
Gaming has been a popular hobby for a long time, but competitive gaming as a legitimate income source has recently gained traction in India. Bengaluru has emerged as a major center for gamers, attracting players from around the world to compete, connect, and improve their skills. We spoke with members of the Super Smash Bros (SSB) community in Bengaluru to learn more about their experiences. During the COVID lockdown, many people like Shreyas, a 16-year-old ranked as India's top SSB player, turned to gaming as a way to pass the time. They discovered online tournaments and gradually transitioned their hobby into a serious pursuit. Participants from various countries, including the UAE and Mumbai, travel to Bengaluru for competitions. Players like Arjun Sivaram, ranked fifth in India, have earned significant amounts, with rewards ranging from ₹20,000-30,000 for tournaments. Women gamers are well represented in the SSB community in Bengaluru, with a high number of female competitors participating in events.According to Rahul, despite the challenging nature of the game, Super Smash Bros stands out in the gaming community for its diverse and inclusive player base. The game's competitive aspect appeals to professional gamers, yet its lack of violent content makes it accessible to a broader audience, including female players. With a wide array of character choices like Kirby and Jigglypuff, the game caters to fans from various entertainment genres. Ipsita Thapa, a dedicated cosplayer and NIFT student, invests time and money into creating elaborate costumes for events like this. She enjoys embodying characters like Link from The Legend of Zelda and spreading joy at conventions. The gaming scene in Bengaluru benefits from its social atmosphere, fostering a close-knit community of players who have evolved from a group of online gamers to a supportive group of friends outside the game.