By 
In recent years, India has witnessed a thrilling transformation in its entertainment landscape, with eSports, i.e., competitive video gaming has been emerging as a cultural and economic powerhouse. Once seen as a casual pastime, eSports has grown into a professional industry, attracting millions of players, viewers, and investors. From mobile gaming in small towns to international tournaments, India’s eSports scene is reshaping how young people play, connect, and dream.
What is eSports?
eSports, short for electronic sports, involves organized, competitive video gaming where players or teams face off in popular games like PUBG Mobile, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Valorant , Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). These competitions range from local events to global championships, offering large prize pools, fame, and career opportunities. In India, eSports has moved beyond hobby status, becoming a vibrant industry driven by technology, youth enthusiasm, and growing recognition.
 Roots of eSports in India
Gaming in India started humbly. In the 1990s and early 2000s, PC games like Counter-Strike and FIFA were popular in cyber cafes, but competitive gaming was limited to college festivals or small local tournaments. Prize pools were small, and sponsorships were rare, making professional gaming a distant dream. The shift began around 2010, when smartphones became affordable, and internet access expanded. Mobile games like PUBG Mobile, launched in India in 2018, exploded in popularity, with over 50 million players joining the craze. The game’s Campus Championship that year offered a ₹50 lakh prize pool, signaling eSports’ potential.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was a turning point. With physical sports halted, millions turned to gaming for entertainment. Tournaments for games like Free Fire and BGMI drew huge online audiences, and streaming platforms like YouTube Gaming and Loco gained traction. By 2021, the number of eSports players in India doubled from 300,000 to 600,000, with revenues growing 29% to ₹9.7 billion, according to the FICCI-EY Media Report. This growth laid the foundation for today’s eSports boom.
An-eSports-team-giving-their-all-in-a-tournament
Why eSports is Growing in India?
Several factors have fueled India’s eSports revolution:
Affordable Technology: Unlike traditional sports, eSports requires only a smartphone or basic PC and internet access, making it accessible to millions. India’s low-cost data plans and widespread smartphone use that is over 500 million users by 2023 have democratized gaming. Mobile gaming dominates, with titles like BGMI and Free Fire attracting players from metro cities to Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns.
Young Population: India’s median age of 28 makes it a perfect market for eSports, which appeals to tech-savvy youth. Over 40% of gamers are under 25, and women now make up 20% of players, a number expected to grow to 30% by 2025.
Streaming and social media: Platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Loco let gamers stream their gameplay, connect with fans, and earn money. Stars like Mortal and Scout have millions of followers, inspiring young players. Social media also builds gaming communities, fostering teamwork and competition.
Big Investments: Companies like Krafton, Tencent, and Nazara Technologies have poured millions into India’s eSports. In 2024, Krafton invested $150 million in Indian gaming startups, adding to its $140 million since 2021. Venture capitalists and brands like Red Bull and Samsung are also funding teams and events, seeing eSports’ potential to reach young audiences.
Government Support: In December 2022, the Indian government recognized eSports as part of multi-sport events, a historic move. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met top gamers in 2024 to discuss the industry’s future, and states like Gujarat, Bihar, and Meghalaya have launched eSports tournaments and academies. Gujarat’s 2024 partnership with Krafton aims to build a gaming ecosystem with better infrastructure and training.
PM-Modi-meeting-top-Indian-eSports-Gamers
Recent Developments in 2024–2025
India’s eSports scene has seen exciting milestones recently:
Global Recognition: Indian teams shone internationally in 2024, winning a silver medal in Tekken 8 at the BRICS Esports Championship and a bronze in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games. These achievements highlight India’s growing talent.
Major Tournaments: Skye sports, a leading organizer, hosted events like the Finals Esports Revolution Showdown and the Skye sports Masters for CS:GO, with a ₹2 crore prize pool. NODWIN Gaming’s BGMI Masters Series and Ampverse DMI’s College Rivals S2 drew huge crowds. The 2025 Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) introduced a unique model where in-game purchases fund prize pools, boosting sustainability.
Awards and Stars: At the 2024 Esports Awards in Riyadh, S8UL Esports won Content Group of the Year, and PayalGaming became the first Indian woman to win Streamer of the Year. These honors show India’s influence on the global stage.
Olympic Dreams: The 2025 Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia will feature Indian players, a major step toward mainstream acceptance. The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in February 2025 will host finals for BGMI, World Cricket Championship, and eFootball, backed by government support.
Cultural Integration: Games like Garuda Saga, inspired by Indian mythology, and partnerships with Bollywood stars like Ranveer Singh for BGMI reflect eSports’ blend with local culture. Cricket teams like Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders have also collaborated with eSports organizations, bridging traditional sports and gaming.
Team-Blind-winning-Skyesports-Championship 5.0
Impact on India
eSports is more than entertainment—it’s creating opportunities and changing lives:
Jobs and Careers: The industry employs over 40,000 people, from players to coaches, commentators, and developers. By 2024, this could reach 200,000. Roles like game design, event management, and content creation offer new career paths, especially for youth in smaller cities.
Economic Growth: India’s gaming market hit $3.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $7.5 billion by 2028, growing 20% annually. eSports drives innovation, with startups like NODWIN Gaming and Skye sports attracting global investment.
Youth Empowerment: eSports teaches skills like strategy, teamwork, and discipline. Players like Karthik Vijayakumar, who represented India in Counter-Strike and PUBG, show how gaming can be a serious career. Academies like the National Esports Federation’s Xstream Arena provide training and branding support.
Community Building: Tournaments and streaming platforms create a sense of belonging, connecting players across India. Events like DreamHack and Comic Con India blend gaming with pop culture, drawing diverse audiences.
Click here to see how this industry impacts Indian Economy:
Challenges Ahead
Despite its growth, eSports in India faces hurdles:
Lack of Infrastructure: High-end gaming PCs and stable internet are scarce outside major cities, limiting professional training. More academies and arenas are needed.
Social Stigma: Many parents view gaming as a waste of time, favoring careers like engineering or medicine. Players like Tirth Mehta, who won a bronze at the 2018 Asian Games, faced scepticism despite their success.
Regulation Issues: The line between eSports and online gambling, especially in fantasy gaming, is blurry. Platforms like Dream11 and Mobile Premier League have faced scrutiny, and clearer laws are needed to protect players and investors.
Talent Development: While India has talent, consistent coaching and international exposure are lacking. Partnerships with global firms like FITGMR, as seen with the Esports Federation of India, aim to address this.
The Future of eSports in India
The future looks bright. By 2025, India’s eSports market is expected to reach $1.6 billion, driven by mobile gaming and tournaments. The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya will feature eSports as a medal event, and India’s Esports Federation is preparing a strong team with elite gear and coaching. Technologies like AI, augmented reality, and 5G will enhance gaming experiences, while homegrown developers create culturally relevant titles.
Government backing, like Bihar’s school tournaments and Meghalaya’s sponsorship of teams, will boost grassroots participation. Educational institutions are starting eSports courses, recognizing it as a career path. With 1.5 million players expected by 2025, including 4.5 million women, eSports could rival traditional sports in popularity.
Click here to see more about this Industry’s future in India:
eSports and India’s Youth
For young Indians, eSports is a dream factory. Players like Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug) of S8UL Esports show how passion can lead to success, with brand deals from Netflix and Samsung. Streaming stars like PayalGaming inspire women to join a male-dominated field. In a country where cricket stars like Virat Kohli are idols, eSports heroes are carving their own space, proving gaming is a sport of skill and strategy.
A New Era for India
India’s eSports revolution is rewriting the rules of entertainment and opportunity. From cyber cafes to global stages, its empowering youth, creating jobs, and blending tradition with innovation. As India gears up for the Olympics and beyond, eSports is no longer just a game but it’s a movement. With government support, passionate players, and a connected world, India is poised to become a global eSports leader, one match at a time.
Gladiator-eSports-team won-BGIS-India-series
Written by : Rishav Das
Published by : Satvika Bhargava
Comments