Asian Games 2023 Esports: India’s FC Online Journey
The Asian Games 2023 has brought forth a new era for esports, as it makes its official debut as a medal sport in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China. Among the various esports disciplines, India has chosen to compete in the FC Online tournament, formerly known as FIFA Online 4. This marks a significant moment for Indian esports, and two young talents, Charanjot Singh and Karman Singh Tikka, have been entrusted with the responsibility of representing the nation on this global stage. In this blog post, we will delve into their journey, the competition schedule, and what this event means for the Indian esports scene.
The Rise of Charanjot Singh and Karman Singh Tikka
Charanjot Singh and Karman Singh Tikka have earned the privilege of representing India in the FC Online tournament at the Asian Games 2023 through their remarkable skills and dedication to the game. Charanjot Singh, just 20 years old, holds the title of India’s No. 1 ranked FIFA Online 4 player. His journey to the Asian Games was paved with success, as he topped the Asian Games 2023 South Asia seeding event in Seoul, Republic of Korea. His performance showcased not only his individual prowess but also the potential of Indian esports on the global stage.
Karman Singh Tikka, known as ‘tikkatown’ in the gaming world, is another rising star in Indian esports. At the age of 20, he secured the fifth position in the seeding event. His achievements include finishing second in the inaugural eISL championships and winning the Community Cup last year. Karman’s journey is a testament to the growth of esports in India and the dedication of its players.
The FC Online Schedule
The FC Online competition at the Asian Games 2023 is set to unfold over four intense days, from September 24 to September 27. All the esports competitions, including FC Online, will be hosted at the China Hangzhou Esports Centre, providing a grand stage for the athletes to showcase their skills. The competition schedule, in Indian Standard Times (IST), is as follows:
September 24, Sunday
6:30 AM onwards: Qualification (Not applicable to Indian players)
8:00 AM onwards: Round of 32 – Charanjot Singh and Karman Singh Tikka
11:30 AM onwards: Winners’ Bracket Round 1 and Losers’ Bracket Round 1 (Subject to qualification)
1:00 PM onwards: Winners’ Bracket Round 2 and Losers’ Bracket Round 2 (Subject to qualification)
4:30 PM onwards: Winners’ Bracket Round 3 and Losers’ Bracket Round 3 (Subject to qualification)
6:00 PM onwards: Losers’ Bracket Round 4 (Subject to qualification)
September 25, Monday
6:30 AM onwards: Losers’ Bracket Round 5 (Subject to qualification)
8:00 AM onwards: Losers’ Bracket Round 6 (Subject to qualification)
4:30 PM onwards: Losers’ Bracket Round 7 (Subject to qualification)
6:00 PM onwards: Winners’ Bracket Final (Subject to qualification)
September 27, Wednesday
4:30 PM onwards: Losers’ Bracket Final (bronze medal) (Subject to qualification)
6:00 PM onwards: Final (gold medal) (Subject to qualification)
Both Charanjot Singh and Karman Singh Tikka will embark on their Asian Games 2023 journey from the Round of 32. The FC 24 tournament follows a double elimination format, where a player can only be eliminated after losing two ties, except for the grand final and qualifying stage. The competition promises intense battles and thrilling moments as the best players from around the world clash on the virtual football field.
The Road to Gold
In the FC Online tournament at the Asian Games 2023, the competition structure is designed to ensure that only the best rise to the top. The 16 winners from the Round of 32 will enter the winners’ bracket, where they will compete until one emerges as the winner after the winners’ bracket final. Meanwhile, the 16 losing teams from the Round of 32 will start their journey in the losers’ bracket, where they will fight to stay in the competition.
As the competition progresses, the losers from each round of the winners’ bracket will drop down to the losers’ bracket in alternate rounds (2, 4, and 6). The climax of the tournament will be reached in the losers’ bracket final, where the losing team will secure the bronze medal, and the winner will face off against the eventual winner of the winners’ bracket in the grand final for the gold medal. All matches in the FC Online tournament at the Asian Games 2023 will be played in a best-of-three format, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the competition.
The Global Stage
The Asian Games 2023 FC Online event has brought together 36 esports players from 21 countries, making it a truly global competition. It’s not just about individual glory; it’s about representing your nation on the world stage. As esports continues to grow in popularity and recognition, events like these highlight the dedication, skill, and passion of the players who have worked tirelessly to reach this level of competition.
The Asian Games 2023 is a momentous occasion for esports, and India’s participation in the FC Online tournament is a significant step forward for the country’s esports scene. Charanjot Singh and Karman Singh Tikka are not only representing themselves but also the aspirations of a nation. Their journey through the competition will be closely watched by fans and enthusiasts, and it is an opportunity to showcase the talent that India possesses in the world of esports.
As the competition unfolds, we will be cheering for Charanjot Singh and Karman Singh Tikka, hoping they bring home medals and make India proud. Regardless of the outcome, their participation in the Asian Games 2023 FC Online event marks a monumental moment in the history of Indian esports, and it paves the way for the continued growth and recognition of esports in the country. The world of esports is evolving, and India is ready to take its place on the global stage.