Discover all there is to know about the growth of Esports in India in 2024

Esport in India has felt the surge in the last decade and what used to be a specialized interest has become a national craze. Over time, competitive gaming has become a significant segment of India’s entertainment economy because of the young, digital-savvy population, affordable smartphones and improving internet connectivity. The genre has received a warm welcome due to games such as BGMI, Free Fire, and Valorant as well as matches that have millions of participants and observers from other countries.

2024 has been a big year for the Indian Esports industry as more investments were made, receiving official recognition, as well as entering multi-sport competitions. Sustained technological innovations in game playing, increased professionalism, and stiff support from sponsors, gaming bodies, and enthusiast supporters are some of the factors that contribute to the change. Additionally, there are now platforms such as the 1Win app, that allows for easy access to the best games for Indians. As the category gains legal recognition and attains global acceptance, India has the opportunity to become a power in the genre, opening more opportunities for players, showrunners, and anyone interested in the business.

Current State of Esports in India

Esports in India has been growing steadily and thus can boast of being a vibrant industry with well-developed audience and players. The category has attracted millions of people across the country through the development of smartphones and the affordable tariff that comes with it. The market mainly consists of the professional and amateur players of games such as PUBG Mobile, Dota, Free Fire, and Valorant. Twitch and YouTube Gaming, besides other platforms, including TikTok, which are significant for development of the sector. Engaging live streams, lessons, and tournaments make YouTube Gaming a specific platform known as the best place to go if you are a fan. Twitch also hosts specialised streams for international tournaments and niche games, despite not being as popular in India as YouTube.

The growth figures are astounding: it is anticipated that before the end of 2024, there will be more than 1.5 million active players and 85 million viewers, indicating a rise in both fandom and engagement. Record-breaking attendance at events like the Free Fire India Championship and BGMI Showdowns has demonstrated the enormous attraction of the category. Additionally, professional organisations and teams are growing at a never-before-seen pace, and Indian athletes are competing on a worldwide scale. With increasing sponsorships and investments, it has evolved from a hobby to a respectable career path. India is in the front of a new era, poised to make an impact on the international scene thanks to its youthful, tech-savvy populace.

Key Drivers of Esports Growth

Mobile Gaming Boom

Millions of Indians may now participate in competitive gaming because of the widespread availability of reasonably priced smartphones, which has completely changed esport in the country. Massive player bases have been drawn to games like League of legend, PUBG Mobile and Free Fire, particularly among young people. Talent from a variety of geographical areas can now join in thanks to its low entrance barrier and captivating gameplay. Cyber sports is expanding due to the rise in mobile gaming, which is also helping Indian gamers get international reputation and build local communities.

Internet Expansion

The introduction of 5G technology and reasonably priced 4G services have greatly increased internet access throughout India, which has accelerated the rise of cybersports. Even in faraway locations, flawless online gaming experiences are made possible by faster and more dependable connections. Multiplayer gaming and streaming competitions have grown in popularity as a result of this digital connectedness, which has improved interaction between participants and viewers. The development of the internet is essential to maintaining the expanding industry.

Investments

Private competitions, corporate sponsorships, and new government programs are some of the main drivers of the expansion of Esports mobile games in India. Big sponsors support athletes, teams, and tournaments financially because they view the game as a profitable way to reach youthful consumers. Governments are starting to recognise the niche as a valid industry, and private groups are hosting major competitions. These investments improve the ecosystem by offering chances for international exposure and talent development.

Salaries and Career Opportunities in Esports

The market in India is expanding quickly, opening up a variety of job and revenue streams. Professional players’ pay is determined by the size of the tournaments they compete in and their skill level. Esport player salary in India can range between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000 each event in local tournaments. Top players can, however, make far more money playing in international tournaments, where prize pools can total millions of dollars. Professional athletes are also paid by their teams, and their monthly compensation can vary from ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 based on their accomplishments and level of experience.

In addition to receiving competitive pay based on experience, coaches and analysts are essential for planning and enhancing team performance. Team managers make sure everything runs well by keeping an eye on player schedules, contracts, and logistics. In order to develop fan bases and make money on websites like YouTube and Twitch, streamers and content producers are essential components of the ecosystem.

Professionals in the field earn money in a variety of ways. For players and teams, sponsorship agreements with brands offer a reliable source of income. Winnings from tournaments play a big role, especially for top players. On websites like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming, streamers and content producers make money through donations, viewer subscriptions, and ad revenue; successful artists can make lakhs of rupees a month.

Specialised positions like trainers, analysts, and broadcasters are becoming more and more in demand as it expands. Related industries including game development, event planning, and tournament marketing also offer opportunities. The growth of the sector has created opportunities for a wide range of skills, providing long-term and profitable career paths for those who are enthusiastic about gaming.

Challenges Facing Esports in India

Regulatory Ambiguity: Since it’s yet unclear how skill-based video gaming differs from gambling in India faces regulatory uncertainties. They are frequently misclassified under gambling regulations due to a lack of standardised policies, which creates legal challenges for platforms and events. This ambiguity slows the growth of the industry by discouraging stakeholders and investments. To legitimate the category as a competitive sport and safeguard the interests of participants, organisers, and investors, distinct and unambiguous legal frameworks are necessary.
Infrastructure Deficit: There aren’t enough professional venues in India with top-notch equipment and resources. The majority of current venues are not suitable for holding major competitions, which restricts the chances for players and organisers to display their skills. Training and exposure to high-stakes competitive contexts are hampered by this infrastructure deficit. In order to foster a flourishing ecosystem, more money must be invested in state-of-the-art gaming arenas, fast internet, and community gaming hubs.
Social Perception: In India, gaming is sometimes stereotyped as a time-wasting or unproductive pastime. Many instructors and parents discourage the involvement because they believe it could harm their children’s chances of succeeding in school or finding employment. The acceptance as a legitimate career or competitive sport is weakened by this image. Campaigns to raise awareness, highlight the achievements of Indian cyber sports players, and work with academic institutions can all contribute to a shift in public perceptions that will promote acceptance and encourage involvement in the sector.

Opportunities for Esports Development

Integration into Education: A growing number of degrees, certifications, and specialised courses are incorporating the game into the educational process. With an emphasis on player training, event planning, and game design, these programs give students skills that are applicable to the workplace. By establishing a curriculum, universities encourage professional growth and validate gaming as a viable career route, allowing India to generate a competent labour force for the expanding sector.
Local Tournaments: Local competitions and other grassroots projects give young athletes a stage on which to display their skills. These gatherings foster community involvement in addition to spotting future stars, laying a solid basis for the industry in India. These competitions greatly aid in the development and long-term viability of the sector by fostering talent locally.
Entertainment Partnerships: Partnerships with streaming services like Twitch and YouTube let Esports career players reach a worldwide audience by amplifying their material. By enabling monetisation through sponsorships, ad income, and exclusive content agreements, these collaborations help organisations and creators develop. These partnerships increase the industry’s visibility and investment prospects by bridging the gap between video gaming and traditional entertainment.

The Future of Esports in India

Esports in India appear to have a very bright future as predictions suggest exponential growth by 2030. Hence, our study’s projection is that due to its youthful population, high and rising levels of digital adoption, and thriving gaming culture, the nation is set to be among the leading nations diagrammatically plotting the global market. Some market experts estimate that by the end of the decade, the Indian industry might make more than $1 billion of the economic impact with a CAGR at 40%.

India is being placed as the rising star of software development due to several factors such as more talents, fast-growing players and investment from various other organizations across the world. This inclination is further supported by the development of the support facilities which include an arena, training facilities and leagues. India’s position globally is not going to be improved by competitions like the Asian Games where it is already a medal event.

The ecosystem is also being impacted by global trends, such as the incorporation of Web3 technologies like blockchain and NFTs. Collaborations between foreign companies and Indian gaming associations give the sector legitimacy and innovation. The emphasis on inclusivity and diversity in gaming guarantees greater involvement, including from female gamers. With the help of technology, calculated investments, and international partnerships, India’s local ecosystem will continue to change as the global story develops. Now, the conversation has become how to join Esports.

Conclusion

India has massive potential for Esports since the nation has a youthful population with easy access to the internet and a great penchant for gaming. Certainly, due to such games as BGMI, Free Fire and Valorant, as well as, the popularity and fan base ranging from thousands to millions, India becomes one of the leading countries in the world of cybersports. This analysis suggests that stakeholders – companies, educational institutions, policymakers, employees and unions – must invest in talent, structures, and learning to realise this potential. Professional players must be developed and innovation must be encouraged through training programs, venues, and competitive leagues. Supporting the upcoming generation of streamers, gamers, and creators will help India maintain its position as a major worldwide hub for video gaming. The time has come for gaming companies, investors, and government agencies to collaborate and influence the future of video gaming in India.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com