Ranchi, 06th June 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s cyber resilience and securing the future of digital sports, CyberPeace E-Sports League (CEL) 8.0, in association with IDFC First Bank, successfully concluded a high-energy Free Fire Squad Tournament at Level7 multicuisine skyline restaurant, Ranchi. Bringing together some of the region’s most promising e-gaming talents under a critical mission: fostering a safe, secure, and inclusive gaming culture for teenagers and young e-gamers, while advancing on the national objective of Viksit Bharat 2047.
As India’s gaming and e-sports ecosystem continues to witness unprecedented growth, CEL 8.0 highlighted the importance of integrating cybersecurity awareness, digital responsibility, and online safety into competitive gaming environments. The tournament served as a platform to engage youth in conversations around safe gaming practices while celebrating skill, teamwork, and strategic excellence. The initiative sought to demonstrate how India’s rapidly growing esports ecosystem can evolve responsibly by integrating cybersecurity awareness, digital safety practices, and community driven engagement into competitive gaming culture.
The intense Free Fire Squad competition witnessed the participation from 48 elite gamers competing through 12 high intensity squads in a skill-based competition where strategy, communication, teamwork, and tactical execution defined success. This tested players on tactical coordination, communication, and decision-making under pressure, reinforcing the spirit that “Skill Speaks Louder Than Ranks.” The teams participated from across Ranchi competed for top honors, showcasing the city’s growing e-sports potential and digital talent.
Emphasizing the critical need for cyber resilience and addressing emerging digital safety challenges in the e-gaming sector, Mr. Kumar Saurabh, Chief Manager, IDFC First Bank Ranchi, said, “IDFC believes that empowering young individuals requires supporting platforms that encourage both skill development and responsible digital engagement. We are proud to get associated with CyberPeace E-Sports League 8.0 reflects our commitment to fostering a digitally aware and cyber-resilient generation. By encouraging safe gaming practices alongside competitive excellence, we are helping create an ecosystem where young gamers can thrive confidently and responsibly in an increasingly digital world.”
Speaking on the initiative, Maj. Vineet Kumar, Founder and Global President, CyberPeace, said, “Gaming has evolved into one of the most influential digital ecosystems for young teenagers worldwide. As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, it is imperative that we build digital environments where innovation, competition, and safety coexist. Through CyberPeace E-Sports League 8.0, we are not only nurturing India’s emerging gaming talent but also embedding the values of cybersecurity, digital citizenship, and responsible online behaviour. A safe gaming ecosystem is important for creating a resilient digital future for our youth and for the global gaming community. Through CyberPeace E-Sports League, we ensure that young gamers are not only building competitive skills but also becoming responsible digital citizens capable of navigating online spaces safely and confidently. We secure digital ecosystems where entertainment and cyber safety grow together.”
The participants battled through multiple competitive rounds and high-pressure tiebreakers, showcasing the growing depth of esports talent emerging from regional communities. The tournament delivered a premium gaming experience with dedicated gaming setups and hospitality designed specifically for players. Participants were provided complimentary
refreshments and highly subsidized food options delivered directly to gaming stations, creating an environment that combined competitive intensity with community driven experiences.
The tournament also generated significant enthusiasm among participants and spectators, with many expressing interests in expanding CyberPeace E-Sports League tournaments to additional cities across India. The competition operated with an accessible participation model, charging an accessible entry fee of ₹599 per squad ensuring a wider participation, encouraging emerging talent to showcase their skills on a competitive platform.
Leading the competition, ZFX Esports clinched the winning title and emerged as the tournament champions, securing a cash prize of ₹3,999 along with a Certificate of Excellence. Team Achievers finished as the Runner-Up, earning a cash prize of ₹2,499 and a Certificate of Excellence. United Eternals claimed the Third Runner-Up position and was awarded a cash prize of ₹1,499 along with a Certificate of Excellence.
The overwhelming response from participants and audiences resulted in immediate demand for expanding future editions into additional cities, with many participants expressing interest in joining the larger CyberPeace E Sports community.
The collaboration between CyberPeace and IDFC First Bank successfully demonstrates how institutional support and youth-centric digital safety initiatives can come together to create meaningful impact. Beyond competition, the event reinforced the message that responsible gaming, cybersecurity awareness, and digital well-being are essential pillars of India’s journey toward becoming a digitally empowered and developed nation by 2047.
As India’s esports ecosystem continues to expand rapidly, initiatives like CyberPeace E Sports League demonstrate how competitive gaming can evolve beyond entertainment to become
platforms that foster community building, cybersecurity awareness, digital responsibility, and youth empowerment.
As the gaming industry continues to shape the future of digital engagement, CyberPeace remains committed to advancing safe gaming practices, promoting cyber awareness, and building a secure and inclusive cyberspace for gamers across India and beyond. CyberPeace plans to further strengthen community engagement through future tournaments, gaming initiatives, awareness programs, and digital safety campaigns designed specifically for young gamers.
About CyberPeace:
CyberPeace is a global non-profit organisation headquartered in India, working across 130 countries and partnering with governments, the UN, and industry to make cyberspace safer and more inclusive. Working at the intersection of cybersecurity, policy, and peace building. It envisions a safe, resilient, and inclusive cyberspace for all. Through its global initiatives, CyberPeace drives capacity building, policy research, incident response, and public awareness to advance the vision of “CyberPeace and Trust in Technology.” From grassroots digital literacy programs to high-level policy and research collaborations, CyberPeace integrates innovation, education, and advocacy to strengthen digital ecosystems worldwide. Championing the future of responsible technology, CyberPeace is building the next generation of Cyber Defenders and Responsible Digital Citizens, aligning its mission with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
