The Emirates Esports Federation has inked a collaboration with ITW Global to introduce the EGL (E-Gaming League), a global esports league, which is set to take place in the UAE in April 2024.
This unique league, with a huge prize fund, will give Indian gamers a chance to show off their skills on a global scale.
The EGL, which is planned to be a multi-title league, will include six franchises as team owners who will compete in a variety of games, including DOTA, PUBG, and others. Franchises will use drafts to choose players, which is a groundbreaking decision as the league becomes one of the first to adopt a franchise and draft format.
The goal of this initiative is to create an esports league that is based on profitable models based on the effective frameworks observed in traditional sports leagues.
The President of the Emirates Esports Federation, Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakbout Al Nahyan, said, “The Emirates Esports Federation under the National Sports Council was set up to ensure the consistent development of Esports in the UAE in a fair and regulated manner. The EGL will revolutionize the Esports industry and go a long way in achieving our goal of creating a space where publishers, players, organizers & brands can come together and co-exist harmoniously to further bolster the future of Esports in the region.
“Asia is one of the fastest-growing Esports markets currently and with Indian gamers participating in this league, this league will provide country’s talented esports athletes with the platform to showcase their ability amongst the best-of global Esports talent. We are excited about the potential of this league and look forward to creating an event that will truly change the trajectory and contribute to the growth of Esports.”
The competition will include an outstanding mix of established international competitors and developing players from the USA, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates, and China. The competitive selection process for new players will include several qualifying rounds in February and March of 2024.
Following these qualifiers, the top amateur players and aspiring players will be selected via player auctions or drafts into each franchise.
Nayeem Khan, Sports Marketing & Sponsorship, ITW, said, “ITW has been working in the business of sports for the last 15 years and we pride ourselves on understanding the market with an eye on the future, we have always believed in the potential of Esports and are very excited to partner with the Emirates Esports Federation to bring EGL to the fans and players. We look forward to launching EGL India on the same concept in October 2024”
India’s gaming population across all platforms is expected to reach 444 million in 2023—a YoY increase of 12.1%—and 641.2 million in 2027—a 5-year compound annual growth rate of 10.1%, according to the “India Games Market Report 2023” report by Niko Partners.
To capitalise on the increasing popularity of esports in India, EGL intends to bring tried-and-trusted, profitable sports models, such as the franchise system used in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the esports market.
The first edition of EGL, which is scheduled to begin in April 2024, will be preceded by build-up activities leading up to it, which will begin in February in the UAE.