E-sports in India has seen rapid growth over the past decade, emerging as a popular and lucrative form of entertainment. With the rise of digital platforms, better internet connectivity, and a young, tech-savvy population, competitive gaming has evolved into a serious industry in India. Here’s an overview of e-sports in India, including its history, popular games, tournaments, and major developments:

1. The Rise of E-sports in India

• Early Stages (2000s–2010s):
  • India’s e-sports scene began to take shape in the early 2000s, with games like Counter-Strike, Warcraft, and Need for Speed gaining some attention in cybercafés and college competitions.
  • IPL (Indian Premier League) style gaming tournaments started emerging, but competitive e-sports was still in its infancy.
• 2010s Growth:
  • In the 2010s, India saw significant advancements in internet infrastructure and mobile gaming, which accelerated the growth of e-sports.
  • Games like Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), and Call of Duty attracted competitive players and organizations.
• The Mobile Gaming Boom:
  • The introduction of high-performance smartphones and affordable internet plans (especially 4G networks) transformed mobile gaming into a major driver for e-sports in India.
  • Games like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile have gained massive popularity, with mobile e-sports tournaments becoming the norm.

2. Popular E-sports Games in India

• PUBG Mobile / BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India):
  • PUBG Mobile, which was banned in 2020, has since been re-launched as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) for Indian players. It became one of the most popular mobile e-sports games in India, with a dedicated player base and huge viewership for tournaments.
  • BGMI tournaments like the PUBG Mobile India Series and BGMI Masters Series attract millions of viewers.
• Free Fire:
  • Free Fire is another mobile battle royale game that has gained widespread popularity in India, especially among younger players. It has a competitive scene with tournaments such as the Free Fire India Championship (FFIC).
• Call of Duty Mobile:
  • Call of Duty Mobile brought the classic PC/console game experience to mobile devices. It has a competitive e-sports scene in India, with tournaments like the Call of Duty Mobile India Challenge.
• Valorant:
  • Valorant, a tactical first-person shooter by Riot Games, has quickly become one of the top competitive e-sports games in India. The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) and various regional leagues feature Indian teams.
• Dota 2:
  • Dota 2 is another popular title in India, particularly among PC gamers. The Dota 2 India League and The International (the game’s world championship) have Indian players and teams participating.
• League of Legends:
  • Although not as big in India as in other parts of the world, League of Legends has a competitive following, with local tournaments and international qualification events.
• FIFA and Other Sports Games:
  • FIFA is popular in India, especially among fans of football. Several tournaments and e-sports leagues are dedicated to FIFA Online and FIFA Mobile.
• Street Fighter V and Mortal Kombat:
  • Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat have competitive scenes, especially in the fighting game community (FGC), though they are smaller compared to mobile or FPS games.

3. E-sports Tournaments and Leagues in India

• ESL India Premiership:
  • The ESL India Premiership is one of the longest-running e-sports leagues in India, featuring games like Dota 2, CS: GO, and FIFA.
  • It attracts top teams and players, and its finals are among the most watched e-sports events in India.
• PUBG Mobile India Series (PMIS):
  • One of the biggest e-sports tournaments in India, the PUBG Mobile India Series offers large cash prizes and has multiple qualifying stages across the country.
• Valorant Conquerors Championship (VCC):
  • This is an official e-sports league for Valorant in India, where Indian teams compete for a chance to qualify for international tournaments like the Valorant Champions Tour.
• Free Fire India Championship (FFIC):
  • The FFIC is one of the most significant competitive events in the Free Fire ecosystem in India, with large-scale competitions and significant cash rewards.
• DreamHack India:
  • DreamHack, a global gaming festival and tournament organizer, hosts one of India’s largest e-sports festivals and competitions, featuring multiple titles, including CS: GO, Dota 2, and FIFA.
• Call of Duty Mobile India Challenge:
  • One of the prominent tournaments for mobile e-sports in India, focusing on Call of Duty Mobile.

4. E-sports Teams and Organizations in India

• T1 Esports India:
  • T1 is one of the most famous e-sports organizations globally, and their India division is prominent in League of Legends, Dota 2, and Valorant.
• Team Soul:
  • Team Soul is one of India’s most successful and popular e-sports teams, particularly in PUBG Mobile, with multiple titles under their belt.
• Velocity Gaming:
  • A leading organization in India, Velocity Gaming has teams competing in Valorant, PUBG Mobile, and CS: GO.
• Entity Gaming:
  • One of the top e-sports teams in India, Entity Gaming competes in games like Dota 2, PUBG Mobile, and Valorant.
• Global Esports:
  • Global Esports is another leading e-sports organization, with a major presence in games like Valorant, PUBG Mobile, and Free Fire.

5. Career Opportunities in E-sports

• Professional Players:
  • Competitive gaming has become a full-time career for many young players in India. Top players are signed by major e-sports organizations, with salaries, sponsorships, and prize money from tournaments.
• Streamers and Content Creators:
  • Streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming have allowed Indian gamers to build careers as streamers and content creators, often making money through subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships.
• E-sports Coaches and Analysts:
  • As competitive gaming becomes more sophisticated, the role of coaches, analysts, and team managers has emerged, providing career opportunities outside of just playing.
• E-sports Commentators and Hosts:
  • Commentators and hosts are crucial to the production of e-sports events. Many Indian commentators are well-known within the e-sports community.
• Game Developers and Organizers:
  • With the rise of e-sports, there is a growing demand for game developers, tournament organizers, and marketers within the industry.

6. Challenges and Future of E-sports in India

• Infrastructure and Investment:
  • Despite its growth, e-sports in India still faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited physical venues, and a lack of consistent investment compared to Western markets.
• Banning of Games:
  • The banning of games like PUBG Mobile (due to concerns over addiction and national security) has temporarily disrupted India’s e-sports landscape. However, new games like BGMI have risen to fill the gap.
• Awareness and Recognition:
  • E-sports is gradually gaining acceptance as a legitimate career and sport in India, but more awareness is needed at grassroots levels, schools, and institutions.
• Youth Engagement and Growth:
  • India’s young population and growing internet penetration make it an ideal market for the future expansion of e-sports, and the country is expected to become a hub for competitive gaming in the coming years.