Rakesh Kumar Becomes Indian Rummy Grandmaster at SOG Championship

Rakesh Kumar from Rishikesh has achieved the title of Indian Rummy Grandmaster for the North & East Zone at the SOG Grandmasters Series Championship. This prestigious event, held at the Hyatt Regency in Gurugram, attracted over 150,000 participants across various games, highlighting the growing recognition of mind sports in India. The tournament featured intense competition, culminating in Kumar's strategic victory among 150 finalists. Organized by the Skillhub Online Games Federation, the championship also included competitions in chess and for visually impaired players, showcasing the diverse talent in India's gaming community. With significant figures from the sports world in attendance, this event marks a pivotal moment for skill-based gaming in the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 6, 2025, 15:04 IST

Rakesh Kumar's Triumph in Skill-Based Gaming

Rakesh Kumar, hailing from Rishikesh, has made a significant mark in India's skill gaming sector by clinching the title of Indian Rummy Grandmaster for the North & East Zone during the recently held SOG Grandmasters Series Championship. This two-day event took place at the Hyatt Regency in Gurugram, attracting over 150,000 participants who competed in various games including rummy and chess, with a special category for visually impaired players.

The Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG) segment alone saw an impressive participation of 78,000 players. After several rounds of fierce competition, 150 finalists emerged to compete for the championship, ultimately leading to Kumar's strategic victory. This tournament not only highlighted individual talent but also showcased the increasing popularity of mind sports within India's digital landscape.

Organized by the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), the championship featured three primary competitions: IRG, Indian Chess Masters (ICM), and Indian Chess Masters for Blind (ICMB). The ICM attracted 3,500 participants, while the ICMB, in collaboration with the All India Chess Federation for the Blind, highlighted the skills of visually impaired competitors, with 16 finalists selected from across the nation.

The event concluded with vibrant entertainment and award presentations, attended by notable figures such as Gaurav Dhyanchand, Tournament Director and President of the Dhyanchand Foundation, and D.P. Raturi, a former Air Force officer and hockey player. The grand finale also featured prominent personalities including Haryana's Sports Minister Mr. Gaurav Gautam, Secretary of Sports Ms. Sujata Chaturvedi, cricket legend Kapil Dev, Chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya, and boxer-politician Vijender Singh, along with various leaders from the SOG Federation.

“At SOGF, we are dedicated to fostering a future where mind sports receive equal recognition as traditional sports,” stated Adv. Nandan Jha, Founder of SOGF. “Rakesh Kumar’s victory is not merely a personal success but a reflection of the burgeoning talent in India’s skill gaming community. We take pride in establishing a platform that honors intellect, strategy, and digital innovation.”

Founded by Adv. Nandan Jha, SOGF is a pioneering organization that aligns with international sports standards and India’s vision for digital advancement. With backing from tech partner Rummy Culture, the federation’s innovative “phygital” format—merging physical tournaments with digital accessibility—continues to broaden the reach of competitive gaming across various regions.

As India’s sports sector anticipates a valuation of $130 billion by 2030, achievements like these emphasize the potential of mind sports in shaping the future of competitive skill-based gaming in the country.