Nagaland: Hornbill Esports Championship Season 2 culminates

The Hornbill Esports Championship Season 2 concluded with a grand finale on December 9 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, marking a vibrant highlight of the Hornbill Festival 2025. Organized by the Nagaland Government’s Department of Youth Resources and Sports in collaboration with the Esports Association of Nagaland (ESAN), the two-day championship brought together top esports athletes and teams from across India.
Special guest Sherry Lalthangzo, Economic Advisor for the North Eastern Region, addressed the gathering and reflected on the evolving perception of gaming. “We used to say games wouldn’t build a future, but now we must believe anything is possible,” she remarked, while emphasizing the importance of balance and personal limits. She urged participants to pursue their dreams without compromising health, education, or family, adding, “Life is a tough game. If you believe in yourself, pursue your dream, but ensure it promotes your growth as a person. Don’t lose track.”
ESAN president Thejavituo Sekhose delivered a brief speech and vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts that made the championship a success.
This year’s event featured a total prize pool of Rs. 10,00,000 distributed across five major esports disciplines: BGMI – Rs. 4,50,000; Mobile Legends 5v5 – Rs. 3,00,000 plus Rs. 1,00,000 worth of Diamonds; E-Chess – Rs. 75,000; E-Football – Rs. 1,00,000; FC 25 – Rs. 75,000.
Winners across disciplines
E-Chess: Champion – Avituo Naga; 1st Runner-up – Iloto Sen; 2nd Runner-up – Khoveto Vero; 3rd Runner-up – Shürho Zhalie Sebastian.
Mobile Legends 5v5: Champion – Team SSX Simp Official; 1st Runner-up – Team Elusivity
FC 25: Champion – Tiatoshi; 1st Runner-up – Vizokho; 2nd Runner-up – Levicus; 3rd Runner-up – Sarsongja
E-Football: Champion – Diablo; 1st Runner-up – Lamgouhao Kipgen; 2nd Runner-up – Yongsen; 3rd Runner-up – Jipin
BGMI: Champion – Team Autobotz; 1st Runner-up – TSN Esports; 2nd Runner-up – SEG Esports; MVP – Lobster (Team Autobotz)
The closing ceremony was marked by a historic Esports Music Festival, a first for the championship, featuring performances by Polar Lights and Abdon Mech from Nagaland, Guru Gee from Mizoram and Zephyrtone from Pune.
The Hornbill Esports Championship Season 2 not only celebrated competitive gaming but also showcased the growing cultural and entertainment dimensions of esports in Nagaland.