S8UL Esports has taken a significant step in nurturing the future of India’s fighting game community by launching the nation’s inaugural FGC Talent Hunt Program. Targeting rising stars in Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, this initiative promises to elevate the competitive landscape of esports in India.
Unveiling the Talent Hunt
From January through June 2026, the program will focus on honing the skills of six selected players. These budding esports talents will receive coaching, funding, and other resources essential for building their competitive edge and personal brand. Two players will represent Tekken 8, while four will champion Street Fighter 6, chosen based on their performance in nationwide qualifiers and finals. Interested participants can register on the official website.
Participants will enjoy full access to S8UL’s premier gaming facility. The six-month training includes a professional coach dedicated to their development, fully-funded participation in at least three international tier-one tournaments, travel support covering all necessary accommodations, and a monthly stipend. Additionally, they will be integrated into S8UL’s extensive content ecosystem.
Building a Strong Foundation
This comprehensive initiative aims to establish a developmental pipeline focused on the long-term growth of athletes. Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL Esports, emphasized the program’s importance, noting that India’s fighting game community has enormous potential but lacks structured support for sustained growth. He stated, “This is not just a short-term project for us — it’s the beginning of a sustained effort to help build a strong foundation for fighting games in India and give our players a fair chance to compete on the world stage.”
Strengthening India’s FGC Landscape
S8UL is committed to fortifying India’s position in the global FGC arena. As a key player in both national and international esports ecosystems, the organization has previously made strides with titles like Fatal Fury and Tekken 8. Despite challenges such as limited funding and publisher support, the fighting game scene continues to thrive. New esports organizations and titles, including Riot Games’ 2XKO, are further invigorating the community, reflecting a burgeoning interest in the FGC landscape.