The global pandemic has certainly been quite a journey for everyone around the world. But, just with everything else, there is always a silver lining to the whole situation. If you take a step back and look at it from a wider perspective, there might be some good in it. For 16 years old, Amith Kutti, this is definitely the case.
The unprecedented lockdown has given him the big break he needed in the gaming industry — something that might not have happened if lockdown did not take place.
The youngster from Chennai is not only making a name for himself in the virtual world but is also finally realising his dreams of becoming a professional real-life racer.
His unmatched skills have already gotten the like and approval from Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first F1 driver. The keen youngster will also be testing for NK Racing Academy, which has recently secured a deal with Ultimate E.
The collaboration between Ultimate E and NK Racing Academy will create a pathway for the best Esports-racing driver to break into a career in motorsports.
Founder of NK Racing Academy, Mr Karthikeyan said, “In the first edition of this collaboration, we have decided to sign up Amith Kutti who has excelled in multiple Esports league and has easily come on top as the fastest gamer in India.”
At just 16 years old, Amith currently holds the title of defending champion in Mumbai Falcons’ Indian eRacing Championship. On 28 July 2020, the schoolboy dominated the competition, winning both the Pro races.
The Chennai boy fell in love with racing when he attended the Indian Grand Prix in Great Noida in 2012.
“When my dad took me to the race track, I was so fascinated watching the cars speed fast. I couldn’t stop talking about my experience to my friends, ” he explained.
After listening to his stories, one of his friends introduced him to Codemasters’, a 2012 F1 video game. Since then, there was no looking back for the rising star that goes by the name ‘ImAMyth’ in the virtual world.
Just like any other parents, Amith’s parents wanted him to focus on his studies. But, lucky for him, his parents were open to the idea after he successfully convinced them.
In an interview done with Deccan Chronicle, he said: “I am lucky to have supportive parents. At first, they were not too happy with me but they saw my passion and their view started to change. They now see it as a sport instead of a hobby.”
Though new to the industry, Amith has created quite a buzz. He has been recognised as the fastest racer after clinching the win in the Speed Runs Championship held in Sri Lanka.
Early this year, the youngster took part in the Ultimate E’s all-star race, which has impressed Narain Karthikeyan and Arjun Maini, a 22-year-old race driver in India.
Amith, who is a fan of Sebastian Vettel said that the lockdown have given him the opportunity to train and race with a lot of experienced drivers.
Apart from racing, Amith also has a strong interest in aeronautical engineering and would be keen to pursue it, if the racing world doesn’t workout for him.
But by the looks of it, it will not be too long before the esports athlete takes on the racetrack and compete with top world athlete.
