India’s premier collegiate esports platform, College Rivals, managed by Ampverse DMI, has formed a strategic partnership with Orangutan, a top esports entity in the country. This collaboration aims to provide professional gaming opportunities for college students. In a notable development, College Rivals has granted its first professional gaming contract to Sahil Nagpal, a student from Jalandhar, Punjab. This move underscores College Rivals’ dedication to nurturing talent and expanding career prospects within the gaming industry for aspiring players.
Collaboration of Ampverse DMI Partners with Orangutan(OG):
During Season 1, Sahil Nagpal showcased his exceptional skills, embodying the potential that College Rivals seeks to identify and nurture. This initiative reflects the platform’s dedication to developing grassroots esports talent and offering transformative opportunities.
By joining Orangutan’s Academy BGMI team, Nagpal not only achieves his dream of becoming a professional player but also sets a motivational example for aspiring gamers across the nation. His success highlights College Rivals’ commitment to providing a life-changing experience and advancing the esports landscape from the ground up.
In Season 2, College Rivals will keep supporting college gamers on their journey to professional success. Through a strategic multi-year partnership with Orangutan, selected players will also earn a chance to join Orangutan’s team, furthering their esports careers. This collaboration enhances opportunities for emerging talent and bridges the gap between collegiate and professional gaming.
Country Head of Ampverse DMI, India, Ashwin Haryani said, “Ampverse DMI and Orangutan are embarking on a holistic partnership. They understood the concept of us building a talent hunt and making sure the top winners are given a platform to perform at a national and international stage. Beyond competition, our alliance also aims to enrich the esports ecosystem with an exclusive BGMI Team, a merchandise line and brand presence on the jersey of the team, every time they step out to play.”
Under this partnership, Ampverse DMI and Orangutan will co-own Rivals Ape X, a youth team starting with a BGMI lineup. Each season of College Rivals will contribute at least one player to this team. Rivals Ape X, showcasing emerging talent, aims to make a mark both nationally and internationally in BGMI tournaments.
Selection Process and Jai Shah About the Initiative:
During the selection process, Orangutan evaluated all 8 BGMI College Rivals Season 1 finalists. Sahil was chosen due to his exceptional in-game skills, strategic understanding, and strong teamwork. This thorough trial helped identify Sahil as the standout player among the finalists.
Jai Shah, Co-Founder of Orangutan, expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, “I am incredibly excited to introduce Rivals Ape X, our Academy Esports Team, in collaboration with Ampverse DMI and College Rivals. This collaboration marks a significant step in our mission to nurture and develop young, hungry talent, providing them with a bigger platform to showcase their skills. Together with Ampverse DMI, we aim to create a pathway for the next generation of esports champions and build a community where passion, skill, and ambition can thrive. Together, we’re setting the stage for the future of competitive gaming.”
Season 2 of College Rivals will feature over 50 colleges from 22 cities in both offline and online formats. College students across India can now register, with preliminary rounds starting from July 15. The season introduces unique entertainment experiences for students, including chances to become college ambassadors, access exclusive merchandise, and participate in innovative gaming initiatives never before seen in India.
The competitions will feature three games—BGMI, Valorant, and EA FC 24—with the grand finale set for February 2025. Winners from monthly qualifiers will advance to the ultimate showdown, vying for a prize pool of up to ₹50,00,000 and a professional contract. This grand event promises intense competition and significant rewards.
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