Esports in India has grown by leaps and bounds, and it’s no surprise—gaming has become not just a hobby but a potential career path for the youth. The esports landscape in India is now mobile-first, marking a significant shift from PC or console games. There’s no denying that this is the golden period for gaming culture! Let’s explore the most popular esports games in India that have taken the gaming industry by storm.
1. BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India)
The game of the masses, BGMI, is the most popular esport in India. It’s the go-to battle royale game for mobile gamers across the country and one of India’s most-watched esports titles. After PUBG Mobile was banned in India in 2020, Krafton’s BGMI stepped in to fill the void. BGMI itself faced a ban in 2022 but made a comeback in 2023. The BGMI Masters Series and BGIS (Battlegrounds Mobile India Series) have attracted massive viewership and top-tier players worldwide.
2. COD Mobile (Call of Duty: Mobile)
The iconic Call of Duty franchise has been a part of the gaming scene for decades. Since its launch, Call of Duty: Mobile became a massive hit among Indian esports enthusiasts. It’s now a staple in major mobile esports tournaments in India, including the Call of Duty Mobile India Cup and Snapdragon Pro Series.
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3. Valorant
In a mobile gaming-dominated landscape, Valorant proves that PC gaming is far from dead. Riot Games’ tactical 5v5 first-person shooter has gained popularity in major esports tournaments in India, such as the Valorant Challengers Series and Skyesports League.
4. Pokémon UNITE
Who would have thought Pokémon UNITE would become so popular in India? As India’s esports scene continues to evolve, this free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game is a shining example. The Pokémon UNITE Pro League and Pokémon UNITE Championship Series have seen massive interest from gamers.
5. Counter-Strike 2
Like Call of Duty, the Counter-Strike franchise has been around for a long time. The buzz surrounding the newly launched Counter-Strike 2 suggests that it is poised to take the legacy forward. The excitement for Counter-Strike 2 was evident at the Skyesports Championship and Skyesports Masters.
Top Esports in 2024 by Prize Money
| Game | Type | Prize Pool ($) | Peak Viewers | Tournaments (Ongoing / Total) | Last Event Date | |
| 1 | Honor of Kings | Mobile | 20,091,745 | 481,212 | 2 / 67 | 04 Aug |
| 2 | Dota 2 | PC / Console | 19,825,834 | 1,523,957 | 145 | 15 Sep |
| 3 | Counter-Strike | PC / Console | 18,621,346 | 1,853,954 | 3 / 546 | 31 Mar |
| 4 | PUBG Mobile | Mobile | 16,007,793 | 718,506 | 1 / 159 | 03 Nov |
| 5 | Fortnite | PC / Console | 11,862,571 | 809,854 | 303 | 08 Sep |
| 6 | Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege | PC / Console | 9,407,233 | 521,374 | 4 / 120 | 26 Feb |
| 7 | League of Legends | PC / Console | 8,862,214 | 6,941,610 | 2 / 163 | 02 Nov |
| 8 | Valorant | PC / Console | 7,199,036 | 1,687,848 | 3 / 275 | 24 Mar |
| 9 | Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | Mobile | 6,673,727 | 4,008,662 | 145 | 27 Oct |
| 10 | Call of Duty | PC / Console | 5,904,050 | 283,184 | 28 | 28 Aug |
Source: escharts
Esports in India has experienced tremendous growth and accelerated popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic. Only after 2020 has it been recognized as a mainstream industry, thanks to the widespread use of smartphones, affordable internet access, and streaming platforms. Projections suggest the esports industry in India will reach Rs. 1100 crores by 2025.
With a young, tech-savvy population and ongoing digitalization, India is poised to take the lead in the global esports arena. With new opportunities and esports becoming a career option, it’s an exciting time to be a gamer in India. Keep an eye on this dynamic and fast-growing industry!
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