When VALORANT launched in June 2020, nobody expected India to become such a powerhouse. However, the country quickly developed one of the world's most passionate gaming communities.
Over five years, Indian VALORANT evolved from late-night cyber café sessions to international competitions. Moreover, the scene now features professional teams, content creators, and collegiate leagues. These five moments defined Indian VALORANT history and continue to inspire new players today.
The Epic Rivalry: VLT vs Global Esports (2020-2021)
During India's lockdown period, two teams emerged as absolute giants. Velocity Gaming and Global Esports created the rivalry that launched Indian VALORANT into the spotlight.
Furthermore, these teams faced each other over 15 times in less than a year. Their intense competition gave fans something to rally behind during difficult times.
The VCC 2021 Grand Finals became legendary. Additionally, the match peaked at 55,719 viewers, proving Indian VALORANT had serious audience appeal. Fans picked sides like choosing football teams – you supported either GE or VLT.
This rivalry accomplished something remarkable. It transformed Discord lobbies into competitive arenas and inspired countless players across India.
SKRossi: India's First VALORANT Superstar (2021)
Before sponsorship deals and celebrity status, one name dominated every chat: SKRossi.
Ganesh "SKRossi" Gangadhar became India's poster boy for VALORANT excellence. As a Jett main, he specialized in aggressive plays and clutch situations. His consistent performance helped put India on the international radar.
His statistics from 2021-2023 tell an incredible story:
- 4,247 rounds played
- 4,036 total kills
- Over 1,021 first bloods
- 1.32 K/D ratio
Most importantly, SKRossi achieved a global milestone. He became the first professional VALORANT player worldwide to cross 1,000 first bloods in major competitions. This achievement came before international stars like TenZ, Derke, and Asuna reached the same mark.
SKRossi's success proved something crucial. Players from Tier-2 cities with basic setups could compete globally. Consequently, his rise inspired thousands of aspiring players across India.
Global Recognition: India Joins VCT Pacific (2022)
When Riot Games selected Global Esports for VCT Pacific League, everything changed. This decision marked India's official entry into top-tier international competition.
The announcement created massive excitement online. It generated over 1.2 million impressions across social platforms. Additionally, hashtags like #GEFighting and #IndiaInVCT trended on Twitter.
Although the roster became international, the Indian flag remained prominent. Fans watched matches at odd hours from cafés, college dorms, and homes. This moment proved that India belonged on the world stage.
Women's VALORANT Takes Flight: Orangutan's Dominance (2022-2023)
Orangutan's all-women VALORANT roster made a powerful statement. Rather than being a token effort, they dominated competitions and changed perceptions.
Their success was undeniable. The team achieved a 75% match win rate and secured multiple tournament victories. These results gave rise to new role models in competitive gaming.
In March 2023, Orangutan X reached a historic milestone. They finished runner-up at VCT 2023: Game Changers APAC Open 1, earning $2,500 and 80 circuit points. This achievement showcased India's growing presence in women's VALORANT.
Their success proved an important point. Talent depends on skill and game sense, not gender.
Official Recognition: VALORANT Challengers South Asia Launches
When Riot Games officially took over South Asian publishing, the scene transformed rapidly. The launch of VALORANT Challengers South Asia created new opportunities for aspiring teams.
Riot and NODWIN Gaming's partnership in 2023 gave teams a clear path to international visibility. The initiative reignited grassroots interest across India, Pakistan, and neighboring countries.
The 2025 VCSA chapter demonstrates remarkable growth. It features a prize pool of ₹1.13 crores and has generated over 4 million views during Split 2 finals. These numbers prove the league's massive success.
The Community That Built Indian VALORANT
Every grinding session in Aim Labs contributed to this success. Each miraculous eco round and café celebration after an ace became part of something bigger.
Whether you climbed from Bronze or pushed for Radiant with friends, you helped build this community. Indian VALORANT transformed from a game into a shared culture and identity.
As we celebrate the V5 anniversary, these moments remind us how far the scene has progressed. However, there's still much more to achieve in the years ahead.
These five moments shaped Indian VALORANT history. From epic rivalries to international recognition, each milestone built the foundation for today's thriving community.
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