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The Skillhub Online Games (SOG) Federation recently introduced the SOG Grandmasters Series, a groundbreaking event designed to promote skill-based mind sports in India’s online gaming sector. This championship aims to showcase and celebrate players’ cognitive abilities through traditional mind sports, reflecting India’s rich socio-cultural heritage. By emphasizing skill-based gaming, the Federation seeks to establish a fair, competitive, and supportive environment for online gamers across the country.
Aiming to elevate skill-based sports, the SOG Federation has collaborated with the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), aligning with renowned organizations like FIDE (chess), IESF (esports), and the International Federation of Card Games. This partnership reflects the Federation’s commitment to setting high standards, both locally and internationally, and provides a pathway for Indian talent to achieve recognition on global platforms.
“The SOG Grandmasters Series marks a pivotal moment in our mission to elevate skill-based mind sports in India,” said Shankar Agarwal, President of SOG Federation. “With a premier platform for skilled players, we aim to foster excellence, integrity, and competitiveness in India’s gaming community. Our partnership with IMSA ensures adherence to global standards, supporting sustainable growth and strengthening the legitimacy of skill-based mind sports in India.”
The inaugural SOG Grandmasters Series will feature three primary skill-based mind sports: Indian Chess Masters (ICM), Indian Chess Masters for Blind (ICMB), and Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG). Starting with online qualifiers, these competitions will progress to regional “phygital” zonal tournaments—combining physical and digital formats. The South Zone opens the series on December 18-19 in Bengaluru, followed by other regional events.
Top players from these regional tournaments will advance to the National Finals, set to be held in Delhi in March 2025, with the ultimate titles of Chess Master, Blind Chess Master, and Rummy Grandmaster up for grabs, alongside a prize pool exceeding INR 2 crore.
SOG Federation’s initiative not only highlights India’s gaming talent but also aims to set the foundation for sustained growth in skill-based gaming. By providing structured tournaments and fostering a supportive community, the Federation is committed to nurturing talent that can represent India on international stages.
Geoffrey Borg, CEO of IMSA, praised the initiative, saying, “We see the SOG Grandmasters Series as a pivotal step in harnessing India’s skill-based gaming talent. This platform will elevate players and strengthen India’s position as a leader in mind sports.”