🎮Esports, or competitive video gaming, is rapidly becoming one of the most popular entertainment forms in India. With millions of players and fans across the country, esports titles like BGMI, Valorant, Free Fire, PUBG, and CS2 are drawing huge audiences and fierce competition.
This guide explains the rules, formats, and conduct that shape official esports tournaments in India.
1️⃣ General Rules in Indian Esports Tournaments
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Match Format: Usually Best-of-One (Bo1), Best-of-Three (Bo3), or Best-of-Five (Bo5) depending on stage.
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Game Lobby Settings: Must follow organizer’s custom rules.
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Victory Condition: Based on kills, placement, or objectives.
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Technical Issues: Limited tactical pauses are allowed per team.
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Device Restrictions: Emulator use is often banned in mobile tournaments.
2️⃣ Game-specific Rules Overview
🟢 BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India)
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Mode: 4v4 Squads or Battle Royale
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Platform: Mobile only
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Scoring: Kill Points + Placement Points
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Restrictions: No emulator or third-party tools
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Finals: Often played offline in LAN setup
🔵 Valorant
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Mode: 5v5 tactical FPS
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Maps: Rotated with map bans
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Rounds: First to 13 wins
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Anti-Cheat: Riot Vanguard mandatory
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Spectator View: Enabled with delay
🟡 Free Fire
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Mode: Battle Royale, Squad (4 players)
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Scoring: Based on survival + kills
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Map Pool: Bermuda, Kalahari, Alpine
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No custom weapon skins or pay-to-win perks
🔴 PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds – PC version)
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Platform: PC Only (Separate from BGMI)
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Mode: FPP or TPP Squad
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Scoring: Points for placement + kills
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Time Limit: Matches average 30 minutes
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Tournament Tools: Custom lobbies with observers and replay reviews
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Spectator Delay: Usually 5 minutes minimum
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Anti-Cheat: PUBG’s official anti-cheat system required
⚪ CS2 (Counter-Strike 2)
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Mode: 5v5 bomb defusal
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Rounds: Best of 30 (First to 16)
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Maps: Dust II, Inferno, Mirage etc.
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Economy: In-game economy system for buying weapons
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Rules: Valve official tournament rules apply
🔘 League of Legends
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Mode: 5v5 MOBA
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Game Map: Summoner’s Rift
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Draft System: Standard pick & ban
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Coach Rules: Coach allowed only during drafts
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Player Restrictions: No duo queuing in pro stage
3️⃣ Referee System and Match Integrity
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Live Referees: Monitor gameplay, handle technical issues, and enforce rules
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Replay Review: Matches are recorded for appeals
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Fair Play: No ghosting, stream-sniping, or external communication
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Penalties:
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Minor: Warning
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Major: Point Deduction, Match Loss
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Severe: Player/team ban
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4️⃣ Player Conduct & Ethics Code
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No Cheating: Zero tolerance policy
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Professionalism: Respect towards staff, opponents, and fans
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Language: Hate speech, toxic chat or gestures = automatic penalties
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Media Responsibility: Interviews and social media are often monitored
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Contracts: Most players sign Esports Code of Conduct agreements
✅ Final Notes
India’s esports ecosystem is thriving, and as it grows, professionalism and fair play are becoming even more important. Whether you’re a new gamer or a seasoned pro, understanding these rules is key to success.
