For example, beyond firefights in FPS games (like League of Legends and Dota 2), the adrenaline-pumping nature of esports makes competition outside the game servers just as intense. Imagine if a top Premier League football (soccer) club suddenly sold its entire starting lineup to a rival team just days before their season began—such a move would send shockwaves through the sports world. This dramatic scenario parallels what has just occurred in the Indian mobile gaming scene. Known for bold plays and high tournament finishes, Carnival Gaming’s official Twitter announced the transfer of its Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) roster to Likitha Esports. This is not just a name change but rather an acquisition on a scale that could shake up the BGIS 2025 rankings among the very best teams.
The Business of Rosters
In esports, a roster is the group of pro players signed to an organization (for those unfamiliar with the term). These players are the team’s most valuable assets—they bring in prize money, sponsorships, and viewers. The signing of the Carnival Gaming roster by Likitha Esports is a strong statement of ambition. It means Likitha is not choosing to build a team from scratch, which can take months of experimentation and adjustment. Instead, they are acquiring an already established line-up: a team with existing chemistry, clear roles (such as the entry fragger, the in-game leader, or support), and proven experience in tournaments.
Why does this matter? Because team chemistry—or synergy—cannot be bought instantly. In a game like BGMI, survival hinges on quick decisions and seamless, often unspoken, communication among teammates, much like the instant understanding that comes with a successful sports team. An established team with strong synergy is highly valuable. When Likitha acquires the Carnival squad, they effectively bypass the slow and uncertain process of team-building and immediately elevate themselves to top-tier competitive status.
The BGIS 2025 Context
This acquisition is surgically timed. The Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) is coming up. This event is among the most important on the country’s gaming calendar. It offers huge prize pools and a gateway to international recognition. Teams are scrambling to finalize lineups now that roster locks are in place. There will be no chance to make changes from here on out.
Carnival Gaming’s lineup showed brilliance in previous scrims and minor tournaments. Their playstyle stands out, often featuring edge-of-zone rotations and aggressive, high-kill plays rather than a passive approach. It remains to be seen if they maintain this aggressive style with Likitha, or if management prefers a more conservative, placement-based strategy.
The Players’ Perspective
For the players, such a transfer is a whirlwind. On one hand, it may mean better contracts, a better bootcamp, and more stability. However, the pressure is immediate. When a team buys an entire roster, instant results are expected. There’s no time for a ‘getting to know you’ phase. Fans of Likitha Esports have high expectations for this squad from the first match.
This also highlights the volatility of the Indian esports landscape. Esports organizations often rise and fall, but the core player groups sometimes stay together, moving from one team’s brand or ‘banner’ to another, reminiscent of free-agent athletes switching clubs in traditional sports as they look for the right fit. Here, performance is what matters most.
What Fans Should Watch For
For BGIS 2025 qualifiers, watch the kill feeds. Will former Carnival players shine in their new jerseys? The transition period is critical. Sometimes, new management distracts players; other times, increased resources boost morale. Soon, we’ll see if Likitha Esports made a championship-winning investment or took an expensive gamble.
