Global esports company ESL and Indian esports startup Nodwin Gaming have joined forces to bring ESL’s popular ESL One competition to Mumbai. Taking place on April 19-21, the tournament will be the first major Dota 2 tournament in India.

Fostering the growth of the local esports scene

ESL One Mumbai 2019, powered by Intel, will take place in the NSCI Dome, an indoor sports venue that can seat up to 5,000 fans. Over the weekend, 12 of the best Dota 2 teams from around the world will get a chance to claim their share of the $300,000 prize pool.

“We see great potential in the Indian esports market and are looking forward to further foster the growth of the local scene together with our partner NODWIN Gaming,” said ESL Senior Vice President of Product Ulrich Schulze.

Seven teams will receive direct invites, while online qualifiers in Europe, North America, China, and Southeast Asia will decide the remaining spots. A separate local qualifier will give teams from India the chance to partake as the 12th team.

“ESL One commands global reverence in the world of esports, and for India to play host to this event is indeed a landmark for the country’s esports history,” said Nodwin Gaming Managing Director Akshat Rathee.

The Dota 2 event will also feature a cosplay competition and signing session. Tickets will go live on Thursday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. (IST) and will cost between 499 INR ($7) for single-day tickets and 2,499 ($35) for premium tickets.

Bringing key industry players to the Indian scene

ESL One Mumbai is not the first time ESL and Nodwin have crossed paths. Last February, ESL acquired an interest in the company by investing in its majority stakeholder Nazara. The investment’s aim was to grow the Indian esports scene, which, as we see now, is already bearing fruit.

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Considering the great potential the esports scene in India, Nodwin is making moves to help grow the market in this part of the globe. Last year’s partnership with London-based media firm Hugh Holland, which looks to expand on sponsorship opportunities in the area, is further proof of that.

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