In a pioneering move, Team SOUL, India’s premier Esports team has roped in iQOO as title sponsor for six months. In addition to the groundbreaking announcement, the official jersey of ‘iQOO SOUL’ was also unveiled by Team SOUL’s Co-Founder & CEO Animesh Agarwal alongside iQOO CEO Nipun Marya at Sunder Nursery in Delhi on Tuesday.
This unique partnership marks the first time in the country’s Esports landscape that a team has secured a high-profile title sponsorship that extends beyond individual tournaments. Team soul is led by Sahil Jhakar (SOUL Omega), and comprising the country’s other popular BGMI athletes. The team includes supporter Sohail Shaikh (SOUL Hector), assaulters Akshat Goel (SOUL Akshat), Naman Adiani (SOUL Neyo),and Harsh Paudwal (SOUL Goblin). Team SOUL has solidified its position as a formidable organization within the nation’s competitive gaming community.
The team has a prolific track record of winning high-stakes tournaments, including PUBG Mobile India Series (PMIS) 2019, PUBG Mobile Cup Open (PMCO) Spring Split: India, and the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2022, and also representing the nation on the international stage.
Mr. Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder, S8UL commented on the game-changing partnership. This reflects Team SOUL’s unwavering dedication to excellence. Animesh said, “We are thrilled to welcome iQOO as the title sponsor of Team SOUL. This partnership marks a historic moment in Indian Esports. It is built on a shared vision of elevating the Esports sector of the country. Through this collaboration, iQOO SOUL has reinforced its position as a powerhouse in the sector, setting a new benchmark for the industry. Aligned with iQOO’s commitment to innovation, which resonates with our passion for pushing the boundaries in gaming, our collective aim is to contribute significantly to the ongoing growth and evolution of the Esports landscape.”
iQOO has been an active contributor to the Esports ecosystem in India. They are not only organizing its own tournaments but also partnering with Krafton to organize official BGMI tournaments. They also forged strategic partnerships with third-party tournaments. Additionally, iQOO was also the official Esports gaming phone partner for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou. In this event, Esports made its debut as an official medal sport and India’s 15-member contingent competed across four titles.
“In the dynamic realm of Indian Esports, the partnership between Team SOUL and iQOO as the exclusive title sponsor heralds a groundbreaking chapter. As we proudly unveil the official jersey of ‘iQOO SOUL,’ this collaboration signifies a historic moment. This also echoes our shared commitment to elevate the Esports landscape in the country. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to excellence and the collective vision of making strides in the ever-evolving world of competitive gaming.” – Nipun Marya, CEO, iQOO.
Newzoo’s ‘2022 Global Esports and Live Streaming Market Report’ states that sponsorship is Esports’ highest-grossing revenue stream, generating $837.3 million in 2022 and accounting for nearly 60% of the entire market.
Additionally, FICCI-EY released the “Windows of Opportunity” report on India’s Media and Entertainment industry. The number of brands investing in Esports in India will grow from 80 in 2022 to reach 100 in 2023.
iQOO SOUL will be competing at the Grand Finals of Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2023. The grand finals will be taking place on 15th-17th December 2023 at Eka Arena, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
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