Thiruvananthapuram: The All Kerala Esports Federation (AKEF) has announced an ambitious roadmap to position Kerala as a global esports powerhouse, focusing on grassroots talent development, tournament expansion, and academic integration.
“Esports is no longer a niche activity; it has become a mainstream sport recognized at global events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games,” said Raj Narayanan Pillai, President of AKEF. “Kerala has always been a leader in digital transformation, and now we are determined to emerge as a powerhouse for esports talent as well.”
AKEF’s Esports Roadmap: Key Milestones
The newly formed AKEF committee has outlined a structured timeline to strengthen Kerala’s esports ecosystem:
- Mid-2025: Hosting the Football Esports Championship Kerala, providing a platform for EA FC players to compete and gain recognition.
- March 2026: Expanding tournament offerings across multiple competitive gaming titles, fostering greater player engagement and community participation.
- Post-2026: Collaborating with schools and colleges to integrate esports into academic programs and extracurricular activities, creating a sustainable talent pipeline.
“We believe that by actively engaging with schools and colleges, we can identify and nurture players from a young age,” said Amal Arjun, Secretary of AKEF. “This will be pivotal in creating a talent pool capable of competing on the national and international stage.”
Esports: A Catalyst for Economic Growth
The esports industry is witnessing exponential growth worldwide, with prize pools surpassing $40 million, outpacing traditional sporting events such as Wimbledon and the Cricket World Cup.
“Esports is more than just gaming; it’s an industry that offers vast career opportunities,” noted Raj Narayanan Pillai. “From coaching and content creation to event management and digital marketing, esports has the potential to fuel Kerala’s economic growth, attract investments, and generate jobs in emerging sectors.”
As part of its vision for ethical esports development, AKEF is committed to fostering a responsible gaming culture under the slogan: “Use digital, don’t let digital use you.” The federation aims to position esports as a platform for skill development, discipline, and healthy competition.
“With the right guidance and exposure, Kerala can produce world-class esports professionals who will make our state and country proud,” added Raj Narayanan Pillai.
With over 200,000 players having participated in AKEF events over the last seven years and growing support from the Kerala and Central governments, the state is now at the forefront of India’s esports revolution, poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.
