The Rise of Indian Esports and Mobile Gaming From Local LANs to Global Arenas

The Early Days: Gaming in the Shadows

In the 1990s and early 2000s, gaming in India was a niche activity. Young enthusiasts gathered in cyber cafes, battling it out in games like Counter-Strike and Age of Empires. These sessions were more about fun than fame, with no organized structure for competition. Esports, as a concept, was virtually unknown, and professional gaming was far from a viable career. Yet, these early days were crucial, fostering a community of passionate gamers who laid the groundwork for what was to come. Cyber cafes became the first arenas, where rivalries were born, and dreams of bigger stages began to take shape.

The Birth of Organized Esports

The landscape shifted dramatically in 2016 when the Electronic Sports League (ESL) arrived in India, thanks to the efforts of Nodwin Gaming (ESL India). The ESL India Premiership marked the dawn of organized esports, offering a platform for players to compete professionally. Tournaments like the Indian Gaming League and PUBG Mobile India Series soon followed, drawing sponsors and larger audiences. This era saw gaming transition from a hobby to a career, with players dedicating hours to hone their skills. The introduction of structured competitions was a game-changer, setting the stage for India’s esports boom.

The Mobile Gaming Revolution

If there’s one force that has propelled Indian esports into the mainstream, it’s mobile gaming. The launch of PUBG Mobile in the late 2010s was a cultural phenomenon, captivating millions with its accessible, high-octane gameplay. However, in 2020, the game faced a setback when it was banned in India due to national security concerns (BGIS 2025). Enter Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), a tailored alternative that quickly became a sensation. BGMI’s success lies in its accessibility—requiring only a smartphone, it opened esports to a diverse audience, from urban centers to rural towns.

Tournaments like the BGMI Masters Series and BGIS have become marquee events, showcasing the skill and strategy of Indian gamers. Mobile gaming has democratized esports, breaking down barriers of cost and infrastructure. As Pravan Parikh of Dirtcube Interactive notes, India’s gaming story is shifting from consumption to creation, with a 20% market growth in 2024 signaling a bright future (Mobile Gaming Boom).

Local Talent: The Stars of Indian Esports

India’s esports scene is brimming with talent, with players and teams who have become icons. Here are some of the standout names:

• Jonathan Amaral (GodLike Esports): Known as the “GOAT” of BGMI, Jonathan has earned over $71,576 from tournaments, including a third-place finish in the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2024 (Esports Earnings).
• Naman Mathur (Mortal) (Team SouL): A YouTube sensation with over 6 million subscribers, Mortal founded Team SouL and is celebrated for his PUBG Mobile prowess (Top Players).
• Tanmay Singh (ScoutOP) (Team Xspark): A strategic mastermind, ScoutOP leads Team Xspark, which made history by winning all official BGMI events in 2024 (Esports Teams).
• Ankit Panth (V3nom): A veteran who started with Counter-Strike, V3nom excels in PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, securing multiple national titles (Famous Players).
• Harmandeep Singh (Mavi): Renowned as one of BGMI’s top assaulters, Mavi has been a key player in numerous victories (Top Players).

Teams like Team SouL, GodLike Esports, Global Esports, and Team Xspark have dominated domestic tournaments, with GodLike Esports achieving a historic silver medal at the COD Mobile World Championship 2023 (Best Teams). These players and teams are not just competitors; they’re role models, inspiring a new generation to pursue esports.

Global Stage: Aspirations and Challenges

While Indian esports has flourished domestically, the global stage remains a tougher nut to crack. In 2024, Indian teams were absent from the Esports World Cup, raising questions about India’s readiness for top-tier international competition (BGIS 2025). However, there have been bright spots. India secured a silver medal in Tekken 8 at the BRICS Esports Championship and a bronze in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games 2024, proving that Indian talent can shine globally (2024 Highlights).

The upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2025 in Saudi Arabia offers a golden opportunity. If titles like BGMI or PUBG variants are included, Indian teams could make a significant impact. Yet, challenges persist—limited infrastructure, lack of international exposure, and regulatory hurdles like game bans hinder progress. As one X post noted, “Indian gamers have the skill, but we need better platforms to compete globally” (X post).

Government and Industry Support

The Indian government has begun to recognize the potential of esports, designating it a “multi-sport event” under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs (Esports Future). This move has spurred investment and infrastructure development. States like Bihar, Meghalaya, and Nagaland are promoting esports at the grassroots level, with Bihar introducing school tournaments and Meghalaya sponsoring a team (2024 Highlights).

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is backing the WAVES Esports Championships (WESC) 2025, set for February 2025, which will feature BGMI, World Cricket Championship, and eFootball (2024 Highlights). Industry players like Nodwin Gaming, Skyesports, and 8Bit Creatives are driving growth through high-profile tournaments and talent development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for India to lead in video games has further fueled optimism, with Made-in-India games gaining traction (Gaming Outlook).

The Road Ahead: A Bright Future

The Indian esports market, valued at $818 million, is one of the fastest-growing globally, with 400 million gamers and a doubling of esports players from 300,000 in 2020 to 600,000 in 2021 (Esports Future). By 2028, the industry is projected to reach $3.75 billion annually (Mobile Gaming Boom). Events like WESC 2025 and the Olympic Esports Games will provide platforms for Indian talent to shine.

The rise of content creators and increased brand investment will further amplify the industry’s reach. As Animesh Agarwal of 8Bit Creatives predicts, “Esports will expand into more titles, creating opportunities for a broader range of players and audiences” (Gaming Outlook). However, addressing challenges like infrastructure deficits and public awareness is crucial. With continued support, India could become a global esports powerhouse, not just a consumer but a creator of gaming innovation.

Conclusion: A Game-Changing Era

The journey of Indian esports—from local LANs to global aspirations—is a story of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of mobile gaming. Local talent like Jonathan, Mortal, and ScoutOP, alongside teams like GodLike and Team Xspark, have turned gaming into a cultural and economic force. With government backing and a vibrant community, Indian esports is on the cusp of greatness.

As we look to 2025, the stage is set for Indian gamers to make their mark, from Kolkata’s arenas to the Olympic spotlight. The rise of Indian esports isn’t just about gaming—it’s about a young, dynamic nation embracing its potential. So, grab your controller or smartphone, because India’s esports revolution is just getting started, and the world is watching.