ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), the No.1 Gaming Laptop brand, with an endeavor to empower gaming enthusiasts in India, announced the launch of India’s first virtual Academy program for gamers- ROG Academy. As part of this initiative, ASUS ROG will identify PC gamers through a screening process and provide them with a platform to sharpen and enhance their skills and prepare them for competitive E-sport tournaments on a national and a global level. This initiative is testimony to India being an important market for ASUS’s consistent efforts towards building a strong gaming ecosystem in India and empowering gamers through a number of programs and initiatives.
ASUS ROG will be providing tournament-ready gaming equipment and first in class high-quality technology to gamers, with professional mentorship through this initiative. Which will help gamers to enhance their skills to participate and conquer the E-sport tournament.
Speaking on the announcement, Arnold Su, Business Head, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, said “The count of online gamers in India grew by 31% in 2019 and reached approximately 365 million; is expected to reach 440 million by 2022 as per a FICCI- EY report on media and entertainment industry. Owing to the pandemic, we are witnessing a permanent shift in content consumption patterns globally and increased digital acceleration. With an increase in E-sports gamers during the pandemic, ASUS has strengthened its commitment towards investing in the future of the gaming industry in India. It gives us immense pleasure to be the first brand in the laptop segment to introduce first-of-a-kind unique initiatives like ROG Academy, empowering gamers to conquer competitions and elevating esports industry. We aim to encourage more and more gamers, mentor them through their journey, and familiarize them with future opportunities in this landscape. This initiative will provide a huge boost in establishing a pool of credible E-sports players in India and pave the way for next-generation gamers with access to resources, mentorship, and training”.
ASUS ROG Academy is a year-long program, divided into four sessions as per the quarter, aimed at strengthening the E-sports talent pool in India. The shortlisted team and players will go through an extensive selection process divided into different phases. This will culminate into 6 select players becoming part of a 3-month long session for the first quarter, which will include activities ranging from individual skill training, mentorship from the coach to teamwork, communication, and high-level concepts used in the highest level of competition. The exercises, schedule, and entire program will be specifically designed keeping in mind the title and the existing skillsets of the players who will be a part of it. The long term goal of the program is to have more and more skilled E-sport players from India.
The first session of the quarter will involve “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” as the official title as we seek to uncover India’s most talented players. Panelists will consist of a representative from ASUS ROG, partners, and CS: GO. ASUS ROG will be providing the whole team Ex-Gratia of INR100,000 price to all the final 6 players, once they will complete their 3-month training successfully. The players will also receive monetary compensation of INR15,000/ as a stipend as well as a bonus on monthly basis during the training. Also, the 6 players will continue to represent the brand for additional 3 months while participating in any tournaments or events post completing 3 months training program successfully.
To apply, interested gamers need to register themselves here. Gamers aged between 16 to 18 need to provide a consent letter from their parents to join the program. Registration starts today and continues till February 10. Following registration, tryouts will be used to determine the capability of the players. A jury will provide the final judgment on the relative performance of these players. The top six participants will become a part of the program. These participants will also be entitled to a stipend of 15000 INR per month.