ApeCity by Orangutan: India’s First Org-Led Esports Arena Is More Than Just a Gaming Cafe: It’s a Dream Finally Realized
Fast forward to 2025, and Orangutan has done it again. This time, not with another roster reveal or international tournament qualification, but with the launch of ApeCity – a next-gen esports arena in Navi Mumbai
Back in 2021, when I first walked into The Forest, Orangutan’s legendary bootcamp nestled in Parsik Hill, I knew this was not just another esports organization. Having been the first creator to represent Orangutan, I’ve seen their journey from the inside — from the raw ambition to the execution of a vision that has now become a reality.
Fast forward to 2025, and Orangutan has done it again. This time, not with another roster reveal or international tournament qualification, but with the launch of ApeCity – a next-gen esports arena in Navi Mumbai that redefines what gaming infrastructure in India can look like.
From Cybercafes to ApeCity: A Gamer’s Journey
If you grew up in the 2000s, chances are you’ve clocked hours playing GTA: San Andreas or Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain at your local cybercafe. That era had its charm – dim lights, noisy keyboards, and the thrill of squeezing out one last round before your time ran out.
But ApeCity is nothing like those cafes – and that’s what makes it special. It’s not just a gaming zone. It’s India’s first esports arena built by an actual esports organization – Orangutan.
This space is created by gamers, for gamers. It’s a physical manifestation of the dreams countless of us have had — to have a professional, high-performance space where gaming isn’t just a hobby, but a stepping stone to a global stage.
What Makes ApeCity One-of-a-Kind?
Let’s talk specs. Because ApeCity is loaded.
- 31 High-Performance Gaming PCs (including 6 powered by CyberPowerPC for top-tier competition)
- 9 PlayStations for console fans
- A state-of-the-art Sim Racing setup
- Watchparty & Live Screening zones to catch every epic tournament moment
- Chug & Chow – an in-house café that caters to your mid-session cravings
And yes, this is not just a vibe. This is a calculated infrastructure, curated for competitive athletes, content creators, and the ever-growing gaming fandom in India.
Yash Bhanushali’s Vision From Gamer to Game-Changer
Anyone who knows Yash Bhanushali, Orangutan's founder, knows he isn’t your typical entrepreneur. He’s a gamer first. I still remember countless conversations with him in which he passionately discussed India becoming one of the fiercest regions in global esports.
ApeCity is the embodiment of that dream. Yash hasn’t just built a facility – he’s created a launchpad for future esports Olympians, at a time when the world stage is opening up. With esports at the Asian Games and the Esports Olympics scheduled in Saudi Arabia in 2027, ApeCity is not just timely – it’s essential.
More Than Just a Space: A Talent Engine
Orangutan isn’t new to the global stage. Their presence in VALORANT, Free Fire, Pokémon Unite, and BGMI has already put them on the map. And with ApeCity, they now have a space to nurture and discover raw Indian talent.
This isn’t just a place to game for fun. This is where:
- Casual gamers can level up into contenders
- Creators can collaborate and grow their brands
- Aspiring pros can train and get scouted
And with Orangutan’s history of scouting and empowering players, don’t be surprised if the next big international esports star comes from ApeCity.
India Needed ApeCity — Even If It Came 5 Years Late
Let’s be real – India has always been 5 years late when it comes to gaming infrastructure. While global orgs were building training facilities and studios, Indian esports was surviving on passion alone. But as the saying goes: “Dair aaye, durust aaye.”
And ApeCity? It’s exactly what we needed — a premium esports arena built by people who understand what gamers want.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for ApeCity?
While ApeCity is officially launched, the bigger vision is just getting started. We’ll soon be asking Yash what lies ahead – regular tournaments? Creator collabs? Pro team scouting events?
But one thing is clear: ApeCity is not just a milestone. It’s a movement.
Orangutan’s ApeCity is India’s first esports organization-led gaming arena, built to empower the next generation of gamers. With world-class hardware, community spaces, and a vision rooted in real gaming culture, it’s the place where casual players, creators, and future esports stars will come together.
