Esports Takes Center Stage at WAVES 2025 as NODWIN Gaming Leads the Charge

As the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) concludes in Mumbai, esports and gaming have emerged as a defining force in India’s creative and digital economy, with NODWIN Gaming playing a pivotal role in its spotlight moment.

Far from being a fringe attraction, esports was front and center at WAVES 2025, earning high praise from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and creators. The summit marked a turning point, with esports officially recognized as a critical pillar in the evolving landscape of India’s Orange Economy.

NODWIN Gaming showcased the vibrancy and potential of the sector through immersive activations and engaging discussions. In collaboration with KRAFTON India, attendees were given exclusive hands-on previews of popular titles including BGMI, Real Cricket, Road to Valor: Empire, Cookie Run, and Archery King.

Additionally, game creators from the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) presented their indie games to investors, stakeholders, and gaming enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the next generation of Indian game development.

We also hosted open-for-all LAN tournaments with prize pools worth ₹50,000+, bringing the community together for some epic competitive action!

Fans also had the chance to meet their favorite gaming creators and play alongside them at the KRAFTON booth! The energy was electric with top influencers like Saumraj, GHATAK, Mizo, Payal Gaming, Sharkshe, Simpp, Spero, and many more making special appearances and interacting with the community.

One of the event’s standout moments was the panel discussion titled Leadership in Gaming & Esports: Risk, Resilience & Reinvention. Featuring key voices from the industry such as Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming; Animesh ‘Thug’ Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL; and Nishant Patel, SVP at NODWIN Gaming and Co-founder of AFK Gaming.

The panel explored the bold decisions and strategic pivots that have shaped the Indian esports scene. From navigating regulatory hurdles to adapting to new platforms and audience expectations, the conversation shed light on the resilience and reinvention driving the industry’s growth.

WAVES 2025 was more than just a summit—it was a statement. The presence of top government officials, industry leaders, and cultural influencers signaled a new era for Indian esports, one where it no longer stands on the periphery but takes a central role in shaping the nation’s digital future.

With momentum clearly on its side, NODWIN Gaming and the wider esports ecosystem appear poised to accelerate India’s emergence as a global esports powerhouse.