In the rapidly growing world of Indian esports, few names stand out as boldly as ROKO829 — the gaming alias of Devang Joshi. A passionate and relentless gamer, ROKO’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and daring to defy expectations.
Devang Joshi’s journey into the world of gaming began in late 2017, when he created a YouTube gaming channel called “The MAX BOX”. Initially focusing on casual gameplay such as Car Simulator and other trending mobile games, Devang started uploading content purely out of passion. In 2018, his friend Parth joined him in this venture, and together they began building a small but loyal audience.
However, this phase was not without setbacks. Toward the end of 2017, the channel faced a serious challenge when all associated platforms were hacked. Rather than giving up, Devang and Parth decided to take a bold leap – shifting from content creators to professional esports players.
In 2018, the duo founded their own esports organisation SQUAD ROKO. Alongside this rebranding, Devang adopted the name ROKO829, while Parth became known as parthXroko. This marked the beginning of their serious involvement in competitive gaming.
Despite being academically talented, Devang made the tough choice to drop his education and pursue gaming full-time — a decision met with disapproval from his family, who hoped he would become a doctor. But ROKO remained committed to his dream, diving headfirst into the mobile gaming tournament scene.
By the end of 2020, Devang and Parth shifted to a gaming house in Vadodara, intensifying their focus on professional play.
SQUAD ROKO quickly rose through the competitive ranks. Their major accomplishments includes:
| Academic PUBG LAN 2018 – Winner |
| College Rivals 2018 – Winner |
| College Rivals National 2018 – Runner-up (#2) |
| PUBG India Series – Runner-up (#2) |
| Academic PUBG LAN 2019 – Winner |
| BMPS 2019 – Underdog #1 with MVP |
| BGIS 2019 – Underdog #2 Runner-up |
| College Rivals 2020 – Winner |
| PUBG Global Survival 2020 – Runner-up (#2) with MVP |
Their consistent top-tier performance made ROKO a household name in the Indian esports scene.
Tragedy struck on February 14, 2021, when ROKO crashed his BMW M2 during a late-night drive in Vadodara. He was hospitalised for six months, putting a halt to his esports career. Following his recovery, he relocated to Los Angeles for half a year, reflecting and preparing for a strong comeback.
In 2022, ROKO made his competitive return, this time as an in-game leader (IGL). His comeback was nothing short of spectacular.
| iGL’s 2022 – Champion (#1) with MVP |
| Line Up 2022 – Winner |
| Squad Line Up 2023 – Winner with MVP |
| iGL’s 2024 – Champion (#1) with MVP |
| Squad Lineup 2024 – Winner |
| Score LineUp 2024 – Winner with Highest Score |
| ITC 7 – Winner with MVP |
These victories established ROKO829 as not only a talented player but also a capable and strategic leader.
ROKO is also known for his luxurious lifestyle, owning a fleet of high-end cars including:
| Land Rover Defender 130 |
| Land Rover Defender V8 |
| Toyota Fortuner Legender |
| BMW X7 |
| BMW 340i |
| Mini Cooper JCW |
“If I die in a car accident, that means I am going with happiness". This statement reflects his bold, passionate, and fearless personality.
Since 2019, ROKO has been in a relationship with Shreya Oberoi, and the two have supported each other throughout his journey.
As of 2025, SQUAD ROKO has been selected to compete in the “International Playground Series” and has secured a spot in the prestigious “IV ESL Tournament 2026”. With ROKO829 at the helm, the team is expected to continue making waves on the global stage.
ROKO829’s story is not just about gaming — it’s about grit, perseverance, and daring to chase dreams against all odds. From starting a small YouTube channel to becoming a national esports icon, Devang Joshi’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of gamers in India and beyond.
