Meet the Indian team that won bronze for esports at the Commonwealth Games

Apart from all the medals that the Indian contingent won at the recent Commonwealth Games, there was one victory that was very special for esport fans in India. The Indian DOTA 2 team produced a power-packed performance to clinch the bronze medal at the first-ever Commonwealth Esports Championship, defeating New Zealand 2-0 in a best-of-three format.The team, comprising Moin Ejaz (captain), Ketan Goyal, Abhishek Yadav, Shubham Goli and Vishal Vernekar, has heralded a new beginning for gaming fans, but what was their long road to this medal like? We spoke to the team about their journey and aspirations, and what lies ahead for this group of champs.
Name: Vishal
Vernekar, 22
Profession: Professional gamer
A gamer for: 10 years
Time given to practice: 8-9 hours
What inspired him to take up gaming: I began gaming for fun when I was in high school. It was then that I learnt about professional gaming and also the kind of money that is involved in esports. I got to know of tournaments where the prize money is worth millions. Additionally, I love the high when I am on stage when people cheer for me. This makes me want to perform and do
better every time.
Advice to aspiring gamers: Be dedicated to gaming without any distractions. This is a full-time profession in itself and you cannot take it casually.
Name: Moin Ejaz, 30
Profession: Professional gamer
A gamer for: 7 years
Time given to practice: 9-12 hours
What inspired him to take up gaming: It was after my first line event in Kolkata, where people cheered me on after defeating the top team. When people began recognising me, took my autograph and pictures, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
Advice to aspiring gamers: Focus is important. Additionally, most esports are team games, so ensure that you have a good rapport with your team, as that is what will take you to the victory line.
Name:
Abhishek Yadav, 21
Profession: Professional gamer, who is
also balancing studies
A gamer for: 7 years
Time given to practice: 7-8 hours
What inspired him to take up gaming: The International, which is the biggest event for DOTA 2, has been my inspiration. I began watching it and started following some of the big players across the world and the prize money involved.
Advice to aspiring gamers: If you want to take up gaming professionally, leave no room for confusion. You need 100 per cent commitment to your game like it is your full-time profession.
Name: Ketan Goyal, 30
Profession: Professional gamer, quit
studies midway to pursue gaming
A gamer for: 15 years
Time given to practice: 16 hours
What inspired him to take up gaming:
I was introduced to gaming by my brother in my 4th grade, when he took me to a cyber centre. I was fascinated by the games and I never stopped playing, and today I do it professionally.
Advice to aspiring gamers:
Don’t sacrifice your studies for gaming, like I did. Apart from that, stick to a particular game and give it your all, success will find you if you are focussed and
dedicated.
Name:
Shubham Goli, 24
Profession: Professional gamer
A gamer for: 7 years
Time given to practice:
6-7 hours
What inspired him to take up gaming: I grew up watching Moin Ejaz playing and enjoying his games. I have watched him all my childhood play at position 4 and that led me to be inspired to take up gaming and I have won a medal under his captainship today playing at position 4!
Advice to aspiring gamers: Esports is booming in India, but it would be bad to go professional immediately. Wait and understand what you want to pursue and then give it your best. There couldn’t be a better time for you.