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Nepal's esports teams aim for the podium at the global Esports World Cup

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Nepal is represented by two teams, DRS Gaming and Horaa Esports Nepal, at the Esports World Cup in Paris, which features a $75 million prize pool.
  • DRS Gaming, competing in Free Fire, has become the first Nepali team in the event and is currently ranked seventh after impressing in the opening rounds.
  • Horaa Esports Nepal, a PUBG Mobile contender, aims for a podium finish after securing qualification and previously winning prize money in a similar tournament, despite government tax policies on esports earnings.

Nepal is making its presence felt on the global esports stage, with two teams competing at the prestigious Esports World Cup in Paris. The tournament boasts a record $75 million prize pool, highlighting the industry's massive growth, projected to exceed $2 billion globally this year.

DRS Gaming is representing Nepal in the Free Fire competition, marking a historic first for the country in this event. They have already shown strong performance, finishing among the top ten in the initial rounds and currently holding seventh place. Analyst Bishal Sapkota noted the team's composure, stating, "They are competing confidently against some of the biggest names in the world instead of being overwhelmed by the occasion." The team's ambition is to reach the finals and secure a podium spot.

They are competing confidently against some of the biggest names in the world instead of being overwhelmed by the occasion. Since this is Nepal’s first appearance on such a global stage, reaching the finals and finishing on the podium remains the target. We are optimistic about securing our place in the survival stage.

— Bishal SapkotaA Nepali Free Fire analyst commenting on DRS Gaming's performance and aspirations at the Esports World Cup.

Joining them is Horaa Esports Nepal, one of only two South Asian teams to qualify for the PUBG Mobile event. Founder Sanjan Gautam, also known as CR7 Horaa, expressed determination for a top finish, stating, "This year, our goal is to win. If not, we are determined to finish on the podium." Despite practicing daily against top international teams, Gautam criticized the government for taxing international prize earnings at 25% while offering minimal support to the esports sector.

The Esports World Cup, featuring over 2,000 players from more than 100 countries across 24 game titles, runs until August 23. Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo and chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen are serving as global ambassadors for the event.

This year, our goal is to win. If not, we are determined to finish on the podium. We practise every day against the world’s top teams, so we are not intimidated.

— Sanjan Gautam (CR7 Horaa)The founder of Horaa Esports Nepal discussing the team's ambitions for the PUBG Mobile event at the Esports World Cup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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