Did you know that your gaming skills could lead to something more than just a hobby? In this article, we show you how you can choose esports and gaming as a career and become successful.
In 2026, esports in India will not just be for fun but will be seen as a real career path supported by the government.
India’s digital revolution has changed how we view competitive gaming. With over 500 million gamers, our country is seeing amazing changes.
In August 2025, the Indian government officially recognized esports as a competitive sport through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This marks an important mark and the beginning of new career opportunities.
Let us explain how to build a professional esports career in India and how esports institutes like desportz are shaping the future of competitive gaming.
Understanding the Difference - Esports vs Gaming
Before we continue, let’s clear up a common misunderstanding.
What is Gaming?
Gaming is what most people do for fun, which includes playing online games for entertainment, casual competitions with friends, streaming games for views and trying different games without any professional goals.
What is Esports?
Esports is organized professional gaming, tournaments with official rules, team-based or individual competitions and is recognized as a legitimate sport by the government.
In 2025, the Government of India officially recognized esports as a “Multi-Sport Event.” That means esports athletes can now access educational programs and scholarships, opportunities to represent their country on international events, professional career pathways and other benefits.
Screen Time to Sports Recognition
This is a key moment for young people in India. Your parents may have called it “just gaming,” but it is now recognized as a sport. This change opens up new opportunities that were not available before.
Inside the Growing Esports Industry
Here are some figures that will surprise you. The global esports market is expected to exceed USD 2 billion by 2026, with more than 640 million viewers worldwide. That’s almost half of India’s population watching competitive esports and gaming!
India's Rapid Rise
Here are some reasons that our country is becoming an esports powerhouse. Mobile-first/FPS games like BGMI, Valorant, CODM, and FreeFire are played by millions. Ease of affordable high-speed internet access to everyone. Professional tournaments where teams compete internationally.
The government supports with backing and infrastructure development. Private investments and major brand sponsorships with teams and events.
As the world competes in online gaming, esports institutes like desportz are getting athletes ready for international competitions. Our aim is to help India not just take part but also win.
Career Paths in Esports
Do you or your parents think esports is only about being a pro player?
That’s the myth. The esports industry offers various career options.
Core Careers
1. Esports Athlete / Professional Player
Many athletes compete in national and international tournaments, representing their teams and organizations while earning prize money and signing contracts.
2. Coach / Analyst
Developing strategies for teams involves reviewing gameplay to improve performance and effectively managing player development.
3. Shoutcaster / Commentator
Aim to broadcast esports events, host tournaments to engage with audiences and build a personal brand in esports media.
4. Team Manager / Tournament Organizer
Handles logistics and operations while managing talent and teams to effectively organize competitive events.
Support Careers
The esports ecosystem also needs professionals in:
- Marketing and brand management
- Video production and content creation
- Sports psychology and mental coaching
- Game design and development
- Social media management
- Event management
How Much You Can Earn?
Let’s discuss earnings:
Entry-level positions: ₹4–8 lakhs per year
Mid-level professionals: ₹8–15 lakhs per year
Top-tier pros: ₹40 lakhs to several crores annually through contracts, streaming revenue, and sponsorships
At desportz, our programs teach you important skills for building a long-lasting career in sports, not just how to play.
The Future of Gaming Careers
Gaming and esports can work well together in your career journey.
Gaming as Entertainment
Content creators and streamers are building careers on YouTube Gaming, which offers long-form content and tutorials, while Kick is emerging as a new streaming platform alongside Indian-centered platforms like Rooter and Loco, all of which are opportunities for brand partnerships and sponsorships, promoting community building and engagement in the gaming space.
Esports as Competition
Competitive esports emphasize participating in tournaments, representing teams, developing skills and mastery and engaging in professional training.
The Responsible Gaming Movement
As the industry continues to grow, it is important to promote healthy digital habits by balancing screen time, encouraging physical fitness alongside gaming, raising mental health awareness and sustainable career practices. Succeeding in esports requires more than just skill. It needs structured training and a well-planned approach.
How desportz is Building India's Next Generation of Esports Professionals
We are desportz, India’s first Esports Training Academy based in Gujarat. We teach students about gaming and offer certified esports programs to help them train and improve their skills.
What desportz Offers
One-Year Esports Program
- Aim Training
- Game Fundamentals
- Agents and Maps Knowledge
- Team Play and Communication
- Advanced Techniques
- Mental and Physical Preparation
- Reviewing and Analysing Gameplay
- Understanding Tournament Structure
ESPORTS MANAGEMENT (20%)
- Esports events management
- Team Ownership
- Athlete Management
- Esports PR & Marketing
- Sponsorship in Esports
- Content Creation
- Esports Law
- Broadcast & Production
BGMI Certification Program
- BGMI gameplay mechanics and strategies
- Enhance individual combat skills and adaptability
- Effective team coordination and communication
- Game tactics, positioning, and decision-making
- Build mental resilience and focus under competitive pressure
- VOD review and strategic insights
- Reviewing and Analysing Gameplay
- Prepare for high-level Esports competitions
Esports Industry Program
- To develop an understanding of team ownership and athlete management in esports.
- To gain insights into planning, organizing, and executing successful esports events.
- To explore the role of sponsorships and partnerships in successful esports events.
- To learn the fundamentals of content creation and audience engagement in the gaming.
World-Class Partnerships
- Gen.G Global Academy (South Korea) – bringing international expertise
- Orangutan Esports – one of the best orgs in India
- Upthrust Esports – professional team training
- Hydra Sports Network – industry connections
Real Training - Real Results
What sets desportz apart:
The in-person Esports Arena offers practical training opportunities through live tournament experiences and mentorship programs that promote teamwork, leadership development and confidence-building.
These skills are valuable not only for gaming but also for any job. We train gamers, develop esports athletes and nurture industry leaders in India.
Important Skills You Need to Succeed in Esports
Here’s what you need to develop if you want to go professional:
Technical Skills
Mastering gameplay and mechanics requires quick reaction times, strategic thinking and planning, and a strong sense of game awareness.
Psychological Skills
An athlete must possess intense focus and concentration, demonstrate resilience under pressure, maintain emotional control during matches, and adapt to changing situations to succeed.
Professional Skills
Effective teamwork and collaboration require clear communication, strong sportsmanship and ethics, and excellent time management skills.
desportz helps you improve in gaming by focusing on both mental wellness and physical training. These two elements help you stand out from casual gamers and give you a competitive advantage.
Why Now is the Best Time to Start an Esports Career in India
Opportunities for Indian esports are expected to increase from 2025 to 2030.Here’s why you should start now:
- Policy recognition – government support adds legitimacy
- Rising investment – brands are investing in the ecosystem
- Global partnerships – international opportunities are expanding
- First-mover advantage – India’s talent pipeline is starting to grow
- Infrastructure development – academies like desportz are creating training centers
Esports institutes like desportz connect ambition to opportunity, providing the structure, training, and connections you need to succeed.
If you have ever wanted to turn your passion for gaming into a job, the time is now, and desportz is where you begin.
Conclusion
The esports revolution is here, and India is ready to compete on the world stage. Whether you want to be a professional player, a coach, a commentator, or work behind the scenes in this exciting industry, the opportunities are real and growing.
With government recognition, industry investment, and training institutions like desportz offering world-class education, there has never been a better time to pursue your passion professionally.
Your journey from casual gamer to esports professional starts with one decision. Are you ready to make it?
Also Read: Esports Career Pathways
FAQs - Free Characters in Free Fire
No, they are different. Esports is competitive, skill-based, and officially recognized by the government as a sport. Gaming is mainly for entertainment and recreation. While all esports involve gaming, not all gaming is esports.
Join structured training programs like desportz's certified esports courses to build skills and discipline. Focus on one or two games, practice consistently, and connect with the competitive community through tournaments.
Absolutely. Professional players, casters, coaches, and managers can earn stable incomes through contracts, sponsorships, and streaming revenue. Many esports professionals earn more than those in traditional careers.
No formal degree is needed. What matters most are skill, strategy, and professional training. Institutes like desportz provide the foundation for a sustainable career.
It looks very promising. Official recognition means more tournaments, scholarships for talented players, government support for infrastructure, and opportunities for international representation. India is set to become a global esports hub.
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