India’s Esports Glow-Up: From Hiding in Rooms to Going Global

🕹️Introduction: Not Just Play—Esports Is Big Business

It is not just an unfamiliar term now, but esports is big business.

I think Gen-Z would relate when I say,
Remember that time when you used to hide in your room behind the screens and put on your headphones to play PUBG continuously for hours before it got banned, only to shift to BGMI and whatever else that was hot?

It was said that gaming was a way to kill time and waste potential; it was lazy, loud, and lived in dimly lit rooms. But fast-forward to 2025, and it is a booming industry worth millions now. Here, fans don’t chant the names of Messi or Kohli, but of Mortal and Scout. The best part about this is that India’s seat at the table has never looked so charged, and it is not in the audience anymore—it is playing at the centre stage.

Competitive gaming is transforming entertainment, technology, and youth culture. But what is esports, and why is it making headlines and increasing investor portfolios?

👾What Is Esports?

E-Sports (Electronic Sports) refers to organised, multiplayer video game competitions, generally involving professional players, played individually or in teams. Earlier, esports were played at an individual level just for the fun and hype. With YouTube coming into mainstream, it moved to a more professional setup and audience watching their favourite YouTubers play in a live stream that generated income, so it became a win-win. 

By the 2010s, esports became a significant part of the video game industry, with many game developers designing for and funding tournaments and other events.

📚Popular genres in Esports

Esports has various genres in itself that appeal to people according to their likes, and these include,

• First-person shooters (FPS) – Call of Duty, Counter-Strike
• Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBA) – League of Legends, Dota 2
• Real-time strategy – StarCraft
• Sports simulations – FIFA, NBA 2K, Tekken
• Battle royales – Fortnite, PUBG, BGMI

©️Classification as a sport

Classification of esports as a sport has created a lot of buzz. People have fussed around the word ‘sport’ in esports because, traditionally speaking, sports are supposed to be full of physical activity that includes fitness or training, but on the other hand, gamers are just sitting all comfy in a gaming chair with air conditioning and snacks. This can sting and get a little hurtful to athletes. People debate on the internet and prefer to call it a ‘mind sport’ similar to chess.

Professionals argue that, like in football or basketball, it demands skill, strategy, and teamwork, with players training rigorously to sharpen reflexes, decision-making, and communication. It also involves physical and mental discipline, and athletes often follow strict routines to maintain focus and endurance. Sooner or later, countries have given the game its title, and it is now getting global recognition because who wants to miss out on a thriving opportunity.

🏁Recognition as an industry

To promote esports as a legitimate sport and recognise it as an industry, several events have been held alongside traditional competitions. Notably, the 2007 Asian Indoor Games included esports as an official medal event.

The Asian Games, which is the Asian top-level multi-sport competition, also included esports as a medal event at the 2022 edition.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games featured esports competitions as a pilot ahead of becoming a potential full medal event for 2026.

In June 2024, the IOC Executive Board proposed the Olympic Esports Games at the 142nd IOC Session before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The inaugural event was initially set for 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but has been rescheduled for 2027.

Then there is the ongoing Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July- August.

📈The rise of Esports

The rise of esports has also created a lot of speculation among people, and especially, there has been constant confusion relating to Esports v/s casual gaming, and we are here to clear it all. So you see, initially, gaming was supposed to be for fun or bonding with peers or a little reward from our parents to us for finishing homework on time or scoring well. Nobody had ever imagined it would go global, but as time went by, technology evolved, people mastered the game, and the competition rose.

It takes just an idea and a person full of belief to execute something that would make history, and online gaming skyrocketed. It is a multibillion-dollar industry today, and those who invested early are enjoying the fruits of their labour now.

🌐World

If we look at esports world wide, there has been a massive growth of over 600 million people who watch or play today. Major tournaments like League of Legends Worlds, The International, and Call of Duty League draw tens of millions of live viewers. Then we have live streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Kick that have democratized access, turning gamers into global celebrities.

There is a thing about culture, it is always open to adapt, and esports is now part of the pop culture—virtual concerts, fashion collabs, and now even Olympic recognition (the first Olympic Esports Games are set for 2027). It has become such a boon in the economic sense because the industry is expected to surpass $2 billion in revenue, with top players earning millions through prize pools, sponsorships, and streaming. Sponsorships from giants like Red Bull, Intel and Nike have turned digital arenas into advertising goldmines, considering the massive viewership.

India

Adding the Indian element to the game with over 568 million mobile gamers, India leads the world in downloads. Games like BGMI, Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile dominate the scene. Seeing the potential in the industry, in 2022, esports was officially recognised as a sport. India even sent a contingent to the Asian Games 2023, marking a major milestone and a new step forward.

Esports in India is a growing market with a projected value of ₹1,088 crore to be reached by 2033, with a CAGR of over 18%. With a median age of 28, the youth here is highly motivated and involved with the industry in some way or the other as gamers, developers or even as audience. Aligning with the PM’s goal of “Make in India”, organisations like S8UL and NODWIN Gaming are nurturing homegrown talent and promoting Indian-made games on global platforms.

🎓Esports in Education: From Recess to Recognition

It is high time to give the sport its recognition and make esports a part of education, and universities worldwide offer degrees in esports management, game design, and broadcasting, reflecting its legitimacy as a career path. As engaging as it can be, even colleges in India now host tournaments and offer game development courses. The esports industry is a dynamic field offering various roles, and you can pick the one that excites you. Here is a list:

1. Professional Gamer– Be skilled in your chosen game, and you can compete in tournaments, join esports teams and even build your brand name.
2. Game Designer/ Developer– If you are passionate about coding, designing and user experience, then this is something you can explore.
3. Content Creator/ Streamer– With a fanbase on live streaming platforms like YouTube, Discord or Twitch, you can share gameplay or tutorials.
4. Esports journalist/ Blogger– Cover news from the gaming world, analyse trends, and interview important personalities from the field.
5. Social Media manager/ Brand strategist– Promote teams, brands through social media campaigns, create user-friendly content with engaging storytelling.
   

🎮Games picked by professionals

From games picked by professionals to grassroots passion, the rise of competitive gaming has been nothing short of electrifying. Since the mid-1990s, thrilling tournaments have risen alongside the addictive action of fighting games and first-person shooters, captivating millions. In the 2000s, South Korean internet cafés became hotspots for real-time strategy games, sparking a global esports revolution.

Today, the scene is dominated by fan-favourite giants like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Call of Duty, League of Legends, and Dota 2, plus the action-packed Fortnite, Rocket League, Valorant, and more. Hearthstone has made waves since its 2014 release, spotlighting the digital collectable card game (DCCG) genre. With such a dynamic lineup, the competitive gaming arena is packed with excitement and fierce rivalries!

🗣Controversies and Challenges: Not at all Fun

Behind the esports spotlight, there lie controversies and challenges that aren’t just game glitches.

Everything that seems to be too good to be true will typically not last very long, and that is the beauty of the creation from the human mind; it has its flaws. History is a reminder that anything done in excess is harmful, and so is the case with esports. Although it might appear to be all fun and games, it is a very tiresome and demanding field. From getting glued to your screens and sitting for hours with minimal movement to the mental pressure it builds to win in the game is very concerning.

Youth is that time of your life when you are at your peak, and a lack of activity can cause serious health issues. Sometimes, the toxic gaming environment with harassment and unchecked behaviour can impact mental health and pose a safety risk. Other issues like betting and match fixing have raised an ethical red flag in the gaming industry.

India is still a developing nation and is trying its best to catch up with the world, but ground problems like encouragement from the parents, adequate infrastructure, affordability of high-end devices and internet cause hurdles in the journey, but I must tell you that the spirit is unshakable.

🚀The Future of Esports- What’s Next?

As far as I can predict, the future of esports looks very lucrative, attractive and engaging. With such fast-paced evolving technology, we can expect advancements in the sport with the integration of virtual reality, artificial intelligence and augmented reality that with enhance the game experience and take it to another level. Mobile esports will dominate emerging markets like India, thanks to affordable devices and widespread connectivity. Recognition from educational institutions will help integrate esports into common households and acceptance of them as a career path.

Having said that, inclusivity, regulation, and mental wellness are set to become core pillars, ensuring that esports isn’t just thrilling but also sustainable in the long run because it has the potential to change the world of gaming.

🎥From Pixels To Popcorn- Esports and Gaming in Mainstream Media

Gaming is not only about stadiums and streams, it has blended with mainstream media in movies, animated shows and even full-fledged series. We bring to you some of them so that you don’t miss out on the fun.

📺Watch the Game Unfold: Esports Documentaries

1. Esports World Cup: Level Up (Amazon Prime Video)

Premiering in June 2025, this groundbreaking five-part series covers the largest esports tournament ever, with a $60 million prize pool and over 1,500 players. Directed by Emmy-winner R.J. Cutler, it highlights player rivalries, backstage drama, and the journeys of legends like Faker and Team Liquid.

2. GG: A Gamer’s Story (Netflix)

A docuseries combining drama and reality to explore the emotional highs and strategic complexities of professional esports. This show is expected to highlight India’s increasing presence in the competitive gaming landscape.

🎮Game Adaptations That Hit the Big Screen

From richly animated fantasy worlds to gritty sci-fi dramas, many popular video games have transitioned into binge-worthy series and films. Here’s a list:

⚡Conclusion: Beyond the Game, Into the Future

From vibrant, neon-lit arenas to captivating streaming titles, esports has transformed from simple joystick battles into a remarkable global cultural movement that inspires and unites people everywhere. Its extraordinary rise in India, mobile-first breakthroughs, pop-culture crossovers, and expanding career paths show that this isn’t merely a hobby—it’s a revolution. With advancing technology, growing inclusivity, and compelling storytelling that transcends the console, esports is reshaping the very fabric of entertainment.

Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or simply someone intrigued by the future of competitive play, the game is on, and it’s only getting better.

🎤 What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let’s start a gaming conversation! Contact Us