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2020, might have been one of the strangest years in living memory, it it was nevertheless a major turning point for esports in India. In what was already an industry on the rise, lockdowns, whether voluntary or enforced, help fuel an increase in players turning to esports. Fast forward to 2021, and things are looking exceptionally positive for esports India, with more players, bigger tournaments, and more ways than ever to enjoy this highly entertaining pastime.
What are esports?
Esports is the term given to competitive, organised video games and is enjoyed by professional players and their fans across the world – increasingly so in India. By 2022 it is estimated India will have as many as 510 million online gamers, a staggering number. India also ranked the highest in online game downloads on app stores between 2016 and 2018. Indians are famous for their love of sport, and this is ringing true whether online or off.
A growing esports selection
Just as more people are taking part in esports, the number of titles is growing as well. Many of the most popular competitive video games are catered for now, including titles such as:
- League of Legends
- Counter Strike: Global Offensive
- DOTA 2
- PUBG Mobile
- Free Fire
The popularity of esports originally grew largely in part due to the fact it could be live-streamed online. Fans tuned in to watch their favourite streamers as well as huge international tournaments. This put it in an excellent position to whether the detrimental effects of COVID 19. Tournaments in arenas might have been hit, but this has not stopped millions returning to streaming services to keep up with the play.
How to take part in esports
There are many ways fans and players are getting in on the exciting action generated by the esports industry. The most obvious way is as a player, but there are other options as well for fans that might not be up to international standard.
Indian players are really starting to shine on the world stage in three main arenas – PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, and Free Fire. Teams like Orange Rock, TSM Entity, and GXR are pulling into tens of thousands of dollars in winnings at events like the Indian Premiership and PUBG Mobile Pro League. Becoming a professional esports player obviously takes many hours of practices and dedication. Still, increasing numbers of Indian gamers are proving that it can be done – not to mention the rewards can be significant.
Fans of esports have many avenues for enjoying their favourite games. Keeping up with tournaments is a breeze via online streaming services such as Twitch, while many adult fans also bet on esports events to increase the thrills. Growing numbers of online sports bookmakers like Rajbet India offer odds in rupees for esports events both large and local, just as they do with regular sports like cricket or football.
Wrap up
As well as players and fans pouring into the action, esports Indian is growing because of a host of other reasons. One of the most encouraging is the injection of cash from brands like Mountain Dew, Coca-Cola, Dell, Acer, and Poco in the form of sponsorship of tournaments and teams. Add it all up, and the future of esports in India is looking very exciting. Indians population not only provides a huge pool of players but many opportunities for expansion via further sponsorship
