 2025.