Google Play and NODWIN Gaming have launched Google Play Arena, a mobile gaming championship featuring open qualifiers and a Grand Finale scheduled for December 19-20, 2026.
The championship will feature competitions across Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Free Fire MAX, Moba Legends: 5v5!, Real Cricket, Chess.com and EA SPORTS FC Mobile. It will bring together gaming clubs, players and their communities through competitive matches and club rivalries.
Former India cricket captain MS Dhoni will lead his team, Mahi Clutchers, in the competition. The team will be formed through open qualifiers, allowing players to compete under his banner. Other participating gaming clubs include Orangutan, GodLike, Apex Gaming, Revenant XSpark and S8UL.
NODWIN Gaming will lead the conceptualisation, planning, partnerships and execution of the championship. Its responsibilities will include community management, tournament operations, event production, campaign management and youth engagement.
Commenting on the partnership, Akshat Rathee, co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, said, “India’s gaming community continues to grow in both scale and diversity, with gaming becoming an increasingly important part of how young audiences connect, compete and engage with the interests they share. Google Play Arena brings that energy together through popular titles, established gaming clubs and the participation of national icons like MS Dhoni, who is a passionate gamer himself. At NODWIN Gaming, we look forward to bringing our experience in building gaming IPs and delivering large-scale competitive gaming experiences to create an event that resonates with players and fans across the country.”
Kanika Kalra, Director of Consumer Apps & Platforms Marketing, Google India, added, “Google Play has long supported India’s journey toward becoming a powerhouse of global app and gaming talent, and with Google Play Arena, we are expanding this commitment. India’s mobile gaming ecosystem continues to undergo exciting growth driven by a deeply passionate and strategic community of players, and our goal with this championship is to celebrate this talent on a national stage. By offering a structured, merit-led pathway from grassroots play to professional recognition, we are thrilled to partner with NODWIN Gaming to bring this celebration of gaming to life for players and fans across the country.”
The organisers said the championship will also include community activities, game offers and opportunities for fans to attend the event in person.