Latest news with #AkshatRathee
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Garena Free Fire returns to India with Rs 1 crore tournament cup after 3-year ban
Garena 's popular battle royale battle game Free Fire is officially returning to India after a gap of three years with a tournament cup. The free-to-play game was banned in the country in 2022 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on security grounds. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Announcing the Free Fire Max Tournament Cup , the company shared an Instagram post, writing 'India, time to squad up! 🔥The heat is rising, the battlefield is set! TEZ FFMIC is coming soon.' TEZ FFMIC here stands for TEZ Free Fire Max India Cup, which will run from July 13 to September 28 and carry a prize pool of Rs 1 crore. This marks Garena's biggest move in India since the ban and signals a major push into the country's fast-growing gaming market. How social media reacted to the return of Free Fire The tournament announcement has been received by social media users with enthusiasm. 'Ache Din ki suruaat Ho gyiii,' wrote one user. A second user said 'it's been so long'. 'Abhi maza aiyega na bidu,' said a third. Industry leaders welcome the move Industry experts say the return of Free Fire could be a turning point for mobile esports in India. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming said 'The return of Free Fire competitive through the Free Fire MAX India Cup 2025 is a pivotal moment for mobile esports in India. India thrives on accessibility and Free Fire's ability to run smoothly across a broad spectrum of devices makes it especially relevant for gamers nationwide.' Rathee also noted that having more choices benefits the gaming community. 'More options for Indian gamers and esports athletes are always a good thing... Free Fire has a loyal audience, just as BGMI does... both titles can and will coexist,' he said. Animesh Agarwal from S8UL also praised the game's return. 'It has always connected deeply with the mobile-first audience in India, and its comeback will undoubtedly spark new energy in the competitive scene,' he said.
Mint
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Brutal honesty can also be good at work
Back in 2012, Akshat Rathee found himself at a gaming festival in Noida that turned out to be a farce. Intermittent electricity, poor infrastructure and missing organisers were just some of the problems he witnessed. It's when he got together with a few mates to run their own mini tournament on the sidelines. 'That accidental event became our proof of concept. We realised that if people like us didn't step up, the gaming ecosystem would never grow the right way," says Gurugram-based Rathee, 46, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming. Two years later, Rathee and his co-founder, Gautam Virk, launched NODWIN Gaming to create an ecosystem for esports in India. Gaming was an integral part of Rathee's growing years. He recalls missing an exam at Manipal University while attempting to clear the last level of Dune and building his own local area network when he realised that the computer science coursework was outdated. But the early days at NODWIN had its fair share of struggles. Funding was a challenge until someone offered them a crore to grow the company. The game changer arrived in 2018 when they received five acquisition offers over a period of six months. 'It's when we realised that this wasn't a passion project, but a legitimate business. We helped build something that didn't exist before us, now exists sustainably and will exist long after we are gone. That's a legacy," he says. Rathee talks to Lounge about mentorship and why he enjoys picking up new hobbies. Who do you consider your mentor? I deeply respect folks like Ralf Reichert who helped build esports from the grassroots and are shaping gaming culture globally. One major insight you worked on with your mentor's guidance? Between 2018 to 2020, I'd often get frustrated trying to convince stakeholders that gaming was legitimate. And this mentor simply said, 'You're blessed with an industry that gets younger every year. Don't try convincing those who won't change. Just keep building and the world will change on its own." That advice stuck. Another great piece of wisdom came from my father when NODWIN was still growing. People would say, 'Oh, you just organise events, put up screens, plug in mics and let people play games." That's when my father said, 'Cast longer shadows." His point was simple - if you know what you're building and where it's headed, just focus on doing it better than anyone else. What does being a mentor mean to you? How do you mentor your colleagues at work? Being available even without an appointment. Brutal honesty is also key - telling someone it's okay to fail as long as failure is a calculated risk. More importantly, understanding what your mentee wants, not what you think they need. What's your morning schedule like? I usually start around noon and work until 4am. With NODWIN present in 22 countries, there's always someone somewhere starting their day. So, I guess mornings are relative. What are some of the productivity principles you follow that have made your professional and personal life much easier? I believe in not spending more than 30 seconds on a task on your phone. If something's on your mind, solve it immediately - one minute now saves five later. Don't aim for 99% perfection in delegating, for 60% clarity is often enough to get things moving. I also value time - short calls, quick voice notes and fast problem-solving. Lastly, find competent people, empower them and get out of the way. Be there as their safety net, but don't hover. What's the one positive work routine you have developed during the pandemic? Have your meetings virtually, but have your conversations in person. Now, I spend 4-5 hours a day on real-world chats, and keep virtual ones to 30 minutes. Any book or podcast you would recommend about mentorship and growth? I've enjoyed The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman and Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson. How do you unwind? Do you pursue any serious hobbies? I learn new things, just for fun. With my elder daughter, I'm learning how to paint with acrylics. With a friend, I'm figuring out 3D printing. I'm also building a home lab with Docker containers. Tinkering with the world around me, that's my kind of unwinding. Monday Motivation is a series in which business leaders discuss their mentors and their work ethics.
NDTV
18-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
NODWIN Gaming Joins Hands With Chess.Com And ChessBase India
In a landmark move poised to redefine the future of chess in India, NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia's esports and gaming ecosystem, has announced a strategic partnership with the world's largest chess platform, and India's leading chess media and grassroots organisation, ChessBase India. The collaboration brings together three powerhouses from the worlds of esports, content, and competitive chess to create a unified ecosystem that nurtures talent, expands reach, and builds India's presence on the global chess esports stage. This strategic alliance unites the complementary strengths of three leaders in the chess and gaming ecosystem. NODWIN Gaming brings deep expertise in production, broadcast, and commercial strategy. ChessBase India offers unmatched access to India's thriving chess community and grassroots networks. contributes its expansive global platform, community, creator partnerships, and world-class tournament infrastructure. Together, they form a unique synergy that will fuel the co-creation and scaling of original IPs, deliver premium competitive formats, spark deeper engagement across both player and creator communities, and deliver great opportunities for brands to partner in the rapidly growing chess ecosystem. Speaking on the announcement, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, said, "Chess is undergoing a cultural renaissance, from park benches and schoolrooms to sold-out esports arenas and creator streams. Chess has now become the fourth most-watched sport in the country after cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI tournaments. With this partnership, we're not just supporting a heritage game, we're aiding in its natural course of progression. By combining each organization's unique strengths, we're building a future-ready ecosystem that can take Indian chess from heritage to hype. It's time the brilliance of our grandmasters meets the energy of our digital generation." Chess is getting an accelerated global attention, with over 7.6 billion games played worldwide on in 2024 alone. The platform now boasts over 200 million registered users, with India seeing 9 million+ monthly active players, and an average of 550,000 new signups every month. Viewership has skyrocketed with 925 million total organic views, reflecting a 640% year-over-year growth. The surge in visibility was recently reflected during the World Chess Championship, which was exclusively streamed in India through the combined efforts of NODWIN Gaming, and ChessBase India. The Gukesh Dommaraju-Ding Liren final match, which saw Gukesh being crowned as the World Chess Champion, attracted over 24 million views, with peak concurrent viewership hitting 200,000. India is central to this surge. Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai rank among the top chess-viewing regions globally. Indian users are predominantly mobile-first, with 80.9% of viewership on smartphones, and the largest age group being between 18 and 34 years old, highlighting the game's deep connection with India's digital-native Gen Z and millennial audiences. Speaking on the alliance, Sagar Shah, CEO of ChessBase India, said, "This partnership is not just a business alliance - it's a vision to grow the chess community in India from the grassroots to the grand stage. For the last decade, we've focused on building a robust chess culture in the country, and now, with NODWIN and by our side, we hope to bring forth more opportunities to all those involved in the chess ecosystem." Avadh Shah, Country Director of India, said, "Chess has been one of the most dominant and fastest growing sports in the last 3 years across India and the world. In terms of both participation and viewership, chess is experiencing record-breaking numbers-the highest we've ever seen. Given the excitement around the sport, it is only fitting that the leading companies within the ecosystem collaborate to further its development and invite partners to join this journey as well." The partnership also aligns with the rise of chess as a recognised esports discipline. At the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, chess will make its debut with a prize pool of $1.5 million. Leading Indian esports organization S8UL is set to represent India in competitive chess at the Esports World Cup with its powerhouse roster of Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, marking the first-ever representation of an Indian esports team in competitive chess on a global stage. Their involvement underscores the growing recognition of chess as a spectator-friendly, high-skill esport. As India prepares to make its mark on this new frontier, the alliance between NODWIN Gaming, and ChessBase India promises to build the foundational infrastructure needed for long-term growth, from top-tier broadcasts and influencer-led content to community tournaments and professional leagues. Together, NODWIN Gaming, ChessBase India, and aim to build a robust ecosystem for Indian chess, one that honors the nation's legacy, empowers creators, and establishes India as a global hub for online competitive chess.
News18
18-06-2025
- Business
- News18
NODWIN Gaming Joins Hands With Chess.com And ChessBase India to Build future Of Chess Esports In India
The partnership combines NODWIN Gaming's expertise in production and broadcast, ChessBase India's grassroots network and global platform to revolutionise chess in India In a landmark move set to shape the future of chess in India, NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia's esports and gaming sector, has announced a strategic partnership with the world's largest chess platform, and India's top chess media and grassroots organisation, ChessBase India. This collaboration brings together three major players from esports, content creation, and competitive chess to form a cohesive ecosystem that nurtures talent, broadens reach, and enhances India's presence on the global chess esports stage. This alliance combines the unique strengths of these leaders in the chess and gaming industry. NODWIN Gaming contributes its expertise in production, broadcasting, and commercial strategy. ChessBase India offers unparalleled access to India's vibrant chess community and grassroots networks. brings its extensive global platform, community, creator partnerships, and world-class tournament infrastructure. Together, they create a synergy aimed at developing and scaling original intellectual properties, delivering premium competitive formats, fostering deeper engagement across player and creator communities, and offering significant opportunities for brands to partner in the rapidly growing chess ecosystem. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, stated, 'Chess is experiencing a cultural renaissance, from park benches and schoolrooms to sold-out esports arenas and creator streams. Chess has now become the fourth most-watched sport in the country, following cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI tournaments. This partnership is not just about supporting a heritage game; it's about facilitating its natural progression. By combining our unique strengths, we are creating a future-ready ecosystem that can elevate Indian chess from heritage to hype. It's time for our grandmasters to meet the energy of our digital generation." This visibility spike was evident during the World Chess Championship, exclusively streamed in India through the efforts of NODWIN Gaming, and ChessBase India. The final match between Gukesh Dommaraju and Ding Liren, which crowned Gukesh as the World Chess Champion, garnered over 24 million views, with peak concurrent viewership reaching 200,000. India plays a central role in this surge, with cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai ranking among the top chess-viewing regions globally. Indian users primarily access content via mobile, with 80.9% of viewership on smartphones, and the largest age group being 18 to 34 years old, highlighting the game's strong connection with India's digital-native Gen Z and millennial audiences. Sagar Shah, CEO of ChessBase India, commented, 'This partnership isn't just a business alliance — it's a vision to grow the chess community in India from the grassroots to the grand stage. For the past decade, we've focused on building a robust chess culture in the country. Now, with NODWIN and by our side, we aim to create more opportunities for everyone involved in the chess ecosystem." Avadh Shah, Country Director of India, added, 'Chess has been one of the most dominant and fastest-growing sports in the last three years across India and the world. In terms of both participation and viewership, chess is achieving record-breaking numbers. Given the excitement around the sport, it's fitting that leading companies within the ecosystem collaborate to further its development and invite partners to join this journey." The partnership also aligns with the rise of chess as a recognised esports discipline. At the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, chess will debut with a prize pool of $1.5 million. Leading Indian esports organisation S8UL will represent India in competitive chess at the Esports World Cup with its team of Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, marking the first-ever representation of an Indian esports team in competitive chess on a global stage. Their involvement highlights the growing recognition of chess as a spectator-friendly, high-skill esport. As India prepares to make its mark on this new frontier, the alliance between NODWIN Gaming, and ChessBase India promises to build the foundational infrastructure needed for long-term growth, from top-tier broadcasts and influencer-led content to community tournaments and professional leagues. Together, NODWIN Gaming, ChessBase India, and aim to establish a robust ecosystem for Indian chess that honours the nation's legacy, empowers creators, and positions India as a global hub for online competitive chess. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Chess esports Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 18, 2025, 19:49 IST
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Banijay in strategic partnership with Nodwin to co-develop IPs, formats
Banijay Asia , part of Banijay Entertainment, has entered a strategic partnership with Nodwin Gaming , a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies , to expand their footprint in India's growing gaming and youth entertainment landscape. As part of the collaboration, Banijay Asia will produce Playground, Nodwin Gaming's flagship gaming reality show that blends gaming, entertainment, and influencer culture. The two companies also plan to co-develop new content formats and intellectual properties (IPs), including scripted and reality programming aimed at younger audiences. Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO – Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India, said, 'This collaboration with Nodwin Gaming is an exciting extension of our vision to create content that resonates with evolving youth audiences. Gaming is not just a sport; it's a culture, a lifestyle, and a massive content opportunity. With Playground and our upcoming IPs, we aim to redefine engagement and storytelling in this space.' He added, 'I look forward to the creative collaboration with Akshat Rathee, and Joost Roset who we previously worked with, in bringing iconic global IPs to India. This is an invaluable opportunity to create clutter-breaking formats in the youth and gaming space.' Nodwin Gaming brings to the table a portfolio of well-known properties including BGMI Masters Series, Comic Con India, and NH7 Weekender. The company has been active in creating gaming and esports formats across multiple platforms and regions. Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder & MD, Nodwin Gaming, said, "Youth entertainment is evolving rapidly, and our partnership with Banijay Asia positions us perfectly to lead that change. With Playground, we've just begun to explore what's possible. Backed by Banijay's global expertise, we're now set to scale the IP across multiple languages and markets, with the ambition of building an international format. At the heart of our approach is our philosophy of 'timeshare of mindshare'. We're not just creating content, we're creating cultural moments. The Rusk creative team will stay actively involved as we expand the universe of Playground, aiming to grow from one show to between five and ten each year. This is just the beginning of a bold new chapter in gaming and youth content."
