The Chennai Esports Global Championship (CEGC) — an official initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu through the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and executed by Skyesports — has become India’s leading PC esports IP by viewership, recording a peak concurrent viewership (CCV) of 90,000 across YouTube, Twitch, and official watch parties.
This milestone was achieved during the CEGC – Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Qualifiers, which saw top teams from around the world compete for two slots in the Main Event in Chennai. The matches attracted audiences across multiple time zones, reflecting the growing reach of an esports IP conceptualized and produced entirely in India. The qualifier’s broadcast and production quality set a new standard for competitive PC esports from the region.
Teams including BC.Game — featuring global player Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev — along with BIG and FUT Esports, drew international attention as fans tuned in to watch high-level play. BIG, Mousquetaires, True Thunder, and Team Nemesis Asia emerged as the top teams, securing their places in the Main Event. A separate Indian Qualifier is currently underway, offering domestic teams a chance to join the lineup.
The CEGC – Counter-Strike 2 Main Event will be held from November 7 to 9, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai, featuring elite teams from India, Southeast Asia, and Europe competing for a USD 50,000 prize pool. The CEGC – Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) tournament will follow from November 14 to 16, with India’s top mobile esports teams contesting a ₹50,00,000 prize pool.
“The Chennai Esports Global Championship is proof that India can build world-class esports IPs from the ground up,” said Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports. “The success of the CEGC CS2 Qualifiers and its record-breaking viewership show that esports created in Chennai can engage global audiences and compete with the best international tournaments. With SDAT’s vision and support, we’re positioning Tamil Nadu as the bridge that connects Indian talent and creativity to the world.”
CEGC is India’s first state-backed international esports championship, combining government support with private-sector execution to create a sustainable esports framework. The 90,000 CCV achieved before the Main Event highlights the growing anticipation and Chennai’s position as an emerging esports hub.
According to IMARC Group, the global esports market was valued at USD 2.08 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 10.06 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 17.05%. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 30% of the market, with India’s gaming population projected to rise from 453 million to 730 million by 2028. The CEGC’s viewership milestone underscores India’s potential to develop large-scale esports properties with global appeal.
