GodLike and S8UL have merged their teams, Newgen Ninjas, for the COD Mobile World Championship 2025 after visa issues threatened their participation.
The Call of Duty Mobile World Championship 2025 is set to begin in Katowice, Poland, from November 7 to 9. However, just days before the event, major changes have shaken the tournament. Two of India’s biggest esports organisations, GodLike and S8UL, have merged their rosters due to visa complications. The new team, called Newgen Ninjas, will now compete in the championship.
Why Did GodLike and S8UL Merge?
Both GodLike and S8UL qualified for the World Championship, but not all their players could get visas in time. Indian players need a Schengen visa to travel to Poland, but the next available appointment date is May 4, 2026. This made it impossible for the full teams to participate. Instead of withdrawing, the organisations decided to combine their visa-approved players into a single team—Newgen Ninjas.
The merged roster includes:
- Manas “VipeR” Jani (GodLike)
- Arnav “Warden” Kalantri (GodLike)
- Jezz (S8UL)
- Giffran “Frann” Prakasa (S8UL)
- Gustav “Marvel” Sausse (S8UL)
Sharing an update regarding #CODMChamps25 Teams.
— Call of Duty: Mobile Esports (@PlayCODMEsports) November 4, 2025
We are looking forward to some heated competition this weekend with this final roster of teams! pic.twitter.com/292xSPiOjK
Organisers’ Response and Other Changes due to Visa Issue
Activision and the tournament committee worked with teams and embassies to speed up the visa process. Despite their efforts, some players and teams couldn’t get the necessary paperwork in time. The organisers stated that these changes were beyond their control but necessary to keep the event competitive.
The merger left a tournament slot vacant. Animus, the next highest seed from Europe, was chosen to fill the gap. In Asia, Stand Point Gaming also missed out on visas, and their slot went to OUG, the fifth seed from China. XRock, another eligible team, declined the invitation.
GodLike and S8UL have both announced they are exiting Call of Duty Mobile esports after this event. GodLike’s co-founder, Amar Chandgude, expressed disappointment in a livestream, saying the organisers should have given teams more time to secure visas. S8UL’s creator Sid also shared his frustration on social media, calling the situation “the sad state of affairs with CODM esports.”
Well, the merger of GodLike and S8UL into Newgen Ninjas is a historic moment for Indian esports. Despite the visa issues, India will still have a strong presence at the World Championship.