The Indian Super League (ISL) became the country's first major sports league to go into the competitive gaming sector on Tuesday, thanks to a collaboration between Football Sports Development (FSDL) and South Asia's premier esports company NODWIN Gaming.
ISL has been quietly making inroads into the video game industry, as have other professional sports leagues, but this has quickened in recent weeks. The divide between real and virtual competition has become blurrier than ever in the current situation, as people are avoiding going to stadiums to cheer on their favourite athletes due to the epidemic.

During the sport's key moments, communities all over the world erupt with excitement to support their favourite players, teams, and countries. Is it possible to recreate similar experiences in support of their favourite esports competitor? With the launch of the eISL, a yearly event where the dreams of the entire Indian FIFA community around the world come true — by competing in virtual reality — the Indian Super League is counting on it.

Don't miss the off-field battle 🎮

Catch all the #eISL action LIVE on 👇

• @IndSuperLeague and @NodwinGaming's Facebook page & YouTube channel
• @OfficialJioTV and @JioGames App. #FIFA22 @easportsfifa pic.twitter.com/R9nlyldeCF

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 14, 2021

The first season of the eISL will begin on November 20th, coinciding with the start of the ISL season 2021-22. The eISL finals will take place on March 20 and will feature a prize fund of Rs 74 lakh, with an additional Rs 4 lakh for the season MVP.

All 11 ISL clubs will be represented by 22 esports athletes, 11 male and 11 female, promoting inclusivity with the expanding female representation in the esports field. This new esports tournament will have 117 matches and will serve as an official league qualifying event for the EA SPORTSTM FIFA22 GLOBAL SERIES (FGS) Playoffs.

On November 20th, the first edition of the eISL will premiere, coinciding with the opening of the ISL season 2021-22. On March 20, the eISL finals will take place, with a prize fund of Rs 74 lakh and an extra Rs 4 million for the season MVP. With the expanding female presence in the esports sphere, 22 esports athletes, 11 male and 11 female, will represent all 11 ISL clubs, pushing diversity.

This new esports competition will have 117 matches and will serve as an official league qualifying event for the EA SPORTSTM FIFA22 GLOBAL SERIES (FGS) Playoffs. It is being organised in collaboration with NODWIN Gaming and EA SPORTSTM.

The top four teams will compete in the Grand Finals. To select the winner, the finalists will compete in a double-elimination style.