In a significant boost for the burgeoning Indian esports ecosystem, global technology brand OnePlus has announced its return as the official Title Sponsor and Smartphone Partner for the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) 2025. This marks the second consecutive year that OnePlus has thrown its weight behind India’s premier televised BGMI tournament, solidifying its deep-rooted commitment to the nation’s mobile gaming landscape.
The renewed partnership with NODWIN Gaming, Asia’s leading esports company, underscores OnePlus’s dedication to fostering a high-performance and innovation-driven environment for competitive gaming in India. The flagship global technology brand OnePlus is slated to power every match throughout the tournament, serving as a powerful testament to the device’s “battle-tested and gamer-approved performance,” as highlighted by Marcel Campos, Director of Product Strategy, OnePlus India. This direct integration of their latest device into the competitive arena demonstrates OnePlus’s confidence in their technology to meet the rigorous demands of professional esports.
BGMS has rapidly ascended to become a cultural phenomenon in India, captivating millions of viewers across the nation. Its previous season garnered an impressive viewership of over 145.5 million, a testament to the tournament’s widespread appeal and the growing popularity of mobile esports. Innovations such as Powerplay rounds, Impact Player mechanics, and immersive fan zones have consistently elevated the viewing experience and redefined mobile esports entertainment in India.
OnePlus’s involvement extends beyond mere branding. The company aims to actively contribute to the enhancement of the competitive gaming ecosystem by providing players with cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences. This strategic collaboration is not just about a sponsorship; it’s a validation of OnePlus’s relentless pursuit of product performance excellence, particularly in the realm of mobile gaming, where technological prowess directly translates into competitive advantage.
The relationship between OnePlus and NODWIN Gaming is a long-standing one, spanning over five years and encompassing various initiatives. From previous tournaments like Domin8 (2020) and Dominate 2.0 (2021) to youth engagement programs such as Campus Dominate (2022) and creator-led formats like Dominate Nights, OnePlus has consistently demonstrated its dedication to the Indian gaming community. Their initial title sponsorship of BGMS in 2023 further cemented their role as a key player in shaping India’s esports narrative.
This renewed partnership signifies a shared vision for the future of Indian esports. As Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, expressed, “OnePlus has played a key role in shaping India’s esports story, and their return as title sponsor for BGMS Season 4 reflects their commitment to the long game. This partnership isn’t just about a tournament; it’s about building the landscape together.” The collaboration aims to propel both the competition and the wider gaming community to new heights.
The trend of smartphone brands actively engaging with esports tournaments in India highlights a broader industry shift. With over 94% of India’s 591 million gamers playing on mobile, brands recognize that gamers represent a highly valuable, tech-savvy, and performance-focused demographic. Sponsoring major tournaments like BGMS allows brands like OnePlus to directly engage with their core audience, embedding their products into the gamer’s journey and generating significantly higher engagement and recall compared to traditional advertising. This strategic investment in esports is becoming a crucial differentiator for smartphone manufacturers, influencing everything from chipset partnerships to battery design in their devices.
As the Indian esports market continues its rapid growth, with projections reaching $1.6 billion by 2025, partnerships like that between OnePlus and BGMS are pivotal. They not only provide essential financial backing and top-tier technology for athletes but also elevate the legitimacy and mainstream appeal of esports, paving the way for a vibrant and sustainable gaming future in India.