India’s esports landscape has been growing at an impressive pace. What people used to call a waste of time has turned into a real business with serious money, huge audiences, and actual government support.
Where India's esports market stands in 2026
Just a few years ago, around 2024-25, the market value was around USD 200 to 204 million. The details are according to the industry reports by Coherent Market Insights and IMARC. Fast forward to 2026, and according to the experts’ estimate, it is headed to climb somewhere between USD 240 and 300 million.
More than 65% of India’s population is under the age of 35. The report is according to the Report Cube. The young generation has grown up playing video games. They also love the idea of watching gaming content online. This makes esports feel like a natural extension of their entertainment as well as social life.
How Things Changed Since 2020
The Early Days
In 2023, the whole esports market in India was worth about USD 91-107 million Market Research Future. The values might sound like a big number, but back then, it was only the beginning. COVID-19 hit. People used to stay at home. Gaming quickly became one of the most popular ways to pass the time. Back then, the tournaments shifted online. Competitive gaming suddenly became accessible to everyone.
It was no longer limited to being a niche community. Prize pools started getting bigger. There were well-known brands that began sponsoring players. Professional teams formed and started offering real salaries. The industry was doing more than just growing; it was maturing.
The Big Jump
From 2024 to 2026, the market jumped from USD 111 million to around USD 240-300 million Market Research Future. That’s not slow and steady growth. That’s an explosion.
This growth rate of 17.8% to 28.4% shows an industry that’s really taking off Coherent Market Insights.
Mobile Games Lead the Way
Mobile games completely dominate India’s esports scene Ken Research. They bring in 60-70% of all the money. Games like BGMI and Free Fire are huge because anyone with a smartphone can play them. PC games like VALORANT and CS:GO bring in 25-30%. These platforms have been attracting serious gamers who invest in computers. Console gaming is still small at 5-10%. But it has been slowly growing.
Millions of Viewers
India had over 900 million internet users in 2024 Ken Research. That’s more people online than most countries have in total. By 2026, more than 100 million people in India are expected to regularly watch competitive gaming. This is the kind of audience size that rivals many traditional sports.
Why Esports Is Growing So Fast
Cheap Internet and Smartphones Everywhere
In India, internet data costs less than USD 0.20 per GB The Report Cube. One of India’s biggest advantages is affordability. Internet data here is incredibly cheap. By 2026, more than one billion people will own smartphones. Many gaming-capable devices will also cost less than $100. Then there is 5G. The number of 5G users has jumped to 270 million in 2024. It is expected to reach 980 million by 2030.
Government Finally Says Yes
In August 2025, the government passed a law called PROGA that officially recognizes esports as a real sport MediaNews4UThetechpanda. Esports is now under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
Even bigger: Indian esports teams are competing at the 2026 Asian Games for actual medals SiGMA Asia Summit. That’s Olympic-level recognition.
Big Brands Are Jumping In
Global markets, global brands like Red Bull are known for sponsoring Formula 1. It has partnered with companies like Nodwin Gaming. It has been hosting large tournaments. This is a huge signal; esports are no longer just gaming. It has come up in the form of mainstream entertainment.
People Can Actually Make a Living
Today, top gamers don’t rely on just income sources. They earn from YouTube, and they also make income from live streaming and brand sponsorships. What adds to their overall earnings are the tournament winnings and their own merchandise line. Some have even turned gaming into a career. They see it as something that is strong enough to buy homes and support their families.
Who's Running the Show
Nodwin Gaming is a major tournament organizer that works with big game companies like Krafton and Riot Games ThetechpandaKen Research to build India’s esports structure.
S8UL has become the first Indian team to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2025. It is competing in PUBG Mobile and Valorant. There are other major names like Godlike Esports and Global Esports. Also, there is Revenant Esports. All such esports have been helping raise India’s international profile.
Tech companies like Nazara Technologies, Krafton, and Riot Games are investing heavily Market Research Future in tournaments, platforms, and teams.
Esports vs Regular Gaming
India’s overall gaming market was previously USD 4.38 billion in 2025. It is expected to reach USD 5.02 billion in 2026. Esports is still a small segment within the market, but it has been expanding at a much faster pace.
Regular gaming grows about 14-15% per year. Esports grows at 18-28%.
What's Coming Next
Most experts think India’s esports market will reach USD 307.2 million by 2030 Grand View Research. Some think it could be even bigger, maybe USD 640 million to over USD 1 billion by 2032-2033 IMARC. Looking way ahead, the market might hit USD 950 million by 2035 Market Research Future.
South Asia & Pacific will see the fastest growth in the world at 23.4% per year through 2036 Future Market Insights, and India is leading that growth.
Globally, India is currently considered a mid-sized esports market. But the country will realistically become one of the top five esports markets in the world by 2030.
Conclusion
India’s esports market in 2026 is worth USD 240-300 million and growing 18-28% every year.
The government now officially recognizes esports as a sport. Young audiences have been deeply engaged in this field. Internet access is fast and affordable. Indian teams have been competing in events like the Asian Games.
Also, major brands have been investing serious money. Esports have moved beyond just a hobby; it has become a legitimate and structured industry with government backing. Investors as well as aspiring players have been looking forward to 2026 as a key milestone year. Also, the content creators or even curious observers are hoping for the best. India’s esports journey is still in its early chapters. The next few years will prove quite transformative.
