-APS Noorpuri
Chandigarh, April 3rd, 2026:
JioGames, the digital gaming platform of Jio Platforms Limited, announced the successful conclusion of the inaugural JioGames VALORANT Campus Cup (VCC), a nationwide collegiate esports initiative designed to establish structured competitive pathways for student gamers across India.
The Grand Finale was conducted on March 30–31, 2026, at the JioGames Innovation Centre at Chitkara University, Punjab. JECRC University, Jaipur emerged as the national champion, with PES University, Bangalore finishing as runners-up. The tournament brought together participation from 32 institutions across India, representing one of the largest structured collegiate esports engagements in the country to date.
The JioGames VALORANT Campus Cup was executed through a multi-stage competitive format comprising Intra-campus selection rounds, Inter-collegiate national qualifiers and Knockout-stage playoffs and Grand Finale
The initiative was delivered in collaboration with Riot Games and powered by ecosystem partners including MSI, CyberPowerPC and Ant Esports, enabling standardized competitive conditions and infrastructure across participating campuses.
The journey to the podium was navigated by four standout squads: JECRC University (led by Rohit Madhu), IIT Roorkee (led by Satyam Prasad), PES University (led by Rahul Gopalan), and MIT Pune (led by Om Deshpande).
Reflecting on the success of the event, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor of Chitkara University, said, “At Chitkara University, we have always believed in encouraging an environment where innovation meets passion. Hosting the VALORANT Campus Cup National Finale was a testament to our commitment to the future of digital sports. This event was not just about gaming; it was about the discipline, strategic thinking, and collaborative spirit that these young students brought to the arena. We were proud to provide a stage where the next generation of Indian esports talent could shine and turn their aspirations into a professional reality.”
The outcome of the tournament reflects the increasing formalization of esports within academic institutions. JECRC University’s progression to the national title follows its prior engagement with JioGames-led initiatives, including hosting the JioGames Bootcamp in 2025, which engaged over 5,000 participants and contributed to early-stage ecosystem development at the campus level.
This progression highlights the role of sustained institutional participation in building competitive capability and talent pipelines within the collegiate esports segment.
The Grand Finale was hosted at the Chitkara University – JioGames Innovation Centre, a purpose-built esports facility established at Chitkara University in September 2025. The centre integrates : High-performance gaming systems, Dedicated competition environments with sound isolation, High-speed, low-latency connectivity powered by Jio and End-to-end live broadcast and streaming infrastructure. All matches were broadcasted on the JioGames platform and associated digital channels, ensuring nationwide accessibility.
About JioGames : JioGames is a digital gaming platform from Jio Platforms Limited, offering a broad portfolio of gaming experiences across devices. The platform is focused on building a unified gaming ecosystem through technology-led innovation, accessibility, and large-scale user engagement.
About Chitkara University : Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India’s leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning.
The University’s academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally. For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in
