Team GNI
All-Australian Roster to Represent India at $70 Million Riyadh Showdown in 2025
MUMBAI — In a landmark moment for Indian esports, S8UL has become the first Indian organization to enter the prestigious Apex Legends tournament at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Mumbai-based powerhouse has signed an all-Australian roster to carry India’s flag, competing for a share of the event’s staggering $70 million prize pool—the largest in esports history. This bold move underscores S8UL’s ambition to elevate Indian gaming on the global stage.
Announced on April 10, 2025, S8UL’s Apex Legends team features three seasoned Australian players—Rick “Sharky” Wirth, Benjamin “Jesko” Spaseski, and Tom “Legacy” Canty—led by coach Harrison “Rogers” Rogers. Sharky, a standout in the Apex scene, clinched the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) 2022 Championship with DarkZero Esports, earning $500,000, and brings career earnings of over $320,000. Jesko and Legacy, formerly of London’s Guild Esports, secured a top-10 finish at EWC 2024 and have collectively earned $150,000 in prize money. “We’re incredibly excited to take this step with a world-class team,” said Animesh Agarwal, S8UL’s Co-founder and CEO, known as 8Bit Thug. “Representing India in Apex Legends at EWC is a proud moment for us.”
The Esports World Cup, hosted by the Esports World Cup Foundation and ESL FACEIT Group, will run from July 7 to August 24, 2025, at Boulevard City, Riyadh. Featuring over 2,000 players and 200 clubs across 25 games, the event’s $70 million purse includes $27 million for the EWC Club Championship, with $7 million for the top-performing club. S8UL’s entry into Apex Legends, a fast-paced battle royale title with a global following, marks a shift from their dominance in mobile games like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Pokémon UNITE. The organization also plans to compete in EAFC 25, Chess, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tekken 8 at EWC, signaling a broader international push.
India’s esports scene, valued at ₹1,500 crore and projected to grow 20% annually, has long been mobile-centric, but S8UL’s foray into a PC and console title like Apex Legends reflects a maturing industry. “This is a game-changer,” said Dr. Vikram Shah, a gaming analyst at Mumbai University. “S8UL signing an Australian roster shows strategic vision—bridging local ambition with global talent.” Fans have rallied behind the move, with #S8ULxApex trending on X, amassing over 200,000 mentions within hours of the announcement.
S8UL’s campaign extends beyond competition. The organization launched a promotional video featuring creator BeYouNick, which garnered 3.5 million views across platforms, and plans a 20-city tour across India to engage fans with live events and roster reveals. “We’re not just here to play—we’re here to make a mark,” Agarwal said. Challenges remain, including integrating an international roster with S8UL’s Indian identity and navigating Apex’s fiercely competitive field. Yet, as the only Indian team in the tournament, S8UL carries the hopes of a nation eager to shine in Riyadh’s spotlight.
Source: S8UL Press Release, Esports World Cup Foundation Statement, Interview with Animesh Agarwal, Economic Times Gaming Desk
