Tamil Nadu recognized for State Contribution to The Esports Industry at GEM Awards 2025

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | March 3, 2025 | News

Tamil Nadu GEM Awards GAFX 2025

Tamil Nadu has been recognized as a pioneer in Indian esports, receiving the ‘State Contribution to the Esports Industry’ award at the GEM Awards 2025, held at GAFX 2025 in Bengaluru. The award was received by Thiru J. Meghanatha Reddy, IAS and CEO of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering esports at the grassroots level.

The state made history in 2024 by officially including esports as a demo sport in the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Trophy, making it one of the first states in India to integrate esports into a large-scale, government-supported sporting event. The initiative featured eight popular esports titles, including BGMI, Pokémon UNITE, Real Cricket 2024, EAFC 2024, NBA 2K25, EChess, Street Fighter 6, and F1 2024. Skyesports played a crucial role as the Principal Technical Partner for the event’s esports initiatives.

Speaking about the recognition, Thiru J. Meghanatha Reddy said, “Never expected that, as a government, we would receive an award for esports. But as a state, we have always had a passion for developing any kind of sport that comes across us. We have understood that esports is the game of the future and with the kind of attention it is getting. So, one of the things we did is make it a part of the Tamil Nadu CM Trophy.”

Reddy also highlighted the state’s vision to further develop esports and announced plans for a world esports championship in Chennai later this year.

He further added, “And taking that [TN CM’s Trophy] as an inspiration, this year we are creating a World Esports Championship in Chennai. Probably you will get to hear the news very soon.”

This recognition at GAFX 2025 further cements Tamil Nadu’s leadership in legitimizing and advancing esports, setting a benchmark for other states. With continued government support and strategic initiatives, Tamil Nadu is shaping the future of competitive gaming in India and now aims to make a mark on the global esports stage.

The GEM Awards 2025 took place at GAFX 2025, an annual event supported by the Government of Karnataka. This year’s edition also introduced esports for the first time, featuring the Skyesports Souvenir National Esports Championship for Counter-Strike 2, where top teams from across the country competed at a national level.