Tahir “Fuego” Mukhtar, a well-known figure in the Indian Free Fire esports scene, has sadly passed away at the age of 24. The news of his death on 31 January 2026 sent shockwaves across the Indian gaming and esports community.
Early Life and Esports Career
Born on 7 January 2002, Tahir Mukhtar rose to prominence under the gaming alias TahirFuego (also known simply as TAHIR). He began his esports journey in Free Fire as a competitive player and was recognised for his consistency, skill, and impactful gameplay.
Throughout his career, Tahir played for major organisations, including Nigma Galaxy and Godlike Esports, contributing to several notable tournament outcomes:
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1st place at Rumble in the Jungle Week 2
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Top-3 finishes at Villager Esports Winter Masters and Booyah Open 2021
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A strong performance at the Free Fire India Championship 2021 Fall
Beyond his tournament achievements, Tahir was admired for his dedication and competitive spirit, earning respect from peers, fans, and aspiring players in India’s Free Fire community.
Content Creation and Community Presence
After stepping back from regular professional competition, Tahir continued to be an influential presence in the scene as a content creator affiliated with GodLike Esports. His videos, livestreams, and social interactions helped him build a loyal and engaged fanbase.
He was known not just for his gaming skills but also for his warmth, relatability, and encouragement to younger gamers seeking to follow in his footsteps.
Circumstances Surrounding His Death
The circumstances of Tahir’s passing are deeply tragic. Reports indicate that he was found in critical condition around midnight at the GodLike Esports bootcamp after an alleged attempt at self-harm. He was rushed to the hospital and placed on ventilator support, but later passed away. Authorities are investigating the incident to better understand the events leading up to his death.
