The stage is set, the controllers are charged, and the search for India’s next gaming superstar is heating up.
In a move that has the gaming community buzzing with excitement, iQOO has assembled what can only be described as the Avengers of India’s gaming universe to select their next Chief Gaming Officer.
Imagine having your gaming skills evaluated by MTV Roadies legend Rannvijay Singha, esports pioneer Animesh “8bit Thug” Agarwal, and breakthrough female gaming star Payal “Payal Gaming” Dhare. For one lucky gamer, this dream scenario is about to become reality.
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iQOO Chief Gaming Officer Hunt: A Career-Defining Opportunity
The iQOO Chief Gaming Officer position isn’t just another marketing gimmick – it represents a genuine pathway for talented gamers to transform their passion into a profession. Now in its second edition, this unique initiative offers aspiring gaming professionals the chance to earn a staggering INR 10 Lakh while working alongside industry luminaries.
“At iQOO, we recognize gaming as a dynamic and transformative industry that offers immense career potential,” explains Nipun Marya, CEO of iQOO India. “Through the Chief Gaming Officer role, we aim to provide passionate gamers with a platform to showcase their skills and turn their passion into a profession.”
What makes this opportunity particularly exciting is the comprehensive scope of the role. The selected candidate will collaborate directly with iQOO’s leadership team to shape the brand’s gaming strategy, interact with top gaming influencers like Mortal, Scout, and GamerFleet, and help define the future of mobile gaming in India.
For a generation that grew up with gaming as a constant companion, the iQOO CGO position represents something their parents might never have imagined – the chance to build a legitimate career around their gaming passion.
Meet the Jury: Gaming Icons Evaluating India’s Next Gaming Leader
The caliber of the jury panel speaks volumes about iQOO’s commitment to identifying authentic gaming talent. Each jury member brings a unique perspective and expertise to the selection process:
Rannvijay Singha: Bridging Entertainment and Gaming
Rannvijay Singha isn’t just a television personality – he’s a cultural phenomenon who has stayed relevant across generations. Rising to fame after winning the inaugural season of MTV Roadies in 2003, Rannvijay has evolved into a multifaceted entertainer with a genuine passion for gaming.
Returning for his second stint as a CGO jury member, Rannvijay brings valuable insights into both the entertainment and gaming worlds.
“Returning as a jury member for iQOO’s CGO Hunt is like stepping into yet another thrilling gaming adventure with GenZ gamers,” Rannvijay shares with enthusiasm. “Having witnessed their passion, dedication, and competitive spirit last time, I’m excited to see them raise the bar even higher. As a gaming enthusiast myself, I look forward to experiencing firsthand the energy, talent, and innovation that define India’s ever-evolving gaming community.”
His presence adds mainstream credibility to the initiative while ensuring candidates possess both gaming skills and the charisma needed to represent a major brand.
Animesh “8bit Thug” Agarwal: The Esports Visionary
Few individuals have shaped India’s gaming landscape as profoundly as Animesh “8bit Thug” Agarwal. As co-founder of 8Bit Creatives, he has been instrumental in elevating gaming content creation and esports in India from niche hobbies to legitimate career paths.
8bit Thug’s journey from competitive gamer to industry architect gives him a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in the rapidly evolving gaming ecosystem. His presence on the jury ensures candidates will be evaluated not just on their gaming prowess, but on their vision for the industry’s future.
“India’s gaming scene is evolving rapidly, and iQOO’s Chief Gaming Officer program is a game changing opportunity for aspiring gamers,” Animesh explains. “This initiative is about more than just skill—it’s about leadership, creativity, and a deep understanding of the gaming community. I’m looking forward to seeing the passion and talent that these gamers bring and helping select the next big voice of mobile gaming in India.”
Payal “Payal Gaming” Dhare: Breaking Barriers in Gaming
Completing this powerhouse trio is Payal “Payal Gaming” Dhare, one of India’s most influential female gamers and an inspiration to countless aspiring players. Recently honored as the Best Gaming and eSports Influencer at the Impact Digital Influencer Awards 2025, Payal has consistently demonstrated that skill and dedication transcend gender in the gaming world.
Her inclusion on the jury panel highlights iQOO’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in gaming. For female applicants particularly, seeing Payal in this position of influence sends a powerful message about the opportunities available to them.
“Gaming has transformed my life, and I know how much the right opportunity can mean to an aspiring gamer,” says Payal. “iQOO’s CGO 2.0 is giving gamers a platform to turn their passion into a career. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see the next gaming leader rise to the challenge.”
Together, these three jury members represent different facets of India’s gaming ecosystem – entertainment, esports, and content creation – ensuring the selected CGO will be truly well-rounded.
Inside the Selection Process: Five Rounds to Glory
Becoming iQOO’s next Chief Gaming Officer requires more than just fast reflexes and high scores. The comprehensive selection process is designed to identify candidates with gaming expertise, industry knowledge, leadership potential, and the ability to grow the iQOO community.
The journey to becoming CGO involves navigating five increasingly challenging elimination rounds:
- Registration Form – The initial step where aspirants provide basic information and gaming credentials
- Detailed Entry Submission – An in-depth presentation of gaming background, achievements, and vision
- Gaming Round – Hands-on evaluation of gaming skills and adaptability across different titles
- Group Discussion – Assessment of communication skills, industry knowledge, and collaborative abilities
- Final Audition – Face-to-face interaction with the esteemed jury panel and iQOO leadership
This rigorous process ensures that only candidates with the perfect blend of gaming prowess, industry understanding, and communication skills make it to the finish line.
Application Deadline Extended: A Second Chance for Gaming Talent
In response to overwhelming interest from India’s gaming community, iQOO has extended the application deadline to April 10th, 2025. This extension provides additional time for aspiring gamers to prepare their submissions and put their best foot forward.
“The response to our CGO hunt has been phenomenal,” notes Nipun Marya. “By extending the deadline, we’re ensuring that no deserving talent misses this opportunity due to time constraints.”
For those still contemplating whether to apply, the extended deadline offers a valuable window to refine their gaming skills, prepare compelling entry submissions, and potentially change the trajectory of their gaming careers.
How to Apply: Your Gateway to a Gaming Career
Applying for the iQOO Chief Gaming Officer position is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Interested candidates can follow these steps:
- Visit the official application portal at iqoo.com/in/activity/cgo
- Complete the registration form with personal and gaming details
- Prepare a compelling entry that showcases gaming expertise and vision
- Submit the application before the April 10th deadline
For additional questions or clarifications, applicants can refer to the FAQs and Terms & Conditions on the official website or email their queries to iqoocgo@iqoo.com.
The Rising Tide of Mobile Gaming in India
The iQOO Chief Gaming Officer initiative reflects the explosive growth of mobile gaming across India. With smartphone penetration reaching unprecedented levels and affordable data revolutionizing digital access, mobile gaming has emerged as the most democratic and accessible form of interactive entertainment.
iQOO, with its focus on high-performance smartphones designed specifically for gaming enthusiasts, has positioned itself at the forefront of this mobile gaming revolution. By investing in initiatives like the CGO hunt, the brand is not just marketing its products but actively contributing to the development of India’s gaming ecosystem.
The selected CGO will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between:
- Gaming hardware and user experience
- Professional esports and casual gaming
- International gaming trends and uniquely Indian gaming preferences
For the right candidate, this represents an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of an industry that is increasingly defining digital entertainment in India.
Beyond Gaming: Building a Community
While gaming skills are certainly important, the iQOO CGO role transcends pure gameplay. A significant aspect of the position involves community building – creating spaces where gaming enthusiasts can connect, compete, and collaborate.
“The CGO will be our bridge to the gaming community,” explains Nipun Marya. “They’ll help us understand what gamers truly value and how we can better serve their needs through our products and initiatives.”
This focus on community aligns perfectly with the vision of jury members like 8bit Thug, who has dedicated his career to nurturing gaming talent and building sustainable ecosystems around gaming content and competition.
The Future of Gaming Careers in India
The iQOO Chief Gaming Officer hunt represents a broader trend in India’s digital landscape – the emergence of non-traditional career paths centered around gaming. From professional esports players and streamers to content creators and game developers, the industry now offers diverse opportunities for skilled individuals.
What makes the CGO position unique is its holistic nature, combining elements of:
- Competitive gaming
- Content creation
- Brand representation
- Strategic planning
- Community management
For many young Indians passionate about gaming but uncertain about career prospects, initiatives like this demonstrate that gaming can indeed be a viable professional path with significant financial and personal rewards.
Conclusion: A Game-Changing Opportunity Awaits
As the April 10th deadline approaches, thousands of gaming enthusiasts across India are polishing their skills, preparing their applications, and dreaming of the chance to become iQOO’s next Chief Gaming Officer. With an illustrious jury panel and the backing of a major smartphone brand, this position represents far more than just a title – it’s a stepping stone to shaping the future of mobile gaming in India.
Whether you’re a competitive gamer, content creator, or industry enthusiast, the iQOO CGO hunt offers a rare opportunity to transform your gaming passion into a rewarding career. With INR 10 Lakh at stake and the chance to work alongside industry legends, this is one game where participation alone could be career-defining.
The controllers are in your hands. The application window is open. The next chapter of India’s gaming story awaits its author. Will it be you?
Interested in applying for the iQOO Chief Gaming Officer position? Share your gaming journey in the comments below, and let us know what unique perspective you would bring to this exciting role!
Disclaimer: The role of Chief Gaming Officer (CGO) is part of a contest and does not represent an employment position. Terms and conditions apply.
