iQOO, the high-performance smartphone brand, has officially announced the jury panel for its highly anticipated second Chief Gaming Officer (CGO) selection. This year, the panel features a dynamic mix of industry pioneers and gaming influencers: Roadies fame Rannvijay Singha, alongside influential gaming personalities Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug and Payal Dhare aka Payal Gaming. These experts will evaluate and select the next CGO, who will play a pivotal role in shaping iQOO’s gaming vision and the future of mobile gaming in India.
To ensure more aspiring gamers get a chance to compete for this prestigious role, iQOO has extended the application deadline to April 10th. The selected candidate will not only gain a highly coveted position but will also have the opportunity to earn INR 10 Lakh. With thousands of applications received in its inaugural edition, the competition is expected to be even more intense this time around.
The Selection Process
The jury will assess candidates based on their gaming expertise, industry knowledge, and their potential to grow the iQOO community through gaming. The selection process for iQOO’s Chief Gaming Officer will consist of five elimination rounds:
- Registration Form
- Detailed Entry Submission
- Gaming Round
- Group Discussion
- Final Audition with the jury and iQOO’s leadership team
This initiative underscores iQOO’s dedication to fostering new talent and supporting the growing eSports community in India.
Meet the Jury
Rannvijay Singha
Rannvijay Singha is a well-known Indian actor, reality TV personality, and VJ, who first gained fame by winning the inaugural season of MTV Roadies in 2003. With his signature style, fitness enthusiasm, and deep youth appeal, he has been a defining figure in Indian reality television. Beyond entertainment, Rannvijay shares iQOO’s passion for gaming and has actively participated in multiple gaming events and tournaments.
Expressing his excitement about rejoining the jury, Rannvijay stated: “Returning as a jury member for iQOO’s CGO Hunt is like stepping into yet another thrilling gaming adventure with GenZ gamers. Having witnessed their passion, dedication, and competitive spirit last time, I’m excited to see them raise the bar even higher. As a gaming enthusiast myself, I look forward to experiencing firsthand the energy, talent, and innovation that define India’s ever-evolving gaming community.”
Animesh ‘8Bit Thug’ Agarwal
A pivotal figure in India’s gaming industry, Animesh Agarwal is the co-founder of 8Bit Creatives and a key driver behind the country’s gaming content revolution. From competitive gaming to mentoring the next generation of gaming influencers, he has played a crucial role in expanding India’s gaming landscape.
Sharing his thoughts on being a jury member, Animesh remarked: “India’s gaming scene is evolving rapidly, and iQOO’s Chief Gaming Officer program is a game-changing opportunity for aspiring gamers. This initiative is about more than just skill—it’s about leadership, creativity, and a deep understanding of the gaming community. I’m looking forward to seeing the passion and talent that these gamers bring and helping select the next big voice of mobile gaming in India.”
Payal Gaming (Payal Dhare)
As one of India’s most influential female gamers and streamers, Payal Gaming has redefined the gaming landscape through her engaging live streams and competitive gameplay. Recently honored as the Best Gaming and eSports Influencer at the Impact Digital Influencer Awards 2025, she continues to inspire a new generation of gamers by breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity in the industry.
Speaking about her role as a jury member, Payal shared: “Gaming has transformed my life, and I know how much the right opportunity can mean to an aspiring gamer. iQOO’s CGO 2.0 is giving gamers a platform to turn their passion into a career. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see the next gaming leader rise to the challenge.”
iQOO’s Vision for Gaming Leadership
Nipun Marya, CEO of iQOO India, emphasized the brand’s commitment to gaming, stating: “At iQOO, we recognize gaming as a dynamic and transformative industry that offers immense career potential. Through the Chief Gaming Officer role, we aim to provide passionate gamers with a platform to showcase their skills and turn their passion into a profession. With esteemed industry leaders like Rannvijay Singha, Animesh ‘8Bit Thug’ Agarwal, and Payal Gaming on our jury, we’re committed to selecting an individual who embodies innovation, performance, and community engagement. To ensure that more young gaming enthusiasts get the opportunity to be part of this exciting journey, we have extended the application deadline to April 10th, allowing more talent to compete for the coveted CGO title and the chance to earn INR 10 Lakh.”
The Road to Becoming iQOO’s Next Chief Gaming Officer
Last week, iQOO officially launched the search for its second Chief Gaming Officer—a one-of-a-kind role designed to empower young gaming enthusiasts and shape the future of mobile gaming in India. The selected CGO will work closely with iQOO’s leadership team and top gaming influencers, playing a crucial role in shaping the brand’s gaming initiatives.
With a grand incentive of INR 10 Lakh, this position offers aspiring gamers the chance to collaborate with industry legends such as Mortal, Scout, GamerFleet, and others.
Interested gamers can apply at iqoo.com/in/activity/cgo. Entries are open until April 10th, 2025.
This initiative by iQOO is set to further strengthen India’s gaming ecosystem, offering young gaming enthusiasts an unprecedented platform to turn their passion into a thriving career.
