NODWIN Gaming, a leading gaming and esports media company from South Asia, is celebrating its partnership with BLAST, a global esports entertainment firm. This alliance has successfully led to the completion of the region’s premier Counter-Strike tournament, “The Draft”. The gaming unit Marcos Gaming, guided by Counter-Strike icon Richard ‘shox’ Papillon, won a thrilling 3-2 victory over KennyS’ True Rippers Esports in the grand final. Their win secures their status as the inaugural victors for “The Draft”.
Set in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, “The Draft”, received support from energy drink company Red Bull. The Super Six LAN final phase showcased six elite Counter-Strike squads from India and Pakistan. Two Indian groups, True Rippers Esports and Marcos Gaming, became the main event’s finalists. Richard ‘shox’ Papillon, famous from his time with Liquid, G2, and Team Vitality, led Marcos Gaming to victory. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) thanks to 302 kills, 187 deaths, and an outstanding ADR of 103 across the five final phase matches.
Gautam Virk, NODWIN Gaming’s Co-Founder and CEO, praised the tournament: “The Draft has been a tremendous success, showcasing the exceptional Counter-Strike talent from the region. It speaks volumes about our commitment to support esports, nurture talent, and build a vibrant gaming community. The alliance between NODWIN and BLAST serves as a launchpad for emerging CS stars from the region. Congratulations to Marcos Gaming on their historic win as the inaugural champions of ‘The Draft’.
We thank our partners at BLAST, all participating teams, legends, and everyone who contributed to this event. Also, we deeply appreciate our dedicated community’s unwavering support. As we close this exciting chapter, we look forward to expanding esports and fostering more opportunities for players to reach their potential.”
Faye Marlborough, Director of Brand at BLAST, believes: “The first ‘The Draft’ has been a significant success, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm and ability within the South East Asia esports arena. The event accentuates the need for more chances for these underserved gaming regions.”
Richard ‘shox’ Papillon, renowned Counter-Strike legend and the tournament’s MVP, stated “I’m delighted to contribute to the expansion of CS in areas where it’s lesser-known than in Europe or North America. It’s critical to share our passion for the game, because without the exposure, players find it challenging to develop.”
The tournament began with 64 teams from India and Pakistan, all hoping to advance to the group stage. The tournament ended with True Rippers Esports, Marcos Gaming, and Gods Reign representing India at the Super Six LAN phase. Meanwhile, Pak Boyz, Team Wah Wah, and Com Mid represented Pakistan. Counter-Strike legends, including Adam ‘friberg’ Friberg, Richard ‘shox’ Papillon, among others, significantly increased the tournament’s prestige by mentoring the teams.
“The Draft” demonstrates NODWIN Gaming’s and BLAST’s dedication to furthering the Counter-Strike environment in the region. A united venture between NODWIN Gaming and BLAST aims to improve and elevate the broader esports scene in South Asia.
About BLAST
BLAST strives to elevate esports to a new level of global entertainment, inviting billions of fans to participate in the esports revolution. We create both live and digital experiences, organizing tournaments that fill major arenas globally, and curating content that leaves audiences captivated.
BLAST Premier is an international Counter-Strike tournament series hosting the world’s strongest teams fighting for a multi-million dollar prize pool. Attracting substantial in-person crowds and boasting a vast at-home viewership tuning in from more than 154 territories and in 25 distinct languages.
About NODWIN Gaming
NODWIN Gaming, an independent subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd. (BSE: NAZARA), holds a significant role in the global gaming and esports industry as a frontrunner in emerging markets. The company’s operations center on building IPs in gaming and esports such as leagues, tournaments, reality shows, and more.
One of NODWIN Gaming’s key focus areas is the mobile gaming and esports sector, where it has established a prevailing position worldwide. Their strategic expansion and cultivation of new IP are vital to NODWIN’s goal of maintaining a significant role in the global gaming esports arena.