BGMI Star Jonathan Meets Maharashtra Deputy CM on Esports Growth

Jonathan Jude Amaral, known as Jonathan, met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Cabinet Minister Sanjay Rathod in Mumbai less than two weeks after launching his organisation, Team Apex Gaming, to discuss the growth of esports and potential collaboration in the state.

On his broadcast channel Jonathan posted photos from the closed-door meeting, calling it an honour. He wrote that attendees had a “meaningful discussion” on the future of gaming in India and signed off, “Positive about what the future holds.” He used the meeting to showcase Team Apex Gaming and to explore possible avenues for cooperation.

The meeting came after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which recognises esports as a sport under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. The law gives game publishers a 90-day window to register titles as recognised esports and includes government commitments to establish training academies, research centres and incentive schemes for competitive gaming. Maharashtra houses Mumbai, where Team Apex Gaming is headquartered, and state offices will play a role in any local implementation of those measures.

Jonathan rose to prominence with GodLike Esports after joining in August 2021 as part of the former TSM Entity core with teammates Neyoo, ZGOD and ClutchGod and coach Ghatak. In January 2026 he won three awards at the inaugural Krafton India Awards: Influencer of the Year, Favourite Creator (Male) and Favourite Esports Player. In April 2026 he left GodLike after being benched during BGIS 2026 and launched Team Apex Gaming with the hashtag #TAGonTOP. The roster reportedly includes Jelly, Hydro, KioLmao and Harsh, all from True Rippers, with Shreeman Legend joining as a content creator. The team is expected to debut at BMPS 2026.

Cabinet Minister Sanjay Rathod attended the meeting; he holds the Soil and Water Conservation portfolio, represents Digras in Yavatmal, and is a five-term MLA and senior Shiv Sena leader from the Vidarbha region.

Photos of the meeting and Jonathan’s public statements confirm the discussion took place. No specific policy measures or state support for Team Apex Gaming have been announced; any such steps would need to be confirmed in subsequent official statements from Maharashtra authorities.