India is a country where sports like cricket, football, and hockey are deeply embedded in the culture. However, in recent years, there has been a rapid rise in the popularity of esports in India, with the industry growing at a remarkable pace.
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has been steadily gaining traction in India since the early 2000s. With the advent of online gaming platforms, the industry has exploded in recent years, with esports tournaments attracting millions of viewers and offering large prize pools.
According to a report by KPMG, the esports industry in India is expected to grow to INR 11,900 crore (approximately $1.6 billion) by 2025, driven by increasing smartphone and internet penetration and the growth of esports infrastructure in the country.
Several esports organizations have emerged in India, with professional esports teams representing the country at international tournaments. One such organization, Entity Gaming, has a roster of top esports players in India and has competed in tournaments around the world.
Esports tournaments in India have also gained significant traction, with the Indian esports league (ESL) being one of the largest esports tournaments in the country. The tournament attracts top esports players from India and offers a prize pool of INR 1 crore (approximately $136,000).
The esports industry in India has also attracted the attention of major corporations, with companies like Tencent and Nazara Technologies investing in the industry. In 2019, Tencent launched the India chapter of its global esports league, PUBG Mobile Club Open, which saw over 400,000 participants from across the country.
However, the growth of esports in India has not been without its challenges. The lack of government recognition and regulation has hindered the growth of the industry, with players and organizations facing issues such as tax implications, visa issues for international tournaments, and lack of funding.
Despite these challenges, the future of esports in India looks promising, with the industry poised for significant growth in the coming years. With increasing investments and infrastructure development, esports is set to become a major player in India’s sporting landscape.