#GEPL2025: The Convergence of Sports and Esports Is Already Here

Zupotsu Marketing Team
May 1
3 min read

The boundaries between traditional sports and digital gaming aren’t just blurring—they’re dissolving. And leading this charge is the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL). With a prize pool of ₹3.05 crore and a professionally structured 34-match format, GEPL isn’t just a gamified replica of cricket—it’s the early blueprint of a whole new sports entertainment universe.

What began as a bold idea by Indian esports tournament organizer JetSynthesys is now one of India’s fastest-growing esports phenomena. Player registrations have exploded from 200,000 in Season 1 to a staggering 910,000+ in Season 2. This is no longer a fringe trend—it’s a cultural wave. For marketers, this surge signals one thing: the time to act is now.

Cricket Heritage Meets Digital Innovation—And It’s Mainstreaming Fast

Nothing validates GEPL’s credibility more than the entrance of Sara Tendulkar, who now owns the Mumbai franchise. Her involvement is far more than symbolic—it’s a cultural milestone. “A dream come true, merging my passion for the game with my love for the city,” she said, but the implications go deeper:

It transfers generational cricket credibility to a new-age platform
It invites traditional fans into esports with instant recognition
It attracts mainstream media and sponsorship attention at scale
It signals that India’s sports legacy is evolving in real time

With investors like Nikhil Kamath (Zerodha), Peyush Bansal (Lenskart), Prashant Prakash (Accel), and Suniel Shetty backing the league, the message is loud and clear: India’s biggest names are betting big on GEPL. Are you?

India’s Esports Moment Is Now—And It’s Going Pro

GEPL has transformed mobile gaming into a full-fledged professional league. Here’s what sets it apart:

Six city-based franchises with elite ownership and management
Structured tournaments spanning multiple weeks
Live broadcasting on JioHotstar and Star Sports
Rigorous talent scouting from nearly a million participants
Major venues like Bangalore’s Koramangala Indoor Stadium hosting live events

As Prashant Prakash, co-owner of Bengaluru Badgers, puts it: “GEPL has the potential to give us the Dhoni or Kohli of e-cricket.” That’s not just ambition—it’s a roadmap.

GEPL: A Strategic Goldmine for Brands Who Move First

For marketers and brand leaders, GEPL offers a rare early-mover advantage—one that won’t last long.

1. Secure Prime Real Estate in the Spotlight

With only two primary sponsors currently onboard, GEPL presents premium opportunities for exclusive category partnerships. Enter now and claim territory that may be saturated by next season.

2. Partner with Cultural Catalysts

GEPL’s team owners blend influence, legacy, and digital reach. Associating with names like Sara Tendulkar gives brands immediate access to multigenerational audiences. Don’t just target niches—transcend them.

3. Design Experiences that Resonate Deeply

The smartest marketers will merge cricket nostalgia with the high-octane thrill of esports. Ideas to explore:

Cross-promotions
Branded video content with franchise owners
On-ground activations connecting fans to players and gameplay

The Tipping Point Has Arrived

With streaming on JioHotstar and national broadcasts on Star Sports, GEPL isn’t testing the waters—it’s already in the mainstream. Brands waiting for the “right time” may already be too late.

The convergence of cricket and esports is happening now, and it’s irreversible. This is your moment to lead the charge and be remembered as an early mover in what could be India’s next entertainment juggernaut.

Zupotsu: Your Partner at the Crossroads of Sport and Innovation

At Zupotsu, we help brands navigate and win in this exciting intersection of sports and esports. Whether you're scouting for visibility, engagement, or high-impact activations, we use our DEE (Discovery, Engagement, Evaluation) framework to help you unlock growth.

Visit www.zupotsu.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, or write to us at marketing@zupotsu.com to explore tailored opportunities in this new era of sports marketing.

Because by the time everyone else sees it, it may already be too late.