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Sahil Nagar, a former College Rivals player, makes his dream professional debut with Rivals ApeX
College Rivals is India’s leading Collegiate Esports and Gaming IP. It is owned by Ampverse DMI. The company has formed a strategic partnership with Orangutan – a leading Indian esports organisation. College Rivals is committed to providing professional gaming opportunities to college students. It has awarded its first professional gaming contract Sahil Nagarpal, a Punjabi student from Jalandhar.
He showed his talent during Season 1, demonstrating the potential and calibre that this College IP hopes to tap, nurture and unearth in its commitment to cultivate grassroot esports talent and provide them with an experience and platform that will change their lives.
Sahil Nagpal, who joined Orangutan Academy BGMI in Season 2, not only fulfilled his dream to become a professional footballer but also served as an inspiration for millions. College Rivals Season 2 will empower college gamers and pave their way to professional success. The selected players will get the chance to play for Orangutan in this multi-year partnership.
Ashwin Hardyani, Head of Country for Ampverse DMI in India, revealed the importance of this partnership: “Ampverse DMI is embarking on an holistic partnership with Orangutan.” The partnership was based on the idea of building a talent search and giving the top winners a stage to perform on a national or international level. Our alliance aims to enrich esports with a BGMI Team exclusive, a merchandise collection and BGMI brand on the team’s jersey.
Ampverse DMI, Orangutan and Orangutan, as part of the partnership, will jointly co-own Rivals Ape X, a youth squad that will begin with a BGMI roster, which will include at minimum one player for each College Rivals season going forward. The Rivals Ape X team, which includes some of the most exciting young players in the country, will compete at BGMI tournaments both nationally and internationally.
Sahil’s in-game abilities, game sense, and teamwork were all considered when Orangutan selected the finalist from the BGMI College Rivals Season 1 Finalists.
Jai Shah expressed his excitement about the initiative: “I am incredibly thrilled to introduce Rivals Ape X, our Academy Esports Team in collaboration with Ampverse DMI & College Rivals. This collaboration is a major step forward in our mission to develop and nurture young, hungry talents, giving them a larger platform to showcase their abilities. Together with Ampverse DMI we hope to build a community that fosters passion, skill and ambition. Together, we are setting the stage for competitive gaming’s future.”
In the second season of College Rivals, 50+ colleges will compete in 22 cities using both an offline and online format. The preliminary competitions are already live and available to all college students in India.
Competitions will be held for three games – BGMI, Valorant and EA FC 24 – with the grand final being played in 2025. The monthly winners will be competing in the grand finale to win the ultimate battle, a prize pool up to Rs50,00,000. They also get the contract.
