
Competitive gaming in India has recently emerged as a promising source of income, with Bengaluru becoming a major hub for gamers worldwide. The Super Smash Bros (SSB) community in Bengaluru shares their experiences, revealing that the COVID-19 pandemic kickstarted many gaming journeys globally. Shreyas, India's top-ranked SSB player at 16, highlights how lockdown restrictions led him and his friends to discover online tournaments and turn their gaming hobby into a profitable endeavor. The community has attracted gamers from various countries, such as the UAE and Mumbai. Arjun Sivaram, ranked fifth in India, discloses that he has earned over ₹1.5 lakh through competitive gaming, with prize pools ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 in tournaments. Additionally, the SSB community stands out for its significant female participation, drawing a diverse crowd of gamers."When considering the gaming landscape overall, our community boasts a significant number of female gamers. We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming to all, while Super Smash Bros stands out as a game that offers the challenge and intensity of professional gaming without the graphic violence. With its diverse range of characters like Kirby and Jigglypuff, the game appeals to fans of various genres," explains Rahul. Ipsita Thapa, a NIFT student and part-time cosplayer, emphasizes her dedication to creating detailed costumes like Link from The Legend of Zelda, investing both time and money into her passion for cosplaying. The professional gaming community in India has seen notable improvement over time, now able to compete and win against international players. Arjun Sivaram highlights Bengaluru's social atmosphere as a key factor in fostering a thriving gaming community, where friendships are formed both online and offline within the Super Smash Bros community.