Gaming has evolved in India to offer competitive opportunities for income, especially in Bengaluru where gamers gather to compete, network, and grow personally and professionally. We spoke with members of the Super Smash Bros (SSB) community in Bengaluru to learn more about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial prospects in competitive gaming.
Shreyas, a 16-year-old player ranked number one in India for Super Smash Bros, shared his journey during the pandemic, when he and a friend discovered online tournaments and gradually developed their gaming skills. Players from various countries, including the UAE and Mumbai, come to Bengaluru to compete, highlighting the growing popularity of competitive gaming.
Arjun Sivaram, India's fifth-ranked Super Smash Bros player, mentioned earning over ₹1.5 lakh through tournaments, with prize pools ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000. He emphasized the potential for gamers to make money through podium finishes in various competitions.
Rahul Diwakar, a tech enthusiast in the SSB community, noted the increasing participation of female gamers in their group compared to other gaming communities.Rahul explains that while the Super Smash Bros community is known for its competitive nature, it also attracts a diverse group of gamers, including many females. The game's appeal lies in its challenging gameplay reminiscent of professional gaming, yet without the violence often found in other games. With a variety of characters like Kirby and Jigglypuff to choose from, Super Smash Bros caters to fans of different entertainment genres. Ipsita Thapa, a NIFT student and cosplayer, invests time and money into creating elaborate costumes for characters like Link from The Legend of Zelda, showcasing her passion for bringing characters to life. The professional gaming scene in Bengaluru has witnessed significant growth, with local players now competing successfully against international gamers, reflecting a dedicated practice culture. Nitin Rao highlights Bengaluru's social atmosphere as a key factor in fostering the tight-knit bond within the Super Smash Bros community, transforming a group of online players into a close "family" of friends who enjoy gaming together both online and offline.
