The Indian esports industry just hit a major milestone. In a landmark decision, the Ministry of Sports has officially included esports in its list of 51 recognized sports, making professional players eligible for cash incentives when they win medals in world and continental championships. This is more than just a bureaucratic change—it’s a moment of validation for an industry that has been rapidly gaining momentum in India.
This recognition follows India’s participation in the 2023 Asian Games, where national teams competed in esports titles like League of Legends, DOTA 2, Street Fighter V, and EAFC. Now, with esports set to make its Olympic debut at the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025, India is aligning itself with a global trend that sees gaming not just as a pastime, but as a professional discipline worthy of investment and recognition.
The Growing Esports Market in India
India’s gaming industry has experienced exponential growth over the past few years. According to industry reports, the Indian gaming market is projected to reach $8.6 billion by 2027, fueled by increasing smartphone penetration, affordable high-speed internet, and a young, digitally-savvy population. Esports, a subset of this booming industry, has witnessed a surge in viewership, sponsorships, and professional tournaments. The rise of platforms like YouTube Gaming, Twitch, and Rooter has further solidified the market, turning competitive gaming into a mainstream career path.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent speech in the Lok Sabha, where he encouraged India’s youth to make the country a global leader in creative gaming, underscores the government’s growing interest in this sector. The inclusion of esports in the cash incentive program will further accelerate this growth, legitimizing the industry in the eyes of parents, investors, and traditional sporting bodies.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Industry stakeholders see this move as a game-changer. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, highlights how esports shares key attributes with traditional sports—strategy, teamwork, reflexes, and discipline. This recognition, he argues, further blurs the line between digital and physical sports, helping esports gain mainstream acceptance.
Similarly, Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder of S8UL Esports, emphasizes the new opportunities this creates for players, investors, and brands. “The future of competitive gaming in India just got a whole lot brighter,” he notes.
Building a Sustainable Esports Ecosystem
One of the longstanding challenges in Indian esports has been the lack of stability—teams often disband after major tournaments due to financial insecurity. Vishal Parekh, COO of CyberPowerPC India, believes that the cash incentive program will help solve this issue by encouraging team cohesion and long-term planning. This will contribute to the professionalization of esports in India, making it more sustainable in the long run.
Mikhail Bhuta, Co-Founder of Dirtcube Interactive LLP, sees another advantage: the development of a structured ecosystem for coaching and training. With incentives now extending to both players and their coaches, India could witness the rise of full-fledged esports academies, opening up new career opportunities in coaching, content creation, and game development.
The Road Ahead
India’s gaming and esports industry is at a pivotal juncture. The recognition from the Sports Ministry is not just about monetary rewards—it’s about changing perceptions. This move signals to aspiring gamers, brands, and stakeholders that esports is a legitimate career path with government backing. It also paves the way for increased investments, higher production value in tournaments, and stronger global representation for Indian esports athletes.
With an engaged community, a growing market, and now, official validation, India’s esports industry is on track to becoming a global powerhouse. The question is no longer if esports will go mainstream in India—it’s when.
