ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), the No.1 Gaming Laptop brand with an endeavour to empower gaming enthusiasts in India, announced the launch of India’s first virtual academy programme for gamers – ROG Academy. As part of this initiative, ASUS ROG will identify PC gamers through a screening process and provide them with a platform to sharpen and enhance their skills and prepare them for competitive E-sport tournaments on a national and a global level. This initiative is a testimony to India being an important market for ASUS’s consistent efforts towards building a strong gaming ecosystem in India and empowering gamers through a number of programmes and initiatives.
ASUS ROG will be providing tournament-ready gaming equipment and first-in-class high-quality technology to gamers, with professional mentorship through this initiative. This will help gamers to enhance their skills to participate and conquer the E-sport tournament.
Speaking on the announcement, Arnold Su, Business Head, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, said “The count of online gamers in India grew by 31% in 2019 and reached approximately 365 million. It is expected to reach 440 million by 2022 as per a FICCI-EY report on the media and entertainment industry. Due to the pandemic, we are witnessing a permanent shift in content consumption patterns globally and increased digital acceleration. With an increase in e-sports gamers during the pandemic, ASUS has strengthened its commitment towards investing in the future of the gaming industry in India. It gives us immense pleasure to be the first brand in the laptop segment to introduce first-of-a-kind unique initiatives like ROG Academy, empowering gamers to conquer competitions and elevating the e-sports industry. We aim to encourage more and more gamers to mentor them through their journey and familiarise themselves with future opportunities in this landscape. This initiative will provide a huge boost in establishing a pool of credible E-sports players in India and pave the way for next-generation gamers with access to resources, mentorship and training”.
ROG Academy:
Curriculum & Duration:
ASUS ROG Academy is a yearlong- programme, divided into four sessions as per the quarter, aimed at strengthening the e-sports talent pool in India. The shortlisted team and players will go through an extensive selection process divided into different phases. This will culminate in 6 select players becoming part of a 3-month long session for the first quarter, which will include activities ranging from individual skill training and mentorship from the coach to teamwork, communication, and high-level concepts used in the highest level of competition. The exercises, schedule and entire programme will be specifically designed keeping in mind the title and the existing skillsets of the players who will be a part of it. The long term goal of the programme is to have more and more skilled e-sport players from India.
Rewards & Outcome from the training:
The first session of the quarter will involve “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” as the official title as we seek to uncover India’s most talented players. Panellists will consist of a representative from ASUS ROG, partners, and CS: GO. ASUS ROG will be providing the entire team Ex-Gratia with INR 100,000 price to all the final 6 players once they complete their 3-month training successfully. Players will also receive monetary compensation of INR 15,000 as a stipend as well as a bonus on a monthly basis during the training. Also, the 6 players will continue to represent the brand for an additional 3 months while participating in any tournaments or events post completing the 3-month training programme successfully.
How to Apply: ROG Academy
Aspiring Gamers aged 16 and above and who are willing to participate in the programme can register themselves through its official website.
Gamers aged between 16 and 18 will need to provide a consent letter from their parents to participate in the programme.
Registration to be a part of ROG academy will start from Date 1st Feb till 10th Feb
After registration, participants will have to go through a screening process which will include showcasing their abilities in the open tryouts where they will be judged by a jury.
The top six participants chosen from the tryouts phase will receive admission into the programme. Participants will receive a stipend of INR 15000.