nCore Games unveiled the second iteration of its esports competition for mobile shooter FAU-G: Domination on Monday, marking what organizers say is the country's first tournament to comply with India's newly enacted online gaming law.
The FAU-G Bharat League, organized with partners Leverage and NODWIN Gaming, will offer INR 50 lakhs in prize money, a sharp increase from INR 3 lakhs in the inaugural event launched in July. The company is betting that career development opportunities, rather than cash alone, will distinguish the competition in India's crowded mobile gaming market.
The top three winners in each of four tiers will receive prizes. Winners will get trips to London including visits to six universities such as Teesside University London, University of East London, University of Hertfordshire, Coventry University, University for the Creative Arts and University of Essex, along with access to game studios.
The prize package also includes one-on-one career counseling focused on game development careers, English-language test preparation for IELTS, TOEFL and PTE, and fitness coaching through GOQii with wearables and personalized health plans. Additional rewards include branded merchandise through a partnership with IceSpice.
The tournament arrives as India's gaming industry navigates the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The legislation requires skill-based competitions to remain free to enter, a provision nCore says its event satisfies.
Building a National Esports Ecosystem Through Partnerships
The collaboration with NODWIN Gaming extends beyond organizing a single tournament. The partnership aims to build a comprehensive roadmap for FAU-G: Domination that includes grassroots competition for state-level selection, a national competition and potential international participation in the future. The FAU-G Bharat League represents the first step in this broader strategy.
nCore Games said it plans to work with India's esports stakeholders to build the nation's competitive gaming ecosystem and legitimize made-in-India esports titles. The company is also deepening its grassroots initiatives with its growing player base.
"As esports in India goes from legitimacy to significance, the path shifts to building the Champions of India both at a player level and at a game level," said Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming.
Vishal Gondal, founder and chairman of nCore Games, said the league witnessed "a powerful wave of grassroots participation" in its first edition, with thousands of young players competing at the highest level. "FBL 2.0 is not just a tournament, it's India's gateway to nurturing dreams, empowering our youth, and creating the next generation of global game developers," he said.
Deepak Ail, chief executive and co-founder of Dot9 Games, which develops FAU-G: Domination, said the company's largest and most vocal fan bases are in rural areas, making the upskilling component particularly valuable.
Players will compete across four tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titan. Those in the Titan League will participate in a tournament to determine India's national champion. Competition begins once a software update for FAU-G: Domination is released.
