Mumbai : S8UL Esports’ prominent gaming creator Gulrez Khan, popularly known as Joker Ki Haveli, has successfully completed the Everest Base Camp trek, becoming the first Indian gaming content creator to scale one of the world’s most iconic high-altitude expeditions. The achievement marks the latest milestone in his ongoing fitness journey and reinforces his mission to challenge long-standing perceptions surrounding gamers and physical fitness.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s premier adventure challenges, the Everest Base Camp trek takes participants through the rugged terrain of Nepal’s Khumbu region, where oxygen levels are significantly lower than at sea level and every step demands physical endurance, mental resilience, and careful acclimatization.
Reaching Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,598 feet), Gulrez completed the expedition over nine days, traversing through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep before arriving at the base of the world’s highest mountain. He also completed the ascent to Kala Patthar at 5,545 metres, one of the highest accessible viewpoints in the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan range.
Documented through his Instagram series Mission Unknown, the expedition gave his community a firsthand look at the preparation, challenges, and experiences behind the journey. With nearly 2 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 1.7 million followers on Instagram, Gulrez has established himself as one of India’s leading gaming creators. Beyond content creation, he is also one of the few prominent gaming creators in India balancing a thriving career with family life as a father of two.
Speaking about the expedition, Gulrez Khan aka Joker Ki Haveli said, “Growth happens outside your comfort zone. As someone who has spent years building a career in gaming and creating content, I wanted to challenge myself in a completely different environment. Standing at Everest Base Camp with the S8UL flag felt like a celebration of how far Indian gaming and esports have come. Years ago, gaming wasn’t seen as a viable career but today, an Indian gaming and esports organization is being represented at one of the most iconic locations in the world. This moment belongs to the entire gaming community, not just me.”
The achievement comes just months after Gulrez underwent a dramatic physical transformation, reducing his body fat percentage from approximately 20% to 6% in just 100 days. Earlier this year, he also summited Kalsubai, Maharashtra’s highest peak, as part of a broader commitment to fitness, endurance, and personal growth.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about gamers is that they’re not physically active. I’ve always believed that gaming and fitness can coexist. This trek was a personal way of proving that discipline applies both on and off the screen. The same consistency that helps you succeed in gaming helps you prepare for challenges like this. I hope this inspires young gamers to pursue their passions while also investing in their physical and mental well-being, and not let stereotypes define who they are,” added Gulrez.
As gaming continues to emerge as one of India’s fastest-growing youth entertainment sectors, Gulrez’s accomplishment reflects the evolution of the community beyond competition and content creation. It highlights a new generation of creators embracing fitness, adventure, and personal development while inspiring millions of young fans across the country.