GodLike Esports Reportedly Halts CODM Operations Amid Visa Controversy and Team Merger

One of India’s biggest esports powerhouses and a dominant force in the Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM) competitive scene, GodLike Esports, has recently sparked speculation about shutting down its CODM division. The rumors emerged following a series of disappointing events that have shaken both the Indian and global esports communities.

This report breaks down how one of India’s most successful esports teams found itself in such an unfortunate situation.

CODM World Championship 2025 Finals: Where It All Began

The Call of Duty: Mobile World Championship 2025 Grand Finals are being held in Katowice, Poland, from November 7 to 9, 2025. Representing India were two major organizations — S8UL Esports and GodLike Esports — both prepared to compete on the grand stage.

However, just days before departure, three GodLike players were denied visas, effectively grounding the team. A similar fate struck S8UL, with two of their players also failing to secure travel clearance. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue, both teams were ultimately forced to withdraw from the finals, leaving players devastated.

Following the announcement, Amar Chandgude, co-owner of GodLike Esports, went live to confirm that the organization would pause all CODM operations indefinitely, citing a severe lack of support and coordination from both Activision and the tournament organizer, ESL.

A Recurring Problem for Indian Esports

Visa troubles have long plagued Indian esports teams participating in international tournaments. Whether it’s PUBG Mobile, Valorant, or CODM, players have often faced bureaucratic delays and inadequate institutional support.

In CODM’s case, this is not the first instance — similar issues have disrupted past international events. Despite repeated appeals to government authorities and industry bodies, the situation remains unresolved.

This year’s crisis has highlighted the scale of the problem: over 15 professional players from multiple regions have already announced their retirement from CODM, expressing frustration with how poorly the situation was handled. The debacle has underscored the organizers’ and publisher’s failure to support the competitive ecosystem.

A Historic Collaboration: When the Gods Merged Their Souls

Amid the chaos, a surprising and heartwarming development emerged. With both Indian organizations left short-handed — a combined total of only five visa-approved players — they made a historic decision to join forces.

On November 5, 2025, the official Call of Duty: Mobile social channels announced the creation of a new unified team: the Newgen Ninjas. This collaborative squad combines three players from S8UL and two from GodLike, proudly representing Team India on the world stage.

Newgen Ninjas roster:

• GodL VipeR
• GodL Warden
• S8UL Jezz
• S8UL Frann
• S8UL Marvel

This marks the first-ever official merger between GodLike Esports and S8UL Esports in any esports competition — an unprecedented move that has excited fans across the country. Social media has been flooded with support for the Newgen Ninjas, as Indian fans rally behind this unique alliance.

Tournament Replacements and Final Adjustments

Following the merger, Animus, the next highest-seeded team from the EU region, filled the open tournament slot left by the merged Indian teams. Meanwhile, Stand Point Gaming from China also faced similar visa setbacks, resulting in their replacement by OUG, the fifth seed from China.

Conclusion

The visa fiasco leading up to the CODM World Championship 2025 has once again exposed the fragile infrastructure surrounding international esports participation. While GodLike Esports’ indefinite suspension of its CODM operations marks a sobering moment for Indian esports, the Newgen Ninjas’ formation also symbolizes unity, resilience, and hope for the future.

Fans now look forward to seeing whether this historic collaboration can make an impact on the world stage — and perhaps inspire broader change in how global esports logistics are handled.