Global Esports Games 2023: eFootball star Hemanth Kommu to lead India's medal charge

New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) After a triumphant performance in the Asian Qualifiers, India's eFootball star, Hemanth Kommu, is set to represent the nation at the prestigious Global Esports Games 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Hemanth will compete in his tournament opener against Uruguay as he looks to clinch a medal for India at the global tournament.

Kommu, known by his gaming handle 'peshemak7,' has been placed in Group D for the group stage of the Global Esports Games, alongside leading eFootball opponents from Brazil, Iran, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and Uruguay.

All group stage games will take place on December 13, featuring a Round Robin Best-of-3 format with 28 players competing in four groups of seven. The top three players from each group will proceed to the Round of 16 playoffs.

Additionally, the tournament will also feature a last-chance qualifier where the 4th-placed player from each group in Stage 1 will battle it out to secure qualification. Only one player will qualify for the final stage, which will be played in a Single Elimination Best-of-3 format.

Sharing his thoughts and talking about his strategies for the group stage, Hemanth commented: "The competition going to be intense, but I am ready to give it my all. My game plan will revolve around being smart and adaptable but most importantly keeping my cool under pressure. Since every opponent has their own style of gameplay, I have formulated multiple tactics and strategies based on how things go. I want to extend my gratitude to ESFI for backing me and I will do my best to make India proud by hopefully securing a medal."

Hemanth's journey to qualification was marked by impressive victories against formidable opponents in the Asian qualifiers, including Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The 26-year-old secured his berth for the qualifiers after emerging victorious at the National Esports Championships 2023 organised by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) earlier this year.

The Global Esports Games 2023, hosted by the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and presented by the Global Esports Federation (GEF) will be staged in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from December 12-16, 2023.

The global, multi-title Esports competition will feature four major titles: DOTA 2, Street Fighter 6, eFootball 2024, and PUBG Mobile, and will witness the participation of over 250 athletes hailing from more than 50 nations and territories across the globe.