BASF is not the official "Powered By" sponsor for India Rising: Road to EWC, leading India's pathway to the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris.
BASF is stepping into esports, and it's happening in India. The chemical giant has become the official "Powered By" sponsor for India Rising: Road to EWC, which is India's pathway to the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris. This is BASF's biggest direct entry into competitive gaming, and honestly, it's a pretty unexpected move for a company that's been around for 130 years.
Why is BASF doing India Rising: Road to EWC?
BASF wants to connect with young talent in India, especially the ones shaping the future through tech, creativity, and digital innovation. Gaming and esports are mainstream now, and they're spaces where young people develop strategic thinking, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership. That's exactly the kind of skillset BASF cares about.
The company has been in India for over 130 years, and BASF India Limited employs around 2,335 people with annual sales of €2.4 billion. They've already done initiatives like ChemAmaze and collaborations with IIT Madras and the Pune Knowledge Cluster to make chemistry fun through gamified learning. This esports deal is basically the same idea, just on a bigger stage. Their logo will be on event promotions, broadcasts, and marketing materials.
Other EWC partners like Qiddiya City, Aramco, Sony, Hilton, and Secretlab are also part of India Rising: Road to EWC. BASF is joining that list, which is pretty big for a company that doesn't usually do gaming stuff.
What is India Rising: Road to EWC?
India Rising: Road to EWC brings competitive gaming, creator entertainment, fan experiences, and youth culture under one platform. It's organized by JioBLAST, which is a joint venture between Reliance Jio, BLAST, and RISE Worldwide. The event is India's official pathway to the Esports World Cup 2026, so qualifying here means you're going to Paris.
Paris is hosting EWC 2026 from July 6 to August 23, and over 2,000 players from 100+ countries will compete for a $75 million prize pool. Chess, VALORANT, MOBA Legends, and Free Fire are just some of the titles. BASF's sponsorship gives India Rising: Road to EWC extra support, probably through funding, tech, equipment, or services. The exact terms aren't public yet.
This partnership shows how esports is growing beyond just gaming companies. Traditional industries are seeing the value in connecting with young audiences through competitive gaming. For Indian esports, BASF's sponsorship is another sign that the scene is getting serious. Real corporate backing, global partners, and pathways to EWC. It's not just random tournaments anymore. India Rising: Road to EWC is the official bridge to Paris, and now BASF is helping build it.