Samsung has officially entered the competitive gaming landscape in India, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s developing esports ecosystem.
The South Korean technology giant has signed on as the Official Title Sponsor for the third edition of the College Rivals series. This strategic partnership underscores Samsung’s intent to connect deeply with India’s youth demographic by embedding itself directly into the competitive fabric of the nation’s colleges.
Flagship Technology Powers Competition
Central to this collaboration is the integration of high-performance hardware into the tournament’s infrastructure. Under the partnership terms, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has been designated as the primary device for all mobile gaming matches. This decision ensures that student competitors across various cities will test their skills on flagship-grade technology, highlighting the device’s capability to handle rigorous, high-stakes gameplay.
The shift toward premium hardware reflects the evolving demands of the Indian gaming community. As mobile gaming matures, players increasingly require devices that offer superior graphics, rapid response times, and stable performance—qualities that have transitioned from luxuries to necessities for serious competitors.
Expanding the Battlefield
College Rivals Season 3 is poised to be the most extensive iteration of the series to date. The tournament will span over 20 cities and engage students from more than 70 colleges. To accommodate this expanded reach, organizers are introducing new competitive formats, specifically for popular titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI).
Ampverse, the company operating the series in a joint venture with DMI Finance, has positioned College Rivals as a cornerstone of its strategy to build Asia’s largest gaming community ecosystem. Since its inception in August 2023, the series has consistently broken records for campus engagement.
A Favorable Regulatory Climate
Samsung’s entry coincides with a supportive regulatory environment for esports in India. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA) 2025 has established a clear framework for the industry, while the inclusion of online gaming in mainstream platforms like the Khelo India Youth Games has further legitimized the sector. This governmental backing is fostering a grassroots culture similar to state-level cricket, creating a fertile ground for corporate investment.
