Highlights
- S8UL launches India’s first FGC Talent Hunt, selecting six players for a structured six-month program focused on Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6.
- Selected athletes receive coaching, stipends, full travel support, and entry into Tier-1 global tournaments, creating India’s most comprehensive FGC development pathway.
- The initiative strengthens India’s competitive presence in fighting games, aligning with S8UL’s growing involvement in international esports events.
S8UL has launched India’s first Fighting Game Community (FGC) Talent Hunt Program for Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The six-month initiative will run from January to June 2026, with six players selected through nationwide qualifiers and finals.
The program establishes a structured development pathway for Indian fighting-game athletes, addressing the lack of long-term support despite rising interest in the genre. S8UL aims to build a competitive pipeline that positions India more prominently in global FGC events.
India’s FGC Development Push Gains Structure and Support
Two athletes will be chosen for Tekken 8 and four for Street Fighter 6. Selected players will receive one of the most complete support systems offered in India’s fighting-game ecosystem, including:
- Professional coaching throughout the six-month program.
- Fully funded participation in at least three Tier-1 international tournaments.
- Comprehensive travel support for flights, accommodation, meals, transport, and registration.
- A monthly stipend to focus entirely on training.
- Integration into S8UL’s content ecosystem for visibility and community engagement.
S8UL Esports co-founder and CEO Animesh ‘Thug’ Agarwal said the initiative is intended to offer structured backing that Indian fighting-game athletes have not consistently received. He said the program will provide “professional coaching, international tournament experience, and the day-to-day support they need to improve,” positioning it as the start of a long-term commitment to strengthen India’s FGC foundation.
The program builds on S8UL’s expanding presence in fighting games. The organization, active across nine esports titles, was the first Indian team selected for the Esports World Cup’s Club Partner Program, and has since competed in qualifiers for Fatal Fury and Tekken 8.
S8UL
Training includes analytics support, structured practice zones, and dedicated content studios to prepare athletes for competitive performance and on-camera engagement.
With global momentum rising through events such as EVO, the Esports World Cup, and the Asian Games, the Talent Hunt Program arrives at a crucial moment.
The program is designed to help Indian players progress into the international FGC circuit while strengthening the country’s long-term presence in the genre, with registrations now open on the official website.
