Indian esports just witnessed one of its most electrifying chapters yet. Jonathan Jude Amaral, better known as Jonathan Gaming — the "Universal MVP" of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) — has officially launched his own esports organization, Team Apex Gaming (TAG). Joining him in this new era is the popular lifestyle and content creator Soham Rathod, widely known across India as SSR Vlogs, who joins the brand as its premier content creator.
A Dream Long in the Making
After 4.5 years with GodLike Esports, Jonathan formally announced his departure on April 4, 2026. GodLike's co-owner Kronten revealed that Jonathan had been planning this move three to four months before the announcement — quietly building the blueprint for something far bigger than just a competitive squad.
On April 12, 2026, the wait was over.
Jonathan dropped a cinematic announcement video on Instagram titled "Level 4" — a deeply personal retrospective of his career broken into life milestones. From buying his first phone to gifting his father a dream car, every frame told the story of a boy who refused to stop climbing. It ended with one line that sent the Indian esports world into a frenzy:
"Team Apex Gaming is here to be on top."
The video surpassed 2 million views in under 50 minutes on Instagram alone.
SSR Vlogs: The Content Powerhouse Joining the Ranks
One of the biggest talking points surrounding TAG's launch is the signing of Soham Rathod (SSR Vlogs) as a prominent content creator for the organization.
SSR Vlogs is one of India's prominent lifestyle content creators, with a massive following across YouTube and Instagram. His partnership with Jonathan signals that Team Apex Gaming is not just a competitive esports team — it is being built as a full-scale content and esports brand from day one.
TAG has reportedly been legally registered as Amaral Esports Private Limited, with Jonathan leading the charge. This business-first approach, backed by both competitive pedigree and the content reach brought by creators like SSR Vlogs, gives TAG a structural advantage that very few Indian esports organizations have launched with.
The Stealth Launch That Stunned Everyone
Weeks before the official announcement, a mysterious Instagram page called "blackheartontop" surfaced with no branding, no roster, and no official statement — just a black heart. Purely riding on Jonathan's reputation, the page crossed 300,000 followers before a single official word was spoken. No marketing budget. No paid promotions. Just the weight of one name in Indian gaming.
The hashtag #TAGOnTop began trending on social media the moment the reveal dropped.
The Expected BGMI Roster
While the official competitive lineup has not been confirmed, leaks and reports strongly suggest TAG will sign the True Rippers roster. The expected squad is:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Jonathan | Assaulter / Star Fragger |
| Jelly (Gunjan Thakur) | IGL (In-Game Leader) |
| Hydro | Assaulter |
| Harsh | Assaulter |
| KioLmao | Assaulter |
This lineup is no stranger to big stages. In 2025, True Rippers finished 2nd at the BGMI International Cup, represented India at the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC), and secured a podium at the Chennai Esports Global Championship.
Competitive Debut: BMPS 2026 — With Everything on the Line
TAG's first tournament will be BMPS 2026 (Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series), scheduled to begin in May 2026. What raises the stakes even further? EWC 2026 (Esports World Cup) qualification slots are up for grabs at BMPS — meaning Team Apex Gaming enters competitive play under maximum pressure, with global representation on the line from their very first outing.
Beyond BGMI: A Multi-Title Vision
Jonathan's ambitions for TAG stretch far beyond BGMI. Plans are reportedly already in motion for:
- Honor of Kings — a title gaining massive traction in Indian esports
- MOBA Legends 5v5 — another EWC-eligible game
- Content Creator signings — bringing top gaming personalities under the TAG brand
This multi-title, content-forward strategy is exactly what separates TAG from the traditional Indian esports organization model.
The Community Reacts
The Indian esports community's response has been overwhelming. Gaming icons including Scout OP, S8UL's Mazy, GodLike Dobby, and Mortal all publicly reacted to the launch. Fan debates have erupted across Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube about TAG's potential — with many declaring this the most exciting new organization to emerge from India.
Jonathan himself has summed up the mission simply: "Indian esports is about to change in 2026."
Final Thought
Team Apex Gaming isn't just Jonathan's next chapter — it's a statement. With a star-studded content roster (including SSR Vlogs), a clinical projected competitive lineup, legal incorporation as a private limited company, and multi-title expansion plans, TAG is being built like a brand, not just a team. The black heart is live. The countdown to #TAGOnTop has begun.