Indian esports company Crowd Control Esports has announced the appointment of Nik Turner (pictured left) as its Chief Education Advisor for KhelShaala, its education and skilling division.
Nik Turner is Managing Director at specialist consultancy agency ntesports, and has worked as an esports lecturer and head of esports at Queen Mary’s College in Basingstoke, and has supported the likes of Guild Esports, Yoyotech and more, as well as providing esports education teaching resources for the Esports BTEC qualifications in the UK, working on curriculum design, course content production and quality assurance.
He’s also Chair of the Education Committee at the US-focused Esports Trade Association, which focuses on professional development programs, networking opportunities and industry research.
A press release stated that Nik Turner’s ‘vision aligns seamlessly with Crowd Control Esports’ mission to revolutionise the industry through comprehensive educational programs’.
Peeyush Kumar, founder of Crowd Control Esports (pictured right), said: “We are thrilled to welcome Nik to our team. His expertise is crucial for developing KhelShaala into a global brand. Nik has already provided valuable insights and advice in structuring our curriculum, and I am excited to see our collaboration evolve and flourish.
“India’s esports industry is on the brink of explosive growth. With a young, tech-savvy population and increasing internet penetration, the opportunities are immense.”
Peeyush Kumar, Crowd Control Esports
“By investing in education and skill development through KhelShaala, we aim to not only enhance the talent pool but also establish India as a formidable force in the global esports arena. Our partnership with Nik Turner is a testament to our commitment to these goals.”
Nik Turner, the new Chief Education Advisor for KhelShaala, added: “After many productive discussions with Peeyush Kumar, it became clear that joining KhelShaala was a perfect fit. We share the same goals and a strong mission to empower through education in esports. I am delighted to be part of a team that is genuinely committed to making a difference in the esports landscape.
“The Indian esports ecosystem is incredibly dynamic and full of potential. By focusing on education and structured skill development, we can ensure sustainable growth and create a robust pipeline of talent. I am excited to contribute to this transformative journey and help unlock the full potential of Indian esports.”
Launched in June 2022, KhelShaala serves as a launchpad for individuals aiming to build skills and careers in esports and related industries.
With a focus on three foundational pillars – CrowdForge, KhelShaala and CrowdStudios, Crowd Control Esports says it’s dedicated to ‘creating a holistic ecosystem that supports players, educators, and content creators alike’, and that KhelShaala aims to bridge the gap between aspiring professionals and the world of esports.
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He has almost two decades of experience in journalism, and left Esports News UK in June 2025.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He also previously worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation.
