AKEF unveils plan to transform Kerala into global esport hub

The All Kerala Esports Federation (AKEF) has unveiled a plan to position Kerala as a leading talent hub for esports, with a strategic roadmap to nurture grassroots players and establish the state on the global esports map.

"Esports is no longer a niche activity; it has become a mainstream sport recognized at global events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games," said Raj Narayanan Pillai, President of AKEF. "Kerala has always been a leader in digital transformation, and now we are determined to emerge as a powerhouse for esports talent as well."

Esports Roadmap for Kerala's Growth

The newly established AKEF committee has outlined key milestones to drive Kerala's esports ambitions:

◾ By Mid-2025: AKEF will organise the Football Esports Championship Kerala, providing a platform for Kerala's top EA FC players to showcase their skills and encouraging new talent to emerge.

◾ By March 2026: AKEF will expand its tournament landscape across multiple competitive games to ensure broad participation and to ignite greater interest among players in the state.

◾ Post-2026: AKEF will collaborate with schools and colleges to integrate esports into academic and extracurricular activities, fostering young talents and unlocking fresh career opportunities.

"We believe that by actively engaging with schools and colleges, we can identify and nurture players from a young age," said Amal Arjun, Secretary of AKEF. "This will be pivotal in creating a talent pool capable of competing on the national and international stage."

In addition to talent development, AKEF is forging partnerships with leading esports teams from India and abroad to enhance credibility and position Kerala at the forefront of national esports growth.

Esports: A Catalyst for Economic Growth

The esports industry has rapidly evolved into a global economic powerhouse, with prize pools now exceeding $40 million—surpassing some major traditional sports like Wimbledon and even the Cricket World Cup.

"Esports is more than just gaming; it's an industry that offers vast career opportunities," said Raj Narayanan Pillai. "From coaching and content creation to event management and digital marketing, esports has the potential to fuel Kerala's economic growth, attract investments, and generate jobs in emerging sectors."

Promoting Responsible Gaming Culture

In line with its commitment to ethical esports development, AKEF actively promotes responsible gaming habits under the slogan "Use digital, don't let digital use you." The federation is dedicated to fostering esports as a platform for skill development, discipline, and healthy competition.

"With the right guidance and exposure, Kerala can produce world-class esports professionals who will make our state and country proud," added Raj Narayanan Pillai.

With over 200,000 players participating in its events over the past seven years, AKEF has gained growing support from both the Kerala and Central governments. As esports continues to rise as a competitive sport, Kerala stands poised to become a global leader in the esports industry.