Google Play and NODWIN Gaming(https://nodwingaming.com/), an esports organizer, have announced the launch of Google Play Arena, a new mobile gaming championship targeting India’s mobile gaming community. The multi-phase tournament opened registrations today, with open qualifiers scheduled in the coming weeks, culminating in a Grand Finale on December 19–20, 2026.
The championship aims to integrate professional gaming clubs, popular mobile game titles, and grassroots competitive pathways. Notable participants include former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, who will enter the competition with his own team, Mahi Clutchers.
Google and NODWIN Gaming: Competition Structure and Featured Titles
Google Play Arena will feature competitions across six mobile titles: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Free Fire MAX, Moba Legends: 5v5!, Real Cricket, Chess (Chess.com), and EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile. The event is designed to foster engagement among players and fans through competitive play and club rivalries, reflecting the diversity of India’s gaming ecosystem.

MS Dhoni’s Mahi Clutchers will participate, offering a competitive platform for players selected through open qualifiers. In addition to Dhoni’s club, established gaming organizations such as Orangutan, GodLike, Apex Gaming, Revenant XSpark, and S8UL are confirmed to compete for the championship title.
Partnership and Strategic Objectives
NODWIN Gaming has been tasked with the conceptualization, planning, partnership management, and execution of Google Play Arena. The company’s role will leverage its experience in tournament operations and youth engagement within the esports sector.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, stated that the initiative aims to consolidate the growing Indian gaming community. “India’s gaming community continues to grow in both scale and diversity, with gaming becoming an increasingly important part of how young audiences connect, compete and engage with the interests they share,” Rathee commented.
Kanika Kalra, Director of Consumer Apps & Platforms Marketing at Google India, underscored Google Play’s long-term commitment to the Indian app and gaming ecosystem. Kalra noted that the championship intends to celebrate player talent on a national scale by providing a “structured, merit-led pathway from grassroots play to professional recognition.”
The tournament’s progression to the Grand Finale will include community events, exclusive in-game offers, and opportunities for live attendance. For further details on similar latest esports developments (https://technosports.co.in/) in the region, refer to industry publications. Free registrations for Google Play Arena are currently open.





