Gaming
S8UL Esports Acquires Team Elite’s Free Fire MAX Roster, Launches S8UL Elite
S8UL Esports, a leading name in the Indian esports community, has officially acquired the Free Fire MAX roster from Team Elite, marking a significant expansion in its presence in the gaming scene. The newly formed team, named S8UL Elite, is set to compete in upcoming Free Fire MAX tournaments, signaling S8UL’s ambitions to build championship-winning squads and elevate Indian esports on a global stage.
The acquisition was announced on November 14, 2025, and features a roster led by Lokesh “Pahadi” Karakoti, who is widely regarded as one of India’s top Free Fire MAX players and content creators. Joining him on the team are skilled players Jayesh Yadav (Mr. Jay), Hasan Haider (Hasan), Adeeb Ansari (Adeeb), and Syed Arman Ali (Arman). Each player has a history of competitive success, with accolades such as Pahadi’s Best Sniper of the Year award granted by Garena, and Mr. Jay’s title of Rusher of the Year from the Free Fire India Championship 2021 Fall.
Naman Mathur, popularly known as Mortal and Co-founder of S8UL Esports, expressed his excitement about the new team’s potential: “We are delighted to onboard some of the most promising players from the Free Fire MAX scene. Each of them brings a unique skill set and a deep understanding of the game, making this roster an exciting addition to our esports family… S8UL Elite marks an important step in that direction.”
S8UL Elite’s formation underscores the organization’s broader mission to empower Indian gamers and content creators, while raising the status of Indian esports. This move follows S8UL Esports’ historic representation at the Esports World Cup held in Riyadh earlier in 2025, where the global esports community took notice of India’s growing competitive talent.
Lokesh Karakoti aka Pahadi shared his enthusiasm about joining S8UL: “Joining S8UL is a dream come true. It’s the home of India’s biggest gaming icons and a brand that has redefined what it means to be a professional gamer and creator in this country. With S8UL’s support, our goal is to compete and perform at the highest level in upcoming tournaments.”
S8UL Esports has been recognized widely for its contribution to gaming and esports with multiple nominations at the Esports Awards 2025. Additionally, the team’s players have previously shone in high-profile competitions like the Free Fire India Championship 2021 Fall, where Team Elite won prize money exceeding INR 41.3 lakh.
Founded with a vision to elevate Indian esports and content creation, S8UL is also home to prominent creators like Payal Dhare and Raj Varma. Through strategic roster acquisitions like that of Team Elite’s Free Fire MAX players, the organization continues to strengthen its competitive edge and content reach.
As S8UL Elite prepares for new challenges and tournaments, the team looks poised to make a significant impact on the Free Fire MAX esports scene both in India and internationally. This acquisition not only boosts S8UL’s esports roster but also reflects the ongoing professionalization and growth of esports in India.
With backing from Garena, the publisher of Free Fire, and leadership from co-founder Animesh Agarwal, S8UL’s future in the esports arena looks bright. Fans and followers of Indian gaming are watching closely as S8UL Elite begins its journey toward top-level competition and championship success.
In summary, the merger of Team Elite’s Free Fire MAX roster with S8UL Esports to form S8UL Elite is a major development in the Indian esports industry. It highlights both the talent pool available and the increasing opportunities for gamers in India to compete on large stages. This move is a promising step for Indian esports aiming for global recognition and excellence.
