While gaming has been a popular hobby for a long time, competitive gaming has recently emerged as a viable source of income in India. Bengaluru has become a prominent hub for gamers, attracting players from around the world to compete, connect, and grow both personally and professionally. We spoke with members of the Super Smash Bros (SSB) community in Bengaluru to learn more about their experiences.
Shreyas, a 16-year-old and India's top-ranked Super Smash Bros player, explains how the COVID-19 pandemic kickstarted his gaming journey. He and his friend, seeking new activities during the lockdown, discovered online tournaments and began participating. This initial hobby soon evolved into a serious pursuit, a common story among gamers.
Players from various countries, including the UAE and Mumbai, travel to Bengaluru for competitions. Arjun, ranked 5th in India, shares that he has earned over ₹1.5 lakh through gaming, with prize money ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 in different tournaments. The community also stands out for its significant number of female gamers, drawing a diverse range of participants.When observing the gaming landscape as a whole, our community is proud to attract a significant number of female gamers. With a diverse and welcoming membership, Super Smash Bros stands out as a game that offers the challenge of professional gaming without the graphic violence. Featuring a range of characters like Kirby and Jigglypuff, the game appeals to fans from various entertainment genres,” recounts Rahul. Ipsita Thapa, a NIFT student and part-time cosplayer, shared her dedication to cosplay, mentioning the time and money she invests in creating costumes to bring characters to life at conventions.
The professional gaming scene has evolved positively, with local players now routinely competing against and outperforming international counterparts. The dedication to practice among players has also increased, reflecting a promising trend in the community. In Bengaluru, the social nature of the city has fostered a thriving gaming community, where individuals transitioned from online gaming to form lasting friendships offline, creating a tight-knit group that feels like a large family. Nitin Rao, a graphic designer and member of the SSB community, emphasizes the strong bonds and camaraderie that have developed within the group.
