Akshat Yadav won the BGMI Solo title while Sovereign eSports clinched the Squad championship as College Rivals Season 3 concluded in Mumbai, showcasing top collegiate esports talent from across India.
Ampverse DMI’s flagship collegiate esports tournament, College Rivals, wrapped up its Season 3 grand finale in Mumbai, spotlighting a new generation of gaming talent from across India. With fierce competition across multiple titles, the event brought together some of the country’s most promising young esports athletes, delivering high-intensity action and unforgettable moments.
The grand finale saw standout performances across categories. Hyderabad’s Parthiv Reddy clinched the Valorant title with sharp precision and clutch gameplay. In a major milestone for the tournament, Sovereign eSports emerged as champions in the newly introduced BGMI Squad category, setting the benchmark for team-based collegiate competition.
Meanwhile, Kolkata’s Akshat Yadav rose to the top in the BGMI Solo category, overcoming stiff competition, including the defending champion, in a nail-biting finish. In EAFC 24, Kerala’s Rohit Abraham showcased exceptional control and strategy to secure the title.
High Stakes, Higher Skill
Across formats, the competition reflected a remarkable level of skill, composure, and teamwork. Players demonstrated not just mechanical excellence but also tactical awareness, proving that India’s collegiate esports ecosystem is rapidly maturing.
Charlie Bailie, CEO at Ampverse DMI, emphasized the platform’s larger vision: “College Rivals is built to give young esports athletes a taste of true competitive gaming. Seeing the finalists perform under immense pressure proves that India's collegiate esports ecosystem is brimming with talented gamers. We are incredibly proud to provide a structured environment where they can test their limits and experience the thrill of a major tournament.”
A Tournament Powered by Innovation
This season elevated the competitive experience by hosting all matches on the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 devices. Winners were also rewarded with flagship smartphones, adding a premium edge to the tournament’s prize offerings.
Akshat Yadav, who secured his maiden BGMI Solo title, reflected on his journey: "College Rivals has given players like me a platform to prove ourselves on a national stage, and this win means a lot. Going up against the defending champion in the final added extra pressure, but I focused on staying calm and backing my decisions in the final circles. The matches were really intense, especially towards the end, where every move mattered. There were moments when it got mentally tough, but I trusted my preparation and played my game. To come out on top in a lobby like this is a great feeling, and it motivates me to keep improving and aim higher."
Massive Participation and Big Rewards
Season 3 witnessed participation from over 250,000 players across 85+ colleges nationwide, competing in three major game categories. After months of qualifiers, the best made it to the grand stage, battling for a share of the ₹50 lakh prize pool and a potential pathway into professional esports.
In the Valorant finals, Rajasthan’s Rakshit Rao finished as runner-up after a closely contested series, while Aman Warsi secured second place in EAFC 24.
Adding to the excitement, Kush Bid from Navi Mumbai won a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra through a special draw conducted among the finalists.
Beyond Competition: A Celebration of Gaming Culture
The finale wasn’t just about competition—it was a full-fledged celebration of gaming and youth culture. Fans got the chance to meet and interact with popular gaming creators like ZGod, Mizo, Shreemaan Legend, and Lolzz Gaming.
Gaming creator ShreeManLegenD summed up the spirit of the event: “This year, the competition has been fierce, with incredibly close matchups throughout. Performing under pressure is never easy, but the level of skill displayed by all the participants was truly top-notch. College Rivals has been a resounding success, and I hope it continues to grow, soon producing elite gamers who can represent the country in the coming seasons, as Esports takes a giant leap in India.”
Cosplay, Music, and a Stadium-Like Experience
The event also embraced the broader pop culture surrounding esports. A cosplay championship added colour and creativity, with Shraavya winning first place for her portrayal of 2B from Nier Automata. Malhar Gaikwad (Jin Sakai from Ghost of Tsushima) and Esha Joshi (Ladybug from Miraculous Ladybug) followed, while Janhavi Singh took home the People’s Choice Award for her take on Okarun from Dan Da Dan.
The evening concluded with a high-energy halftime show featuring youth-favourite performers Chaardiwaari, Arpit Bala, SOM., and Outstation, transforming the finale into a stadium-like spectacle.
