In the competitive cauldron of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), one name stands out for its methodical approach and resounding success: Entity. With a history of excellence across various titles, the organization’s foray into BGMI has been characterized by patience, precision, and a knack for nurturing unmatched talent. This journey to the top is not just about winning; it’s a testament to Entity’s vision and the realization of a painstakingly crafted strategy.
This story, however, is merely the latest chapter in Entity’s journey in Indian esports, a journey that has seen the organization leave its mark across multiple gaming titles, from Counter-Strike to Dota 2, and now, BGMI.
A Calculated Ascent
Entity ventured into BGMI after months of scouting, to pick the right lineup. Amar Ratnam, the Head of Operations and Teams at Entity, explained how the organization put together its BGMI lineup during a conversation with AFK Gaming.
He first tried to reach out to notable talents including Saumya “Saumraj” Raj, Tushar “GamlaBoy” Das, Pukar “Pukar” Singla, and Pranjal “Shifter” Mishra, but was initially met with resistance. Despite hitting an early snag, Amar’s relentless pursuit paid off in a follow-up effort, setting the stage for a push towards dominating the BGMI scene.
“The very first time we approached them, all four of them rejected us.” However, Amar and Entity persisted and eventually managed to convince the team to sign for the organization. It was the organization’s clear communication of its goals and ambitions that swayed the players, showcasing the power of vision and persistence in esports recruitment.
Shifter, who has since assumed the role of Head of Esports at Entity, echoed the sentiment of alignment and mutual ambition between the players and the organization. He highlighted the compelling allure of joining Entity, stating, “How can you say no when you are getting an offer from Entity? Our goal is to dominate the BGMI scene, and Entity is a performance-driven organization, focusing on performance above everything else. Our goals aligned together, so we joined our paths.”
This was a result of a strategic blueprint for BGMI dominance, laid out by Entity, that involved emulating the composition and spirit of the lineup that clinched the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2021 (BMIS). This strategy also meant that Entity weren’t just satisfied with the recruitment of the players, but also had to bring in Junaid “Xypex” Fazal onboard as the coach.
With the team now formed, attention turned to the bootcamp, where intense efforts to build team unity, plan out game strategies, and start the quest for a string of victories began.This deliberate, phased approach from recruitment to rigorous training exemplifies the organization’s commitment to not just compete in the BGMI scene but to establish a legacy of excellence and dominance, something that it has cultivated in every esports discipline it has been a part of.
Cultivating Champions: The Entity Way
Entity’s rise in Indian esports, especially shown by its success in BGMI, proves the organization’s commitment to excellence ever since it started in 2016. Created from the combination of Invisible Wings and Beyond Infinity, Entity has always been a leader in Indian esports. Their approach goes beyond just making teams; it’s about building enduring legacies. This approach is evident in different games like Dota 2, Counter-Strike, and League of Legends. Entity has been great at finding, developing, and promoting talent, helping players achieve their highest potential.
In the realm of Counter-Strike, Entity showcased its strategic vision and dedication to player development, leading to dominant displays across India’s esports scene and securing wins in prestigious tournaments like the ESL India Premiership and Mountain Dew Arena. Players such as Karan “Excali” Mhaswadkar and Debanjan “DeathMakeR” Das thrived with Entity, earning major Counter-Strike honors and transitioning successfully to emerging games like Valorant. This highlighted Entity’s talent for fostering players capable of adapting and excelling in the changing esports environment.
Entity’s Dota 2 strategy took a different but equally successful path, merging local and international players before shifting to an entirely international lineup based in Western Europe. This move resulted in groundbreaking achievements for an Indian esports entity, including competing in The International in 2022 and 2023, showcasing Entity’s versatility and ambition in the esports sphere.
Entering the mobile esports arena, Entity meticulously built a team from local talent, rising to prominence in India’s mobile esports community. The team, featuring Vivek “ClutchGod” Aabhas Horo, Abhijeet “GHATAK” Harishchandra Andhare, Jonathan “JONATHAN” Jude Amaral, Suraj “Neyooooo” Nityanand Majumdar, and Abhishek “ZGOD” Choudhary, won the PUBG Mobile Club Open – Fall Split: South Asia and secured an impressive 5th place at the Global Finals. This achievement marked a milestone for Entity, paving the way for international partnerships, including one with the American esports giant TSM.
The organization has also found success in content creation, leveraging the charisma and skills of its members to build a strong online presence. Popular creators like Jonathan “JONATHAN” Jude Amaral, Shagufta “xyaa” Iqbal and Payal “Payal Gaming” Dhare truly began to hit their stride with Entity, transforming their personal brands into powerhouses within the gaming community. Their success under the Entity banner not only highlights the organization’s knack for identifying and nurturing talent but also its ability to adapt and thrive in the digital landscape, extending its influence beyond competitive arenas to captivate even casual audiences.
Entity’s path, marked by strategic planning, flexibility, and a dedication to developing talent, showcases its triumphs across different gaming fields. These accomplishments aren’t just by chance; they mirror Entity’s core values which have smoothly extended into its latest venture into BGMI.
Entity’s BGMI Lineup is Gearing Up for Success
Entity Gaming’s venture into the BGMI scene is a testament to its well-thought-out strategy and meticulous execution, setting a benchmark for overall success in esports. At the heart of Entity’s approach is a balanced focus on strategic planning and practical action, a philosophy that has become a core part of the team’s identity. This principle is clearly demonstrated in the team’s all-encompassing training regimen at their bootcamp.Going beyond the usual emphasis on gaming skills, Entity prioritizes mental health, physical fitness, and proper nutrition.
Pukar, an integral member of the team, highlighted his positive experiences, contrasting it with previous ones where the focus was solely on gameplay. “My experience has been very good unlike how it used to be before when we only used to play at the bootcamp. Here in Entity, we also discuss the game with our coach and the environment is almost always serious with a few rest days now and then, allowing us to reset mentally,” he said.
The beginning of 2024 brought challenges for Entity’s BGMI team, testing their strategic patience and vision for the future. Despite these initial obstacles, their unwavering focus on ongoing improvement led to significant accomplishments, elevating them to a leading position within the BGMI community. Their exceptional performance, marked by securing first place in prestigious tournaments like the ESL Snapdragon Pro Series: BGMI and the iQOO Pro Series 2024, as well as a commendable second-place finish in the RA Esports – Rising Star Showdown Season 3, has established Entity as the top BGMI team in the country in AFK Gaming’s leaderboards.
This period of transformation is captured in the words of team captain Saumraj, who noted a significant shift in team unity and strategic execution. He observed, “We have definitely changed a lot, changed our ways. Last time the BGIS winning roster did not work out well, we broke apart, but this time we are sticking after winning. So, it is going good.”
Entity’s trajectory through the competitive landscape of Battlegrounds Mobile India and its broader participation in esports encapsulates a journey marked by strategic acumen, resilience, and a deep commitment to excellence. Amidst an ecosystem often characterized by volatility, from frequent roster changes to organizational uncertainties and controversies, Entity distinguishes itself through unwavering stability and a clear vision for the future. Such consistency, underpinned by a history of success across different titles and regions, underscores Entity’s unique position within the country – showcasing a model of sustainability and growth that is rare in Indian esports.
