The Indian gaming industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few years, and at the forefront of this change are trailblazing women who have shattered stereotypes to carve their space in esports and content creation. With millions of followers and a dedicated fan base, these women have not only proven their gaming prowess but have also redefined what it means to be a female gamer in India.
Payal Dhare – The Pioneer of Women’s Gaming
Hailing from a small town in Madhya Pradesh, Payal Dhare, known as Payal Gaming, has become a household name in the Indian gaming community. Her journey began when her cousin brothers introduced her to gaming, and despite initial parental concerns, her passion and dedication won them over. Today, Payal is not just a gaming content creator but an inspiration, having made history as the first Indian woman to win an international gaming award—Streamer of the Year at the 2024 Mobies Awards. Her emphasis on fun over competitiveness has helped make gaming more inclusive, encouraging a broader audience to engage in esports.
IG: Payal Gaming
YouTube: PAYAL GAMING
KaashPlays – From Finance to Esports Stardom
Kaashvi Hiranandani, better known as KaashPlays, made a bold decision to quit her secure finance job in Singapore during the COVID-19 lockdown to pursue gaming full-time. She rapidly gained popularity through her first viral YouTube video, proving that women can excel in esports. Now a key member of S8UL, Kaashvi actively mentors aspiring female gamers and aims to break more barriers in esports. With over 1.8 million Instagram followers and 1.63 million YouTube subscribers, she has emerged as a beacon of empowerment for women in gaming.
IG: KaashPlays
YouTube: Kaash Plays
Krutika Plays – A Competitive Gaming Powerhouse
Unlike many who begin their gaming careers as content creators, Krutika Ojha, known as Krutika Plays, made her mark through competitive gaming. She was the sole female contestant in PMIS 2020, a milestone that solidified her reputation in the Indian esports scene. Her engaging Battle Grounds Mobile India (BGMI) streams and collaborations with top gaming influencers have garnered her a massive fan base. By balancing fierce competition with entertaining content, Krutika has become an integral part of India’s evolving gaming landscape.
IG: Krutika Plays
YouTube: Krutika Plays
Mili kya Mili – A Force in Indian Esports
Saloni Kandalgaonkar, known online as Mili kya Mili, has built an impressive career as a content creator for S8UL Esports. Previously associated with Team Vitality India, Mili’s exceptional gaming skills and charismatic personality have earned her a loyal following. With over 209K Instagram followers and 321K YouTube subscribers, she continues to push boundaries and inspire aspiring female gamers. Her journey highlights how perseverance and passion can pave the way for success in India’s male-dominated esports world.
IG: Mili kya Mili
YouTube: Mili kya Mili
Sherlock – The Versatile Entertainer
Monica Jeph, better known as Sherlock, has embraced gaming as both a passion and a profession since 2019. Based in Jaipur, she made a name for herself as a PUBGM player and later expanded into a variety of games including Valorant, BGMI, and Rocket League. Her diverse content and ability to engage audiences across multiple genres have cemented her as one of the most versatile female gamers in India.
Ankkita C – Gaming With a Personal Touch
Mumbai-based Ankkita Chauhan, known as Ankkita C, is one of India’s most beloved female gaming influencers. As a core member of 8Bit Creatives, her content spans multiple genres including Rainbow Six Siege, Valorant, GTA V, and Apex Legends. Her unique approach of involving family members, especially her supportive mother, has added a personal touch to her streams, making her content relatable and engaging for a wider audience.
IG: Ankkita C
YouTube: Ankkita C
The Challenges of Being a Female Gamer in India
While these women have reached incredible heights, their journeys have not been without challenges. The gaming industry, traditionally male-dominated, often subjects female gamers to gender-based discrimination, online harassment, and skepticism regarding their skills. Many women gamers face discouragement from family members who view gaming as an unconventional career path.
However, these influencers have shattered stereotypes and proven that talent, hard work, and resilience can overcome any obstacle. Their success stories inspire thousands of aspiring female gamers to pursue their passion fearlessly.
The Future of Women in Indian Gaming
With esports gaining government recognition and mainstream acceptance, the future for women in gaming looks promising. More brands, esports organizations, and investors are now supporting female gamers, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse gaming ecosystem. As India’s gaming industry continues to thrive, these remarkable women will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future.
The rise of female gamers in India is not just about breaking barriers; it’s about rewriting the rules and proving that gaming is for everyone. Their stories serve as a testament to the fact that talent knows no gender, and the Indian gaming industry is stronger because of their contributions.
