✍️ Aniket Nimase
🗓️ Aug 28, 2023
Esports industry to cross ₹290 billion mark in FY25 with over 657 million users- KPGM report
In India, 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 remarkably. Since the early 2000s, competitive video gaming, often esports, has rapidly gained popularity in India. Esports competitions draw millions of viewers and provide substantial prize pools, and the business has flourished in recent years with the introduction of online gaming platforms.
The Emergence of E-Sports:
E-sports is not just a trend; it’s a cultural shift redefining how sports are perceived and experienced. With its young and tech-savvy population, India is stepping into the E-Sports arena with vigour. Competitive gaming is carving its niche as the lines between the virtual and the absolute blur. It provides gamers a platform to showcase their skills, entertain audiences, and create a community that transcends borders.
Esports (Electronic sports) is a competitive sport where gamers use their physical and mental abilities to compete in specific genres of video games in a virtual, electronic environment. These esports video game titles can be played across electronic devices (PC, Mobile, Consoles, uncrewed vehicle, uncrewed aerial vehicle, robot, simulation, etc.) and are Multiplayer Games where esports athletes compete against one another and form teams to compete. Esports events can be online and offline (physical). Esports also extends to virtual reality and augmented reality video games.
The growth of esports in India has not been without its challenges. The lack of government recognition and regulation has hindered the development of the industry, with players and organizations facing issues such as tax implications, visa issues for international tournaments, and lack of funding.
Esports Federations
Like Cricket is looked at by BCCI in India, Esports is looked at by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI). Several esports organizations have emerged in India, with professional 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 worldwide. ESFI is a full member of the International Esports Federation (IESF), Global Esports Federation (GEF) and Asian Esports Federation (AESF).
Games that Define the Landscape of Esports:
Several gaming titles have taken centre stage in India’s E-Sports scene, captivating players and audiences alike. Games like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Valorant, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), and Dota 2 have become the bedrock of competitive gaming. These titles have fostered a spirited community of players, fostering a vibrant tournaments, leagues, and events ecosystem.
Unlocking Career Pathways:
For those seeking a career in sports management, the burgeoning world of E-Sports presents many opportunities. From organizing and managing tournaments to overseeing sponsorships and marketing campaigns, the landscape is rich with potential. The world of E-Sports requires professionals who can navigate the unique challenges of this digital domain while applying the principles of sports management.
Shaping the Future:
The growth trajectory of E-Sports in India is poised to be monumental. As major gaming titles continue to garner attention, investments pour in, giving rise to professional gaming teams and leagues. The popularity of live-streaming platforms has elevated players to celebrity status while also providing a dynamic channel for marketing and brand partnerships.
Want to know more about Career in Sports?
Visit ISM GLOBE to learn more about Jobs in Sports. ISM GLOBE is a Top Sports Management Institute in Bandra, Mumbai. A sports management college with multiple certified courses after the 12th and provides degrees in sports, sports analytics, and sports marketing.
There are degrees equivalent to an MBA in Sports Management, such as PGPSM, an eleven-month post-graduation in Sports Management program. Here you can study 6 Months in Spain and 6 Months in India. There are multiple short-term courses like SM-101, a four-month Sports Management program. All these are available at ISM GLOBE, Mumbai—the best place for a Career in Sports and Sports Management Degree.
They also provide Summer School for children above 14 who wish to take sports lessons professionally.
Yes Esports is actually getting bigger. Very recently my friends Ninad Sonare & Anshul Adarkar represented India for the esports world championship held in Tel Aviv (Israel) and also in Bali this year.