Jonathan launches Team Apex Gaming as BGMI's biggest name steps out on his own
Jonathan Jude Amaral, the player most people simply call Jonathan, made it official on Sunday. The 23-year-old unveiled Team Apex Gaming, his own esports organisation, with a launch video titled "It's Time to Rise" and the hashtag #TAGonTOP across social media.
From GodLike franchise player to founder
Jonathan joined GodLike Esports in August 2021 as part of the former TSM roster alongside Neyoo, ZGOD, ClutchGod and coach Ghatak. Over four and a half years he became the face of the organisation and one of the most recognised players in Indian mobile esports. The split came during the BGIS 2026 Survival Stage in Hyderabad, when Jonathan was benched for the first time in his career. GodLike captain Manya said the decision was purely tactical, but Jonathan's departure followed shortly after.
He had already registered Amaral Esports Pvt Ltd in late March, and the signs pointed to this moment for weeks. The brand identity, built around the handle @blackheartontop, hit 150,000 followers before the official announcement even dropped.
Roster still taking shape
Jonathan has not confirmed who will compete alongside him under the Team Apex Gaming banner. Reports from TalkEsport suggest the roster is being built around Gunjan Thakur, better known as Jelly, who currently plays for True Rippers. The rest of the lineup remains under wraps, though the April transfer window gives Jonathan until the end of the month to register his squad through the Krafton India Esports dashboard.
What comes next
The immediate target is BMPS 2026, the Battlegrounds Mobile Pro Series, which is the next major official competition on Krafton India's calendar. Team Apex Gaming will need to complete roster verification and secure a slot before the transfer window closes. For Jonathan, the pressure is different now. He is no longer just the star fragger expected to win gunfights. He is the founder, the brand, and the player all at once, and the Indian BGMI community will be watching every step.
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