Which is the Biggest eSports in India?
While pinpointing a single “biggest” eSport in India can be complex due to varying metrics like viewership, player base, and prize pools, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), formerly known as PUBG Mobile, undoubtedly holds a dominant position. Despite facing some regulatory hurdles and a temporary ban, BGMI has consistently showcased a massive following, impressive viewership numbers, and a vibrant competitive scene, making it a leading contender for the title of the biggest eSport in India. Its popularity transcends age groups, and its tournaments consistently draw record-breaking participation and viewership.
However, the landscape of Indian eSports is dynamic, and other titles are rapidly gaining prominence. Games like Free Fire, Valorant, and League of Legends (LoL) are steadily building significant communities and competitive circuits. The notion of ‘biggest’ might shift based on the criteria one focuses on. For instance, while BGMI might lead in terms of overall viewership, other games might excel in specific areas like prize money or player engagement. Therefore, while BGMI is arguably the most popular and widely followed eSport in India, the ecosystem is rich, and there is significant potential for other titles to contend for the top position in the future.
The Rise of Mobile eSports in India
The explosive growth of mobile gaming in India has been a key factor in BGMI’s success. The accessibility of smartphones and affordable internet have opened up eSports to a vast demographic. Mobile eSports have democratized gaming, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate and compete. This accessibility has been a driving force behind the immense popularity of titles like BGMI and Free Fire, which are optimized for mobile devices.
Factors Contributing to BGMI’s Dominance
Several factors have contributed to BGMI’s dominance:
- Mobile Accessibility: The game runs smoothly on a wide range of smartphones, making it accessible to a vast audience.
- Localised Content: The game features content and themes that resonate with Indian players, enhancing engagement.
- Thriving Tournament Scene: Regular and large-scale tournaments have contributed to the game’s competitive ecosystem.
- Strong Community: BGMI has fostered a strong community of players, streamers, and influencers, further fueling its growth.
Beyond BGMI: Emerging eSports in India
While BGMI is a leader, several other eSports are making their mark in the Indian gaming scene. These include:
- Free Fire: Another massively popular mobile battle royale title, often competing with BGMI for player attention.
- Valorant: A popular tactical first-person shooter (FPS) game gaining traction in India with a growing competitive scene.
- League of Legends (LoL): A globally popular Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game slowly gaining a foothold in the Indian market, recognized for its strategic depth.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO): A classic FPS title with a loyal following in India, known for its competitive intensity.
- Dota 2: Another established MOBA with a significant global presence, contributing to the diverse eSports landscape in India.
The Future of eSports in India
The future of eSports in India looks incredibly promising. The market is experiencing rapid growth, and this trend is expected to continue. The factors driving this growth include:
- Increasing Internet Penetration: Expanding access to affordable and reliable internet.
- Growing Youth Population: A large youth population eager to embrace eSports.
- Investment in Infrastructure: Continued investments in gaming infrastructure and tournament organization.
- Professionalization of eSports: The rise of professional eSports teams, organizations, and coaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is considered the No. 1 eSports player in India?
While there isn’t a universally agreed upon “No.1” player, Tanmay “Sc0utOP” Singh is consistently recognized as one of the best and highest-earning eSports players in India. He has gained significant recognition and a large following for his BGMI expertise.
2. How many eSports players are there in India?
As of 2022, there were approximately 600,000 eSports players in India. This number has been rapidly growing, with expectations exceeding one million players in the coming years.
3. What are the most popular eSports games played in India?
The most popular eSports games in India include BGMI, Free Fire, Valorant, League of Legends, and CS:GO. Mobile eSports titles tend to have a wider reach, but PC-based games are also growing rapidly in popularity.
4. Which eSport has the biggest prize pool globally?
Globally, Dota 2 has the largest prize pools. For all time, their prize money has totalled over $308 million.
5. What is the expected growth of the eSports market in India?
The Indian eSports market is expected to reach US$ 522.6 Million by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1% between 2023 and 2028.
6. Who is the most subscribed gaming YouTuber in India?
Ajay, popularly known as Total Gaming (or Ajju Bhai), is the most subscribed Indian gaming YouTuber.
7. How much do professional gamers earn in India?
Professional gamers can earn anywhere from Rs 70-85 lakh per annum if they are also content creators. They also receive monthly salaries of up to Rs 50,000 from their representing esports companies.
8. Who is the highest-paid Indian eSports player in 2022?
In 2022, Goblin was the highest-earning Indian eSports player, earning $40,819 (INR 33,74,927).
9. Who is considered the most revered player in Indian eSports history?
Naman Sandeep Mathur, popularly known as Mortal, is widely regarded as the most revered player in the history of Indian eSports, specifically in PUBG or BGMI.
10. Who is the richest gamer in the world?
PewDiePie is often cited as the world’s wealthiest gamer, with an estimated net worth of $55 million.
11. What is India’s global ranking in terms of gaming?
India ranks among the top 10 gaming countries in the world.
12. Is gaming a good career option in India?
Yes, the gaming industry in India is experiencing significant growth, making it a promising career option. With the expected market growth in the coming years, job opportunities and the potential to make a successful career are high.
13. What is the future of eSports in India?
The eSports industry in India is projected to grow rapidly, with an expected 36% CAGR between 2021 and 2025, reaching a market size of INR 18 billion (USD 240 million) by 2025.
14. Which country has the most eSports wins?
China had the highest earnings from eSports competitions in 2022, with over 46 million U.S. dollars.
15. Which country is considered to have the best gamers?
Finland is frequently listed as a country with a significant number of highly skilled gamers.