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Crowded, Cramped, and Chaotic: The Reality of BGIS 2025

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Story Highlights

  • Fans with tickets were made to sit on floor due to over-distribution in BGIS 2025 Grand Finals.
  • Competitive fan rivalries turned into violent clashes as brawls broke out with nobody to control.
  • Players received just ₹1000/day for food in a five-star hotel – some fell sick.

The Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) has consistently been the premier esports event in the competitive gaming scene of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) within India. However, the anticipated 2025 edition of the BGIS Grand Finals fell short of expectations, contrary to the usual excitement surrounding this event among BGMI fans.

For an up-and-coming Indian esports competitor, competing and triumphing in this yearly tournament is likely the most significant ambition due to its prestige and magnificence. Nevertheless, the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata, India, turned out to be quite different from the grand show we were led to expect.

In this piece, let’s delve into the mistakes made and potential improvements for enhancing the quality of the BGIS 2025 esports competition.

Over-distribution of tickets made the fans sit on the floor

Indeed, you’ve got that right! On the last day of BGIS 2025, an unexpected rush for tickets filled up the Biswa Bangla Mela Ground in a flash, which could also be described as an excess or unintentional selling of tickets. I’ll clarify that point later on.

200 people with tickets, some bought for ₹500 apiece, unfortunately we weren’t allowed entry into the #BGIS2025 lan finale due to overcrowding. We were told to wait for half an hour, but neither management showed up nor did they inform us that no passes would be issued.

— J.N.A 🍃 (@julkar_azad) April 27, 2025

Given the high demand for tickets, it’s curious if KRAFTON India anticipated that the venue might not reach its typical capacity. Perhaps some enthusiastic fans were left disappointed, despite having valid tickets.

Nevertheless, at the final stage, some disheartened esports fans managed to gain entry, but at what expense? They found themselves seated on the floor as they cheered for their preferred teams and players.

This situation yet underscores a question about KRAFTON India and the event organizers’ capability to handle major tournaments effectively. It’s crucial to remember that spectators represent the most significant investors in any title or esports community. When fans, who have spent their own money on tickets, are treated poorly, it is disheartening.

Was the BGIS Grand Final full of glitter but no gold

The lodging for the BGIS finalists was luxurious, situated in Kolkata’s largest five-star hotel. However, an unexpected revelation arose. According to trustworthy sources from GamingonPhone, the organizers allocated just 1000 INR (approximately $12) per day for food expenses for each player.

Absolutely! It’s just 1000 rupees a day for all meals at a hotel where no outside food is permitted. So, what transpired afterwards? Some players fell ill due to the necessity of going out and eat cheaper alternatives. Even 8bit Thug, a co-owner of SouL esports, voiced his concerns about this situation during his Instagram live broadcast.

It’s painfully evident that KRAFTON India and the tournament organizers have demonstrated a disappointing level of commitment and carelessness concerning the health and safety of the players and staff, yet another instance that leaves us feeling disheartened.

Fans are taking the Battle Royale genre very seriously and literally

During an offline LAN event with the audience, it’s normal for fans to show their emotions. However, trouble ensued when those same feelings escalated into chaos. On various social media platforms, there are videos circulating that depict fans from separate fan bases engaging in a violent altercation. They can be seen brawling and using chairs and other objects to assault each other.

SouL & GodL fans engaged in Physical Fights today during the last day of #BGIS2025

— letsgrowesports (@letsgrowesports) April 27, 2025

Should incidents such as these arise, it falls upon the event organizers and their assigned security team to intervene appropriately. However, in this instance, it seemed like the guards were merely stationary and exerting minimal attempts to calm down the escalating situation.

This instance underscores the apparent shortcomings in leadership at KRAFTON. Such events could potentially tarnish the prestige of BGMI, negatively influencing not only its audience but also the parents of budding players and spectators alike. The safety of participants in the stadium hosting the final tournament is a concern that warrants attention.

Conclusion

The BGIS 2025 Grand Finals held the potential to become a memorable LAN tournament for Indian esports. With the elite 16 teams from across India battling it out in a city steeped in history like Kolkata, expectations were high. However, despite promising elements such as significant fan engagement, exceptional talents, and unprecedented visibility, the event was marred by issues related to poor organization, insufficient facilities, and crowd control.

It would have been better if things had turned out differently. Not just the substantial prize pool and immense audience engagement, but also the offline event experience and the well-being of all involved parties is significant. If KRAFTON genuinely values the development of esports in India, these issues can no longer be ignored or set aside.

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2025-05-01 17:11

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