new Delhi: According to media reports, Indian multiplex chain INOX Leisure has announced a tie-up with Esports Federation of India (ESFI) to host and promote esports tournaments across the country.
From now on, esports fans can watch the tournament on the big screen at the INOX facilities.
INOX has been made the official cinema partner of ESFI. The multiplex operator will help ESFI to watch parties and events at multiplexes in India.
According to INOX, this not only allows people to play tournaments throughout the year at select cinema venues, but will also help fans take the game to a wider audience to watch the tournament at their venues.
This is INOX’s first venture into exports, however, the brand is a known partner for many Indian sports teams and organizations. INOX is also a long-term partner of the Indian Olympic Association and operates more than 150 multiplexes in 71 cities across the country.
INOX said that it has been supporting Indian sports through collaborations in the past. It has also screened and marketed other sports tournaments like ICC World Cup and Olympics 2020. The deal will enable cinemas to host esports tournaments, stream live tournaments, provide training opportunities and provide a talent scouting platform for future global events.
In October last year, its rival PVR had announced a collaboration with a domestic esports firm Nodwin Gaming to stream similar events in its cinemas.
As per reports, INOX CEO Alok Tandon said that their cinemas were present in ‘urban and youth-centric locations’ and this would contribute heavily to the growth in exports. He said that their screens and local area facilities are technically sufficient to host such events.
Lokesh Sooji, Director, EFSI and Vice President, Asian Esports Federation, said that many of the top esports talent come from Tier-II and III cities and this will help in nurturing and unleashing their talent.