From casual game to spectator sport – experts discuss the rise of Indian Esports

Indian Esports is brimming with potential. Video games were once considered a time pass activity and often invited scolding from concerned parents. Today, video game streamers and creators with a following of 50-150K can earn Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per month. Their earnings are a mix of advertising revenue, brand sponsorships, tournament prizes, YouTube/ Instagram revenue, and donations from supporters.

To lend legitimacy to Esports in India, non-profit organisation Esports Federation of India (ESFI) has rolled out National Rankings for Esports for some of the most popular massively multiplayer online games like Call of Duty Mobile (Battle Royale), FreeFire and Valorant. According to E&Y Media and Entertainment Report released on March 2021, there are about 245 million online gamers in India (for the year 2020).

Esports tournaments such as ESL India Premiership by Nodwin Gaming, which has been in this space for five years and running offer cash prizes Rs 1.15 crore divided between the Summer, Fall and Winter Season of the series. Last year, ESL India’s Fall Season attracted big name sponsors like Airtel and Disney+ Hotstar.

Adgully has organised a Twitter Chat on the topic ‘Spectator Mode: Rise of India Esports’ to understand how the Esports gaming ecosystem is shaping up in India. Our panel includes Esports creators, Esports start-ups and non-profit organisations that are the backbone of the Esports industry.  Joining us will be:

Anurag Khurana, Founder, Newgen Gaming

Aaditya Sawant, Dynamo Gaming

Abhishek Aggarwal, Co-Founder & CEO, Trinity Gaming

Ishaan Arya, Co-Founder, The eSports Club

Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India and Vice President, Asian Esports Federation (AESF)

Pranav Panpalia, Co-Founder, OpraahFx and OP Gaming

Rohit Naresh Jagasia, Founder & CEO, Revenant Esports

Tarun Gupta, Founder, Ultimate Battle

Total Gaming, Esports gamer and streamer

Join the exciting conversation this Friday, June 4, 2021 between 3 pm and 4 pm on Twitter by following @adgully.