Samsung Enters Indian Esports via College Rivals
Samsung has made a notable entry into India’s rapidly evolving esports landscape, marking a new chapter in the country’s competitive gaming ecosystem. The South Korean technology group has joined the collegiate esports scene as the Official Title Sponsor of the third season of College Rivals, a move designed to strengthen its engagement with India’s student gaming community.
By aligning with college-level competition, Samsung is positioning itself at the center of grassroots esports development, where student participation and digital gaming adoption continue to expand across the country.
Showcasing Flagship Devices in Live Competition
Central to the partnership is the integration of Samsung’s flagship mobile hardware into the tournament itself. Under the sponsorship agreement, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will serve as the standard device for all on-ground matches, placing the smartphone directly in the hands of competing students.
This approach reflects broader shifts within India’s mobile gaming sector. As competitive college esports gains momentum, players increasingly demand devices capable of delivering consistent performance, low latency and high-quality graphics. What was once considered premium hardware has become a functional requirement for serious competition and Samsung’s participation highlights its intent to meet those expectations while demonstrating its technology in real-world gaming conditions.
Timing Aligns With Policy Support
Samsung’s move comes as esports continues to receive growing institutional recognition in India. Regulatory developments such as the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA) 2025 have introduced clearer oversight of online gaming, providing greater legitimacy to the sector.
At the same time, competitive gaming has found representation in national initiatives like the Khelo India Youth Games, helping extend participation beyond major metropolitan areas. Several states, including Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, have also supported organized competitive formats, contributing to the development of structured grassroots ecosystems and increased visibility for emerging talent.
A Broader and More Competitive Tournament
College Rivals Season 3 is expected to surpass its previous editions in scale and reach. The tournament will be hosted across more than 70 colleges in 20 cities, introducing expanded formats and heightened competition, particularly in widely followed titles such as Battlegrounds Mobile India.
The series is operated by Ampverse, backed through a joint venture with DMI Finance. Ampverse describes itself as Asia’s largest gaming community ecosystem and has been actively building its presence in India since launching the College Rivals Esports Series in August 2023. With the third season now underway, the event has achieved what organizers describe as the widest campus footprint in the country’s esports sector.
Esports as a Platform for Youth Engagement
Samsung’s involvement reflects a broader trend of mainstream brands recognizing esports as a credible channel for youth engagement. The development follows similar moves by companies such as Hindustan Unilever Limited, which recently entered the space through sponsorship of the Chennai Esports Global Championship under its Boost Protein brand.
Industry observers suggest that such partnerships signal growing confidence in esports as both a technology-testing environment and a scalable medium for connecting with younger audiences. As India’s esports ecosystem continues to mature, collaborations between major consumer brands and competitive gaming platforms are expected to become increasingly common.
