Know About Esports in India in 2024

By Tushar Saha Nov 1, 2024, 12:21 IST

Long gone are those days when the Indian parenting would lecture on "wastage of time" being spent behind the online games. E-sports, in the last few years, became an industry as a serious entity in the country where official government recognition came for the multi-sporting event in the year 2022. What people thought was their leisure has become a very viable source of livelihood: Indian esports players compete around the globe in Asian Games and further on Olympic E sports Games to be held next.

Esports in India

Mobile gaming is the current flavor of esports in India. The reasons for such phenomenal popularity include the easy penetration of mobile gaming in all corners of the country. With the advent of smartphones, the competitive match anywhere in the world has been easily accessed. Such is the case with mobile esports, making the ecosystem very strong and constantly growing.

Best Mobile Esports Titles That Rule the Indian Esports Space in 2024

These are some of the best mobile esports titles that have managed to capture the imagination of Indian gamers:

  • Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI): This game is the rebranded PUBG Mobile. Still, BGMI remains India's most played game by far. It rules mobile esports with millions of daily active players.
  • Free Fire: The short-term matches and character-based setup make Free Fire one of the favorite games both casual and competitive gamers prefer playing.

It had a very easy hold here with great franchises from its line, just with classic Team Deathmatch or Domination. They already feel right at home when playing through esports.

PC Games in India

Even though mobile games dominate the Indian esports world, PC games have always had a loyal fan following. The most popular games played in India as esports games are Valorant, League of Legends (LoL), and DOTA 2. For example, Valorant has gained a huge following since this game provides a challenge with tactics shooting and strategy, which is relatively new to competitive players.

Major Esports Tournaments in India

2024 has seen spates of esports tournaments. These tournaments have given young Indian gamers a platform from which to shine:

Some of the popular ones:

  • Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS): The biggest BGMI, BGIS, has seen a prize pool of a whopping Rs. 2 crores, and from here comes the best from all over the country.
  • ESL India Premiership: This is a multigame tournament that would include mobile and PC gaming, providing a broad area for Indian esports players.
  • Skyesports Masters: An elite-level tournament for PC games like Valorant and CS:GO that attracts the best teams of India.
  • Valorant Conquerors Championship (VCC): The VCC is, by Riot Games, a definitive tournament that Indian Valorant players dream of; it gives them an opportunity to represent India in the global arena.

Best Indian Esports Teams

Some of the most popular esports teams from India are:

  • Team S8ul: Most famous for its BGMI and Free Fire skills.
  • Godlike Esports: Power in BGMI and Valorant.
  • Global Esports: Multi-game team dominating in Dota 2, CS:GO, and Valorant.
  • Orangutan Gaming: Roster in BGMI, Free Fire, and Valorant.

How to Enter the Esports Industry in India

Esports has become a much more accessible platform for potential gamers. To join the bandwagon, one has to:

  1. Master their chosen game – Be it mobile or PC, skills and strategies are developed.
  2. Find a team – Since most of esports is based on teamwork, joining or forming a team is necessary.
  3. Participate in tournaments – Start from small tournaments to gain experience and credibility.
  4. Building an online presence – Streaming on Twitch and YouTube channels can bring fans and gain the interest of teams in esports.

Global Esports

International marks are left as Asian Games and Olympics embrace this concept and add it into their respective lists. In fact, 2025 has witnessed the very first Olympic Esports Games, and Saudi Arabia hosts this. This marks a bright future in global competitive gaming.

Conclusion

Indian esports is no longer just about playing games and having fun; it's a booming industry, where much awaits the players, creators, and fans. Recognition by the government, rising investments, and participation in international competitions are some of the reasons why Indian esports will take off soon. Whether you want to compete, support, or simply enjoy the games, Indian esports is full of promise and excitement.