Indian esports had a brilliant weekend. iQOO S8UL — the MOBA Legends 5v5 roster of S8UL Esports — was crowned champions of the Rai Star x Gyan Gaming Cup on February 18, 2026, in Kolkata, clinching a nail-biting 4-3 Grand Final victory against Godlike Esports and ₹12.5 lakh in prize money.
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iQOO S8UL’s Championship Run: Match by Match
The tournament was massive — 1,024 teams entered through open qualifiers, with only 16 advancing to the main event. iQOO S8UL didn’t just win; they dominated every stage with increasing authority.
| Stage | Opponent | Result | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinals | Megatron Esports | Win 2-0 | Best of 3 |
| Semifinals | PEAK | Win 3-1 | Best of 5 |
| Group A Finals | Elusivity Esports | Win 4-0 | Best of 7 |
| Grand Final | Godlike Esports | Win 4-3 | Best of 7 |
| Prize Money | ₹12.5 Lakh |
The squad — led by IGL Mohammad Saad (Apex), alongside Abhijeet Katkar (Abhi), Mehta Jay (J), Chirag Singh (Radium), Debasish Sana (Anti), and Joseph Nehhunjang (Kakarot) — built their run on composure and opponent-specific adaptation. The Grand Final against Godlike was the toughest test: a full seven-game series that went down to the wire before iQOO S8UL held their nerve.
Why This Win Matters for Indian Esports
Apex, the IGL, is no stranger to big stages — he previously competed at the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2024 at the Esports World Cup, a tournament with a $3 million USD prize pool. His experience at elite international competition visibly shaped the team’s grand final composure.
S8UL Esports co-founder Animesh Agarwal noted that this victory validates their long-term investment in building structured, well-supported rosters — and that the Indian MOBA ecosystem is entering a new growth phase. With larger prize pools, stronger grassroots participation, and rising competitive standards, iQOO S8UL’s title comes at exactly the right moment.
S8UL is India’s only esports organisation in the Esports World Cup Club Partner Program, and a four-time winner of the Esports Content Group of the Year award globally — making this domestic title another feather in an already impressive cap.
According to S8UL Esports’ official website, the organisation represents 25+ of India’s top gaming creators and has collaborated with over 250 global brands.
Check out our Indian esports news on TechnoSports and our S8UL and iQOO gaming coverage for more updates.
FAQs
How many teams participated in the Rai Star x Gyan Gaming Cup?
A massive 1,024 teams entered through open qualifiers, making it one of India’s largest MOBA Legends 5v5 tournaments.
Who is iQOO S8UL’s in-game leader (IGL)?
Mohammad Saad, known by his gamertag Apex, is iQOO S8UL’s IGL and a veteran of international MLBB competition.
