Cover-Credits:
You may have heard of names like Mortal, Scout, and Forsaken on the topic of Indian Gaming. But sometimes, some of the people who deserve recognition go unnoticed or are outshined. Born and raised in Bhuj, Gujarat, Tirth Mehta is a competitive esports player who achieved a remarkable feat by winning a bronze medal in Hearthstone at the 2018 Asian Games, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. This achievement was particularly significant as esports was included as a demonstration event for the first time. If you’ve never heard of him until today, here’s a recap of what you need to know about Tirth Mehta.
Asian Games Success and Beyond
Mehta's journey to success began at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, where esports made its debut as a demonstration event. His bronze medal triumph in Hearthstone, a digital collectible card game, not only brought glory to India but also garnered widespread acclaim for the burgeoning esports community. Reflecting on his experience, Mehta expressed his pride in representing his country at such a prestigious event, emphasizing the recognition and respect esports received from traditional athletes.
Here are some of the events that Tirth participated during his time as an active Hearthstone professional.
2021-03-14: 98th - 128th place, S-Tier Masters Tour 2021 Ironforge, Masters Tour 2021 Ironforge, $750
2020-03-22: 149th place, S-Tier Masters Tour 2020 Los Angeles, Masters Tour 2020 Los Angeles, 4 - 5 Group S., $850
2019-12-13: 1st place, Qualifier Masters Qualifiers: Indonesia #6, Masters Qualifiers: Indonesia #6, 2 : 0 against GermanyBequiet
2018-08-31: 3rd place, A-Tier 2018 Asian Games, 2018 Asian Games, 3 : 2 against VietnamTuan
2018-06-24: 4th place, B-Tier Cresmos Hearthstone Championship, 2 : 3 against SingaporeFate, $184
2016-06-25: 1st place, Weekly Siam Cup #4, 3 : 2 against Thailandmmikiez
2016-03-12: 1st place, Weekly ESL Hearthstone APAC Winter Open 1, 3 : 1 against PhilippinesChalk
2016-03-06: 1st place, Weekly GosuCup HCT SEA 2016 #1, 3 : 1 against South KoreaLojom, $300
2015-06-06: 3rd - 4th place, Weekly GosuCup SEA 2015 #10, $50
2015-03-29: 2nd place, B-Tier Legendary Series Season 2 - Legendary Series #1, FF : W against GermanyLifecoach, $200
Mutual Benefits of Integrating Esports with Traditional Sports
Mehta firmly believes in the mutual benefits of integrating esports with traditional athletic events. As esports primarily caters to a younger demographic, its inclusion in multi-sport events can attract a vast audience, potentially sparking interest in traditional sports among the youth. With millions of gamers worldwide, esports offers a massive market that can enhance the visibility and popularity of multi-sport events. Moreover, Mehta emphasizes the positive impact of such integration on changing societal perceptions of esports, fostering greater acceptance and support from parents and communities.
Impact of the Pandemic on Esports in India
Tirth Mehta is optimistic about the future of esports in India, especially in light of the industry's growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. With social distancing measures in place, more people turned to esports for entertainment, leading to a surge in participation and viewership. This trend has not gone unnoticed, with sports channels now telecasting esports events, further legitimizing the industry.
Looking ahead, Tirth believes that esports will continue to thrive in India, thanks to its large young population and the increasing popularity of competitive gaming. He hopes that more stakeholders, including players and sports channels, will recognize the potential of esports and continue to invest in its growth.
Tirth Mehta's Earnings
While he hasn't participated in any event for almost two years now, Tirth still accumulated some money in the form of earnings during his short days of competing. Hearthstone has never been the most lucrative esport in terms of prize money but even so Tirth has made approximately $2,334 USD according to Liquipedia
Tirth Mehta’s Social Media
X - Tirth Mehta
Linkedin Tirth Mehta
Despite the challenges of balancing gaming with his full-time job at a game development studio, Tirth remains committed to representing India at the 2022 Asian Games. His dedication, perseverance, and passion for gaming serve as an inspiration to aspiring gamers across the country, highlighting the immense potential of esports as a viable career option.
