In a thrilling showcase of skill and determination, Indian esports talents Mayank Prajapati and Hemanth Kommu clinched victory at the National Esports Championships (NESC) 2023. Mayank, who is set to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games 2022, where esports will debut as an official medal sport, hardly broke a sweat in the Street Fighter 6 qualifiers. Meanwhile, Hemanth, an IIT alumnus, showcased his prowess in eFootball, emerging as the champion.
Mayank Prajapati Street Fighter 6 Domination
Mayank Prajapati, a veteran of the Street Fighter scene, showcased his expertise at the NESC 2023. Facing off against 14 talented athletes, including Ayan Biswas, another Indian Street Fighter representative for the Asian Games 2022, Mayank’s journey culminated in a convincing 3-1 victory against Prateek Singh Bhaunt in the final.
Reflecting on his victory, Mayank Prajapati expressed his joy, stating, “I am thrilled to emerge victorious in the NESC 2023. Since the launch of Street Fighter 6, the game’s ecosystem has been steadily growing in the country, and I hope it follows the same trajectory to flourish in the coming years.”
He continued, “Thanks to ESFI for their continuous support, and a huge shoutout to the entire Indian Fighting Gaming community for their active participation. To come out on top against some of the community’s biggest athletes is a huge achievement, and I had dedicated myself to rigorous practice by devising strategies with different characters to ace this challenge.”
Hemanth Kommu’s eFootball Excellence
Hemanth Kommu, known for his exceptional skills in eFootball, secured the title at the NESC 2023. The competition was fierce, featuring 18 athletes, including Ibrahim Gulrez, India’s representative at the 15th World Esports Championships. Hemanth’s path to victory included overpowering Emaad Jameel Ahmed in the Grand Final 1 and Grand Final 2, both with an identical scoreline of 2-1.
“Securing victory in the eFootball qualifiers is truly a remarkable feeling. Through consistent practice and working on my strategies, I have been able to topple some of the notable names from the title and move one step closer to representing India at the global finals in Riyadh,” Hemanth said.
Global Esports Games 2023 on the Horizon
Both Mayank and Hemanth have previously represented India at the Global Esports Games, and their success at NESC 2023 reaffirms their prowess on the global stage. The regional qualifiers roadmap for the athletes will soon be unveiled by the Global Esports Federation.
The Global Esports Games 2023 (GEG23) are scheduled to take place from December 11 to 16 and will feature four major titles: DOTA 2, Street Fighter, eFootball 2023, and PUBG Mobile. All participants will be above the minimum age of 18 to ensure a fair and competitive environment.
India will participate in three of the four titles in the Open category – DOTA 2, eFootball 2023, and Street Fighter 6. Unfortunately, the country’s DOTA 2 team, led by captain Manav Kunte, faced a tough competition and bowed out of the regional qualifiers after suffering 0-2 defeats against Malaysia and Mongolia.
As the esports scene in India continues to grow, Mayank Prajapati and Hemanth Kommu’s achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring gamers across the nation. With their eyes set on the Asian Games 2022 and the Global Esports Games 2023, these athletes are poised to make their mark on the international stage, bringing pride and glory to India in the world of esports.
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