In a move aimed at accelerating India’s fast-growing gaming and esports industry, the Government of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JioBLAST to explore long-term collaboration across gaming, esports, digital innovation, youth engagement, skill development and the broader digital economy.
The non-binding agreement establishes a strategic framework for both parties to work together on ecosystem development through industry engagement, innovation, knowledge exchange and capacity building. As the first initiative under the partnership, India Rising: Road to EWC will bring a localized celebration of the Esports World Cup (EWC) to Mumbai, connecting Indian gamers, creators and esports communities with the global competitive gaming ecosystem.
Under the MoU, the Government of Maharashtra and JioBLAST will explore collaboration across six broad areas, including strengthening the gaming and esports ecosystem, promoting innovation and the digital economy, fostering youth engagement and skill development, supporting startup and academic partnerships, facilitating industry events and knowledge exchange, and encouraging investment promotion for the sector.
The first major initiative under the partnership, India Rising: Road to EWC, will culminate in Mumbai on July 4, 2026, bringing together competitive gaming, creators and esports enthusiasts. A key highlight of the event will be the Chess LAN Final, where Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi will take on Dutch Grandmaster Benjamin Bok for a place in the final stage of the Esports World Cup 2026 Chess competition.
Beyond chess, the event will showcase competitive VALORANT and MOBA Legends: 5v5! tournaments, creator-led experiences featuring leading gaming organisations, community engagement activities and live entertainment. The organisers say the event is designed to celebrate gaming as a growing pillar of youth culture, digital engagement and creative expression.
Speaking on the partnership, 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.” he added.
Echoing the sentiment, Charlie Cowdrey, CEO, JioBLAST, said the partnership reflects a shared ambition to build a sustainable gaming ecosystem in India “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.”
