Esports is a competitive video gaming where professional players compete in organized tournaments for prize money and recognition online.
Players battle against each other in popular games like BGMI, Free Fire, and Valorant while thousands of fans watch online.
India has become the biggest esports hub, thanks to the affordability of smartphones and inexpensive internet data.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Indian eSports, from popular games and teams to legal status and career opportunities.
Esports Status In India – Summarized
Esports in India has grown from small internet café competitions to a multi-crore industry attracting millions of viewers and players nationwide.
- eSports combines competitive gaming with entertainment for massive online audiences.
- Mobile games dominate the Indian market due to widespread smartphone accessibility and affordable internet.
- Competition Prize pools range from ₹10 lakhs to over ₹2 crores for major Indian eSports tournaments.
- The government officially recognized eSports as a real sport in 2023, as part of multi-sport events, helping it grow and gain more respect in India.
- Popular games in Indian eSports include BGMI, Free Fire, Valorant, and Call of Duty Mobile.
What is eSports?
Esports is the world of gaming where top players compete in major tournaments and are followed by millions online.
With affordable smartphones and low-cost internet, online gaming is now accessible in cities and small towns alike.
Indian players stream their matches, earn sponsorships, and compete for cash prizes that can reach over ₹2 crores.
As per CNBC TV, the FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Report 2022 reported that the number of esports players in India doubled from 300,000 in 2020 to 600,000 in 2021.
Recognized by the Indian government in 2023, eSports has become a legitimate sport and a growing career path for young people.
Why is esports So Popular in India?
Esports is rapidly growing in India due to easy access, youth interest, and rising industry support.
The popularity of eSports in India is due to these key reasons:
- Affordable Technology
eSports only requires a smartphone, a basic PC, and an internet connection.
India’s low-cost data and over 500 million smartphone users (as of 2023) have made gaming widely accessible.
Mobile titles like BGMI and Free Fire are particularly popular in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
- Young Population
With a median age of 28, India is home to a tech-savvy youth segment perfect for eSports.
Esports is becoming a reality for young Indian female gamers, with 40% aiming to enter professional tournaments this year.
- Streaming and Social Media
Platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Loco allow players to stream gameplay and earn through ads, sponsorships, and donations.
Influencers like Mortal and Scout attract millions of fans, building active gaming communities across various social media platforms.
- Big Investments
Krafton, the creator of PUBG, has officially announced a franchise-based esports league for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI).
The company highlighted India’s booming gaming scene with 450 million gamers and a 400% rise in esports viewership in three years.
With industry revenues expected to exceed ₹1,100 crore by 2025, Krafton sees this as a defining moment for Indian esports.
The Richest Esports Player in India
Nihal Sarin is considered one of the richest esports players in India. At just 20 years old, the chess prodigy has earned approximately ₹1.46 crore from 59 tournaments.
Ranked #1 in India and #1982 globally, Nihal’s success in competitive online chess highlights the growing space of mind sports within the Indian eSports scene.
Nihal Sarin’s success shows that esports in India includes many different kinds of games. It also shows that both quick actions and smart thinking are important in esports.
Top Games and Teams Powering Indian esports
Indian eSports revolves around mobile-first games that work well on smartphones and attract large audiences for tournaments and streaming content.
Top Games in Indian eSports
- BGMI
The most popular Game in India, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), draws massive viewership and offers the biggest prize pools across tournaments.
It has realistic graphics and fun gameplay that keeps everyone engaged. You can team up with friends and compete in different modes, making the game fun and social.
- Free Fire
You’ll find its controls easy to use and gameplay fast and exciting. You can pick characters with special skills and enjoy quick, action-packed matches.
- Valorant
Among competitive college players and PC users, Valorant stands out for its tactical, team-based gameplay that rewards precision and strategy.
You need to work closely with your team to complete objectives. The game challenges your skills with different agents, each having unique abilities.
- Call of Duty Mobile
With both multiplayer and battle royale modes, Call of Duty Mobile gives players a dynamic and engaging experience on mobile platforms.
You can team up with friends or play solo in fast-paced battles. The game offers realistic graphics and a variety of weapons to choose from. It keeps you engaged with different missions and challenges.
Top esports Teams in India
Here are some popular esports teams from India excelling in games like BGMI, Valorant, and more.
- GodLike Esports
A powerhouse in the BGMI scene, GodLike Esports is known for winning top places and having one of the biggest fan followings in Indian esports.
You can watch their exciting matches and see some of the best players compete.
he team works hard together and shows great skill in every tournament. Following GodLike Esports lets you stay updated on the latest in competitive BGMI.
- Global eSports
Competing globally in Valorant, Global eSports has a strong and focused team. They work well together to win matches.
Their academy helps many new players improve and join the professional scene. They are raising India’s name in esports.
- S8UL
India’s leading eSports and gaming content organization, S8UL, is based in Mumbai and is known for its champion teams, top creators, and brand partnerships.
It has a growing global presence across BGMI, Valorant, and other games.
- Orangutan
Teams like Orangutan and Revenant Esports are quickly making a mark with young talent, solid performances, and fast-growing fan communities.
Recent Developments of Indian Esports in 2024–2025
Indian eSports has achieved some significant milestones in recent times:
- Global Recognition
Indian teams performed well internationally in 2024, winning a silver in Tekken 8 at the BRICS Esports Championship and a bronze in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games. These wins show India’s rising talent in global esports.
- Major Tournaments
Skyesports hosted major events, including the Esports Revolution Showdown and the Skyesports Masters for CS: GO, with a ₹2 crore prize pool.
Other tournaments, such as the BGMI Masters Series and College Rivals S2, drew massive audiences. BGIS 2025 introduced a new model where in-game spending helps fund the prize pool.
- Awards and Achievements
At the 2024 Esports Awards in Riyadh, S8UL Esports won the Content Group of the Year award.
PayalGaming made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the Streamer of the Year award in 2024. These wins prove India’s growing global presence.
- Cultural Influence
Games like Garuda Saga, based on Indian mythology, are becoming more popular as players enjoy their exciting stories and cultural themes.
Celebrities like Ranveer Singh promoting BGMI and cricket franchises like Mumbai Indians and KKR partnering with eSports teams show how gaming is blending with Indian pop culture.
Impact of Esports on India
eSports is more than just gaming; it unlocks careers, builds communities, and transforms lives across India.
- Jobs and Careers
As per India Sport News, esports already employs over 40,000 people in India. Roles like players, coaches, streamers, and event managers are creating new career paths, especially in smaller cities.
- Economic Growth
India’s gaming market was valued at approximately ₹25,700 crore in 2023 and is projected to reach ₹62,000 crore by 2028. Startups like NODWIN and Skye Sports are attracting global investors.
- Youth Empowerment
eSports teaches strategy, teamwork, and discipline. Players like Karthik Vijayakumar prove that gaming can lead to a serious and rewarding career.
- Community Building
Events and streams connect gamers nationwide. Tournaments like DreamHack and Comic Con bring together fans of both gaming and pop culture.
Is eSports Legal in India?
eSports is entirely legal and officially recognized as a legitimate sport by the Indian government since 2022 under proper regulatory frameworks.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports oversees eSports activities, ensuring fair competition and protecting players.
This differs from fantasy sports and gambling apps that operate in legal gray areas, subject to varying state regulations.
Legal tournaments, professional streaming, sponsorship deals, and prize money distribution all receive full government support.
Players can pursue eSports careers without legal concerns while enjoying the same recognition as traditional athletes.
The Future of eSports in India
The future of eSports in India holds great promise, with the market expected to reach ₹1,100 crore by 2025.
Mobile games, new technology like AI and 5G, and more players are helping esports grow fast.
India will take part in esports at the 2026 Asian Games with top coaches and good preparation.
Government support and college-level eSports courses are creating new opportunities, while states like Bihar and Meghalaya promote grassroots talent.
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Conclusion: eSports Is An Online Gaming Played Professionally For Rewards
Esports has evolved from a hobby into a legitimate career option for millions of young Indians, who can now compete professionally and earn an income.
The combination of government support, growing viewership, and increasing prize pools creates a bright future for Indian eSports development and international recognition.
If you’re interested in eSports, a great way to begin is by watching tournaments, exploring popular games, and following favorite players.
FAQs
The United States leads in terms of the number of professional players, prize money, and gaming infrastructure.
Jonathan Amaral is also one of the best esports players in India, who has won multiple individual and team awards.
You’ll need a good PC or console, a quality headset, fast internet, a monitor, a keyboard and mouse or controller, and optional streaming gear.
