The Government of Maharashtra and JioBLAST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore long-term cooperation across gaming, esports, digital innovation, youth engagement, skill development, and the state’s larger digital economy, which is a major step towards bolstering India’s gaming and esports ecosystem.
In order to foster ecosystem growth through industry engagement, innovation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, the MoU creates a strategic framework for cooperation between the Government of Maharashtra and JioBLAST. India Rising: Road to EWC, the partnership’s inaugural project, will bring a localised Esports World Cup (EWC) celebration to Mumbai and provide a platform to link Indian players, developers, and gaming communities with the international esports ecosystem.
Six major areas of cooperation: bolstering the gaming and esports ecosystem, promoting innovation and the digital economy, youth engagement and skill development, startup and academic cooperation, industry events and knowledge exchange, and investment promotion and industry facilitation.
Dr. P. Anbalagan, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Gaming, esports and digital entertainment are emerging as important drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship and youth engagement. Through this collaboration with JioBLAST, Maharashtra aims to foster an enabling environment for the sector by encouraging industry participation, skill development and ecosystem-building initiatives. India Rising marks the beginning of this journey, and we look forward to exploring opportunities that can strengthen Maharashtra’s position as a leading destination for gaming, esports and digital innovation.”
Commenting on the MoU, Charlie Cowdrey, CEO, JioBLAST, said, “India has one of the world’s largest gaming communities, and Maharashtra has the talent, infrastructure and entrepreneurial ecosystem to play a leading role in its next phase of growth. This partnership reflects a shared vision to create long-term opportunities across gaming, esports, technology and youth development. India Rising: Road to EWC is the first milestone in that journey as we make Mumbai the home of Esports World Cup’s first physical presence in India. We look forward to working with the Government of Maharashtra to help build an ecosystem that supports players, creators, startups and the wider gaming industry.”
Road to EWC, which will conclude in Mumbai on July 4, 2026, will include the Chess LAN Final, in which Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi and Dutch Grandmaster Benjamin Bok will battle for a spot in the final stage of the Esports World Cup 2026 Chess tournament. The event will also feature competitive competitions in VALORANT and MOBA Legends: 5v5!, creator showcases with prominent gaming organisations, community experiences, and live entertainment, all representing gaming’s larger vision as a driver of young culture and digital engagement.
The MoU is non-binding and provides a framework for future partnerships, with any additional projects or investments subject to separate approvals and agreements.
