Ad Land’s Young Guns: How esports players are enriching the gaming ecosystem

The esports industry in India has experienced an extraordinary rise, fueled by the country’s expanding digital landscape, affordable smartphones, and a growing gaming culture. Once considered a niche, esports has now evolved into a lucrative career path, with players achieving international recognition and fans celebrating them as sporting icons. Titles like BGMI and PUBG Mobile have dominated the scene, uniting gamers across the nation and creating a competitive ecosystem that thrives on strategy, skill, and teamwork. This meteoric growth highlights the potential of esports as both an entertainment powerhouse and a professional platform for India’s youth.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Mohammed Owais Lakhani, a celebrated professional esports player, delves into the nuances of the competitive gaming world. Known for his achievements in high-stakes tournaments and his role in elevating India’s gaming reputation globally, Lakhani shares his journey, challenges, and inspirations. From transitioning roles to maintaining a work-life balance, his insights offer a compelling look into the life of an esports athlete, shedding light on the dedication and resilience required to thrive in this fast-paced industry.

How do you manage the demands of your diverse roles in the esports industry, and what challenges do you face in juggling these responsibilities?

Changing roles and playing games is not that tough, but there are several things that surely come up in the process. I was an IGL and never took up any other role. It was during BMPS that I shifted my role from IGL to support which was quite challenging for me because for the past over 5 to 6 years all I have done is played as IGL. It wouldn’t have been difficult if throughout my professional career, I would have switched my roles in close time intervals, then it would have been easier.

So, my approach here was to keep playing the game, like I spent 10 to 15 days playing and checked the POV to analyze where I am lacking, or the mistakes I made, understanding what my team needs, and what I can deliver, if I am delivering it the correct way or not. So, I worked a lot on identifying the things that would help my team.

What does a typical day look like for you in esports? Could you share the 5 to 7 activities that you prioritize to keep your career and commitments on track?

When we’re between tournaments, my typical schedule begins with an early start, diving straight into the training process. This includes honing my skills in BGMI, analyzing the playing styles of international players, and reviewing my own gameplay from past matches to identify areas for improvement. I also keep a close eye on strong-performing teams to learn from their strategies and adapt to their strengths.

Additionally, I study gameplay from other battle royale games to broaden my understanding of the esports landscape and stay updated with evolving trends. Preparing for tournaments requires not just technical expertise but also adaptability to different game styles. To stay mentally sharp, I incorporate workouts to manage stress and maintain focus. This holistic approach ensures I’m fully prepared when it’s time to compete.

What inspired you to pursue a career in esports, and how did you prepare for this field amidst other pursuits? What drove you toward this path?

I loved playing football and I always wanted to become a footballer. I dreamt of representing my country. But I never got the chance to take this passion forward since there was a lot of competition. And while I was playing football, I also started to develop interest towards gaming, which I took up just for fun initially. I eventually came across tournaments and started participating and I kept winning one after another and it eventually led me to my dream to represent my country. We went to an International event which was hosted in Berlin, Germany and we were the only Indian team who secured chicken dinner, which was a big achievement for me.

Did you have any mentors or industry icons who guided you in esports? How did they impact your journey and growth?

Honestly, being among the pioneers in advancing the Indian gaming scene, we didn’t have anyone to guide us along the way. Every step taken forward was a new learning, a new challenge and series of errors from which we continue to learn. But yes, I would definitely want to mention that my father supported me a lot, so that I can continue focusing on games.

With the fast pace of the esports industry, how do you maintain a work-life balance, and what practices do you rely on for stress management and well-being?

Balancing work and life can be challenging, especially with the hours of practice that esports demands, it can get tough. But I try my best to pull out some personal time. When I can, I like to step out to play football or cricket, which really helps me recharge. Recently, I’ve also started working out to relieve stress, and that’s been a big help. Otherwise, I just enjoy hanging out with friends to unwind.

Could you highlight key achievements in your esports career? How have these accomplishments influenced your professional journey?

Some of my early achievements where my team achieved top position include PUBG Mobile India Series 2019, PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019, following recent tournaments like Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2024, BGMI Masters Series, ESL India Premiership 2020 Summer Season are some of the major tournaments which I have taken part in.

Everything I am today is a result of these achievements that brought recognition and admiration towards my work. Being part of the first generation, people have placed a lot of trust in me, even approaching me for coaching and guidance. When a player consistently competes in tournaments and maintains a strong ranking, it creates a lasting impact, people begin to follow your journey, and you build a solid reputation in the field.

How do you keep up-to-date with the latest in esports? Are there specific resources or strategies you use to remain informed and relevant in this competitive field?

Since we are the first generation esports gamers, our community is well connected and we get firsthand information regarding any industry development.

What fuels your passion for esports, and how do you continue to evolve to ensure long-term success in such a rapidly changing industry?

My journey started as a teenager, and now, at 22, I still have the same passion and drive to keep playing. I’m fueled by the excitement and thrill from it, and as long as that spark remains, I’ll continue. I’m fully charged and want to achieve more milestones.

Also Read: Ad land’s young guns: Parth Parmar, Director, PARÉ Innovations