Do you remember when your parents used to say, “Stop playing video games and focus on studies.”? Well, the time has changed now! Today, many Indian gamers make more money than doctors and engineers. In this post, we have given detailed information about esports player salaries in India.
We are talking about the esports players who have turned their gaming skills into serious careers. We are seeing how young gamers are buying cars and houses and fulfilling their dreams with tournament winnings and other deals.
This raises a big question: how much do esports players actually earn in India?
After conducting industry research and analyzing the data, we found some surprising findings.
Here is the truth: Top esports players in India earn 5-15 lakhs per month. But here’s what they don’t show you. Most players struggle to earn even ₹50,000 per month. There’s a big gap, and we will show you exactly where the money comes from and how you can get there.
Why Everyone is Talking About Esports Money in India
5 years ago, esports tournaments in India had prize pools of around 1-5 lakhs. Today, we are seeding tournaments with ₹5 crore prize pools. The BGMI India Series alone distributed over ₹6 crores in 2024.
This is not accidental. Big companies and brands like Jio, Airtel and even Tata are investing money into esports. These brands have realized something important, i.e., millions of Indians watch esports religiously, and where there’s an audience, there’s advertising money.
The numbers tell the story. In 2024, Indian esports viewership increased by 50%. Over 120 million people watched esports content in the previous year. Additionally, corporate sponsorship has increased by 200% since 2022.
How Much Do Esports Players Actually Earn in India?
Let’s break this down based on real salary data.
Amateur level (Just Starting Out)
Monthly Earnings: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000
These are the players who started competing in local tournaments on weekends, winning around ₹500-2,000 per tournament, while still holding regular jobs and pursuing studies, and dream of going professional someday.
Most players start here. The earnings are inconsistent, but it’s where everyone begins their journey.
Semi-professional Level (Getting Serious)
Monthly Earnings: ₹15,000 – ₹50,000
They are semi-pro players who usually join smaller teams with basic contracts. They compete in regional tournaments regularly. Also, they get some equipment sponsorships. They start building their social media following.
This is where gaming transitions from hobby to potential career. The money isn’t life-changing, but it’s enough to cover gaming expenses.
Professional Level (The Real Deal)
Monthly Earnings: ₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000+
Here, professional players are in a different league. They are signed by major teams with guaranteed salaries. They compete in national and international tournaments. They also have personal sponsors and brand deals, and often earn more from streaming than from tournaments.
This is where the real money game starts. But getting here takes serious dedication and skill development.
Superstar level (The Elites)
Monthly Earnings: ₹5,00,000 – ₹20,00,000+
There are only a few players in India who have reached this level. They are the household names in the gaming community with massive social media followings.
Here are some of India’s Highest-Paid Esports Players making serious money from gaming.
Naman “Mortal” Mathur (The Streaming King)
Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹10-15+ lakhs
In the Indian esports community, Mortal is a Brand. His YouTube channel has over 7 million subscribers. While he started with PUBG mobile tournaments, his real money comes from content creation and brand deals.
Tanmay Singh (Scout) – The Consistent Performer
Estimated Monthly Earnings: ₹8-15+ lakhs
Scout is known for his incredible game sense and consistency. While others have flashy plays, Scout wins through smart decisions and team coordination. His income comes from a mix of tournaments, content creation and brand deals.
Esports Salaries in India - Where Does All The Money Come From?
Many wonder where esports players get all this money. It’s not just from winning the tournaments. There are team salaries, streaming and content creation, sponsorships, brand deals, and social media influence.
All these factors play a big role in determining where money comes from.
How much does an average esports player earn in India?
Professional esports players earn around ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per month. However, remember that this includes only the top players who’ve made it professionally. Most semi-pro players earn around ₹10,000 – ₹40,000 monthly and many amateur players make less than ₹10,000.
FAQs - Esports Player Salaries in India
Esports players salaries in India can range from INR 15,000 to INR 5 lac plus. It depends on the level of experience.
The top esports players in India make more than INR 20 lac per month.
Professional esports players earn around ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per month. However, remember that this includes only the top players who’ve made it professionally. Most semi-pro players earn around ₹10,000 – ₹40,000 monthly and many amateur players make less than ₹10,000.
Conclusion - Esports Player Salaries in India
The esports industry is still young and growing fast. Player salaries are continuing to grow as more companies invest, more tournaments are organized, and gaming becomes mainstream.
If you’re thinking about an esports career, our advice is simple: start playing seriously, but don’t quit your day job immediately or have a backup plan.
Build your skills, understand the industry, and make the jump when you’re confident about your abilities and market opportunities. As we all know, the future of esports salaries in India looks bright and we are just getting started, and the best is yet to come.
Also Check: Best BGMI Players in India
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