Ampverse DMI's College Rivals: Building Future of Indian Esports

The Indian collegiate Esports scene is exploding, and at the forefront of this revolution is Ampverse DMI’s College Rivals. More than just a tournament, College Rivals has become a launchpad for aspiring gamers, offering them a pathway to professional careers in the gaming industry. In this interview, Sumedha Mahajan, Head of Marketing at Ampverse DMI, shares insights into the platform’s success stories, its role in community building, and the company’s vision for the future of Esports in India.

College Rivals has emerged as a significant force in Indian collegiate Esports. Can you share some key success stories of students who have leveraged this platform to launch their careers in the gaming industry?

We envisioned College Rivals as more than just a competitive platform; it’s more of a launchpad for young talent. Several students who participated in our tournaments have gone on to secure professional opportunities in Esports, from joining top teams to working in event management and content creation. Last year, our partnership with Orangutan to form Rivals Apex was a game-changer. During the selection process, players had the unique opportunity to be part of the Rival Apex team, showcasing their skills on a bigger stage. These initiatives highlight how College Rivals serves as a stepping stone, nurturing talent both on and off the screen, and opening doors to various career paths within the gaming ecosystem.

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Beyond competition, how does Ampverse DMI utilize College Rivals to foster a sense of community and develop essential skills like teamwork, communication, and critical thinking among college students?

At Ampverse DMI, we believe Esports is more than just gaming; it’s about community and personal growth. Through College Rivals, we organize workshops, webinars, and team-building activities that encourage students to collaborate effectively. Additionally, the tournaments themselves demand high levels of communication and coordination, as players must strategize under pressure. By integrating these elements, we’re ot just creating gamers but well-rounded individuals equipped with skills that are invaluable both in gaming and in life.

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What are the unique challenges and opportunities that Ampverse DMI faces in expanding Esports in India, particularly in terms of infrastructure, talent development, and audience engagement?

The Esports ecosystem in India is still maturing, and with that comes both challenges and opportunities. Infrastructure remains a hurdle, as many colleges lack high-performance gaming setups. However, this challenge has driven us to innovate, such as offering hybrid tournaments that combine online and offline formats. Talent development is another focus area; India’s youth have immense potential, but they often lack access to structured training. We’ve addressed this by introducing skill-building workshops and partnerships with brands to provide resources.

On the other side, the growth of mobile gaming and the increasing accessibility of technology have opened up unprecedented opportunities. India’s massive active youth population is naturally inclined toward gaming, giving us a vast, untapped audience. By focusing on creating localized content and fostering inclusivity, we’re positioning Esports as a mainstream entertainment avenue.

How does Ampverse DMI plan to leverage the growing popularity of mobile gaming and emerging technologies like AR/VR to further innovate its gaming IPs and engage a wider audience?

At Ampverse DMI, we’re building an inclusive Esports ecosystem across mobile, PC, and console gaming, bringing together players of Valorant, EA FC, BGMI, and more. Mobile gaming has made Esports more accessible than ever, but we ensure every gamer regardless of platform feels included. AR and VR are redefining fan experiences, and we showcased this at last year’s College Rivals finale with interactive zones. This is just the beginning, we’re excited to push these innovations further, making gaming more immersive than ever. The goal is to blur the lines between the virtual and real world, making every moment unforgettable.

What advice would you give to aspiring young gamers and Esports enthusiasts who dream of making a career in this dynamic industry?

My advice is simple: focus on your craft and stay consistent. Esports is just like any other profession, it requires hard work, discipline, and continuous learning. Don’t just play to win; play to learn. Analyze your games, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and always strive to improve. Secondly, don’t hesitate to explore roles beyond playing, like shoutcasting, game
design, or event management. The industry is vast and full of opportunities. Finally, network and stay updated on industry trends. Platforms like College Rivals are perfect for building connections and gaining exposure. Remember, it’s not just about playing games; it’s about playing them smartly.

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