Conviction turns niche Indian gaming into career

Naaman “Mortal” MathurBGMI icon who became co-owner of S8UL, opens in this exclusive Inside Sports interview on the meteoric rise of Indian esports, from an underground passion to mainstream careers. Supported by Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water’s ‘Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be’ campaign, it shares how belief and mindset have redefined gaming as a sustainable profession. From family skepticism to global stages, Mortal’s journey highlights the power of self-belief in the growth of esports empires like S8UL.

Mortal: from the ephemeral phase to professional reality

You have seen Indian esports go from niche to mainstream. What seems most different to you today compared to when you started?

Mortal – What seems most different today is belief. When I started, gaming was often seen as a passing phase or side hustle, not something you could responsibly build a future around. Today, esports has become an integral part of serious career conversations. We now have structured domestic tournaments, consistent international representation, and active discussions around multi-sport platforms like the Asian Games and the Esports World Cup. More importantly, the mentality around the game has evolved.

Families, brands, and institutions are beginning to recognize esports as a credible, long-term profession. This change in perception has been transformative. Gaming is no longer just about individual skills or short-term success, it’s about building sustainable careers, robust ecosystems and meaningful opportunities that can last over time.

You’ve always said that mindset is as important as the skills involved. How has that shaped your journey as both a competitor and creator?

Mortal – Skills may get you noticed, but mindset is what helps you survive and grow. As a competitor, the mindset has taught me patience, adaptability, and how to handle pressure when things don’t go my way. As a creator, this has become even more important because consistency, discipline, and emotional balance matter just as much as performance.

There are ups and downs in gaming and content creation, and mindset is what keeps you grounded through it all. I’ve learned that trusting the process and supporting each other, especially during uncertain phases, is what ultimately separates those who last from those who fade away.

You are part of Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water’s ‘Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be’ campaign alongside leading figures from cricket, music and youth culture. What does it mean to you personally to be part of this campaign?

For me, being part of this campaign was deeply meaningful as it reflects how far gaming has come in India. Standing alongside icons of cricket, music and youth culture is not only a personal recognition, it’s a sign that esports has earned its place in the dominant cultural narrative. The campaign’s message around belief and self-confidence resonates strongly with my journey as a gamer and creator.

Esports is a high-pressure space, and self-belief is often the difference between giving up and moving forward. Being a part of this campaign felt like a validation of that mindset, not just for me, but for the entire gaming community.

The campaign is about self-confidence and choosing your own path. How much does this reflect your own journey into esports?

Mortal – This very closely reflects my journey. I didn’t follow a traditional path and for a long time, gaming wasn’t considered a safe or accepted career choice. There were moments of doubt, uncertainty and pressure to choose something more conventional. But I believed in my work and stayed committed to what I loved. This belief helped me turn something unconventional into a professional career. “Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be” is not just a phrase for me, it is a reminder to support each other, especially when no one else does.

Moving from professional player to co-owner, what advice would you give to aspiring creators about growing a group like S8UL without losing the raw passion that built it?

Mortal – The most important thing is to build structure without killing authenticity. Passion is what builds communities, but structure is what helps them evolve. As you grow, it’s critical to invest in the right people, systems and processes while staying true to why you started. At S8UL, we’ve always focused on mentorship, consistency, and giving creators the space to grow. Growth should never come at the expense of trust or creative freedom. If you respect your community and your colleagues, passion naturally evolves with you.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Indian esports and content creation?

Mortal – What excites me the most is how complete the ecosystem is becoming. We go beyond just actors and creators to create opportunities in roles such as coaching, producing, management and storytelling.

There is incredible talent in Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions, and with the right structure and support, this talent can shine on the global stage. I’m also excited to see esports organizations evolve into more sustainable professional institutions that combine competition, content and culture. The future isn’t just about digital growth: it’s about building something sustainable, meaningful and globally competitive.