The Tamil Nadu state government has added esports as a demo event in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Trophy Games 2024 being held at Chennai’s iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex. For the first time this year esports will be featured alongside traditional sports.
The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has partnered with Skyesports, along with the Esports Association of Tamil Nadu and Thamizh Esports Association, to bring this event to life. “We’re excited to see esports make its debut at this year’s Chief Minister’s Trophy. It’s a forward-thinking move that shows Tamil Nadu is embracing modern sports and engaging with youth in innovative ways,” said the Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Trophy Esports Demo Event will feature eight games that span across mobile, PC, and console platforms. These games are popular among gamers and will surely draw a huge crowd. Here’s what’s on the lineup:
| Game | Platform |
| Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) | Mobile |
| Pokemon UNITE | Mobile |
| Real Cricket 2024 | Mobile |
| EA FC 2024 | Console |
| NBA 2K25 | Console |
| eChess | PC |
| Street Fighter 6 | Console |
| F1 2024 | Console |
Players will first compete in online qualifiers, and those who come out on top will head to the grand finale in Chennai on October 20. Skyesports, Esports Association of Tamil Nadu, and Thamizh Esports Association are managing the event, expecting over 100,000 gamers to join in the qualifiers and 1.5 million esports fans to tune in, either through participation or as viewers.
“Esports is already part of the Asian Games and will soon have its own standalone event from the IOC. We’re excited to introduce esports as a test event this year and plan to make it an official part of the Tamil Nadu CM Trophy in 2025,” said the Member Secretary of SDAT. From next year onwards, esports could become a permanent part of the CM Trophy.
Stay tuned for the grand finale on October 20 at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex, where the top gamers will go head-to-head in what promises to be an epic showdown!
