Jonathan Jude Amaral, the BGMI player most fans simply call Jonathan, just took his ambitions for Indian esports somewhere most pro gamers never go: a closed-door meeting with Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister. Less than two weeks after launching his own organization, Team Apex Gaming, the 23-year-old met with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Cabinet Minister Sanjay Rathod to talk about where competitive gaming in India goes next.
Jonathan shared photos from the meeting on his broadcast channel, calling it an honour and saying they had what he described as a meaningful discussion on the growing potential of esports and gaming in India. He also showcased Team Apex Gaming and explored avenues for future collaboration. His sign-off: “Positive about what the future holds.”
Why This Meeting Matters Right Now
The timing isn’t accidental. India enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (PROG Act), which formally recognizes esports as a legitimate sport under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. Game publishers now have a 90-day window to register titles as recognized esports, and the government has committed to building training academies, research centres, and incentive schemes for competitive gaming.
For someone who just stepped into a founder’s role, walking into the DCM’s office at this moment is smart positioning. Maharashtra is home to Mumbai, where Team Apex Gaming is headquartered, and any state-level esports infrastructure push will likely run through this office.
The Jonathan Story Behind the Meeting
Jonathan isn’t a random pro player getting a courtesy meeting. He spent over four years as the face of GodLike Esports after joining in August 2021 as part of the former TSM Entity core, alongside Neyoo, ZGOD, ClutchGod, and coach Ghatak. In January 2026, he took home three trophies at the inaugural Krafton India Awards — Influencer of the Year, Favourite Creator (Male), and Favourite Esports Player.
Then in April 2026, after being benched during BGIS 2026, he left GodLike and launched Team Apex Gaming with the hashtag #TAGonTOP. The roster reportedly includes Jelly, Hydro, KioLmao, and Harsh from True Rippers. Shreeman Legend has joined as a content creator. The team is expected to debut at BMPS 2026.
Sanjay Rathod’s Presence Is Worth Noting
Cabinet Minister Sanjay Rathod, who currently holds the Soil and Water Conservation portfolio and represents Digras in Yavatmal, is a five-term MLA and a senior Shiv Sena leader from Vidarbha. His attendance at the meeting suggests this wasn’t just a photo-op, it was a working conversation.
What Could Actually Happen Next
Watch for three things. First, whether Maharashtra announces specific esports infrastructure or funding initiatives. Second, whether Team Apex Gaming gets named in any state-backed gaming program.
The meeting happened. The photos are public. Whether it translates into actual policy support or stays at handshake level is the question worth tracking.
