ESports Premier League (ESPL) is the first national-level franchise-based esports tournament from India Today Gaming, the esports, and gaming segment of the India Today Group. ESPL aims to provide a platform for new and upcoming esports talent to showcase their talent across India. The tournament also wishes to serve and support the Indian esports community and help push gaming to the mainstream. India Today Gaming kickstarted the inaugural edition of ESPL in 2021 in partnership with Garena. During the first edition, ESPL signed Bollywood star Tiger Shroff as the brand ambassador for the tournament.
In addition to the mainstream support, India Today Gaming also worked with sports ministers from multiple states to inaugurate the first 8 franchise teams. ESPL also crossed 1 million registrations and more than 100 million video views in its first season. At the conclusion of Season 1, India Today Gaming also invited Mr. Manish Sisodia, the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi for the prize felicitation ceremony to further legitimize esports and gaming.