Esports: Turn Your Game Skills Into a Career that Pays
Abhinav Srivastava
For the first time ever, esports is making its debut at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, standing proudly alongside traditional sports like athletics, kabaddi, and swimming. While it’s included as a demonstration sport meaning victories won’t count toward the official medal tally just yet its presence alone signals a huge shift in how competitive gaming is viewed in India. This move reflects the growing popularity of esports worldwide, following its showcase at the 2018 Asian Games and its medal-event status at the 2022 edition.
For young gamers, this is a massive opportunity: finally, their skills are being taken seriously on a national sports platform. It also shows that India is keen to stay in step with global trends, where esports is fast becoming part of major sporting events, including the Olympics. While esports players at KIYG 2025 won’t yet be competing for medals, their performance could help open the gates for esports to become a regular, recognised competitive sport in future editions.
Adding even fuel to the fire, esports also took center stage at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. Supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, WAVES positioned esports as a key part of India’s future in entertainment, technology, and digital innovation. At the summit, the WAVES Esports Championship (WESC) hosted massive tournaments featuring titles like BGMI, World Cricket Championship, and eFootball, with over 35,000 participants competing.
Esports is also making its mark on mainstream television. In a breakthrough moment, tournaments like the BGMI Masters Series were broadcast live on popular sports channel, bringing competitive gaming into millions of living rooms across the country. This leap into prime-time TV has helped esports gain the kind of legitimacy and exposure previously reserved for cricket and football. Alongside this, major brands are getting involved in a big way, sponsoring teams, players, and tournaments, seeing esports as a direct gateway to India’s young, digital-first audience. With this surge in sponsorship, prize pools have skyrocketed, with leading events now offering up to Rs. 2 crore or more. Innovations like the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2025, where in-game purchases help fund tournament prizes, are also making the industry more sustainable. Backed by investments from global players as well, India’s esports scene is evolving from an underground movement into a mainstream industry, offering a wealth of new career opportunities not just for gamers, but for casters, analysts, coaches, event organisers, and digital creators. In 2025, esports isn’t just entertainment; it’s a serious career path with real rewards.
What makes esports even more exciting is that the opportunities go far beyond just being a professional player. Sure, competing on stage is a dream for many, but the industry needs a whole ecosystem of talent to thrive.
India: The Next Esports Talent Hub?
India has the numbers. With over 450 million gamers and mobile gaming leading the way, the country is sitting on a goldmine of talent. Affordable smartphones, cheap internet, and a young population (over 50% under 25) create the perfect storm for esports growth. If infrastructure like better ping servers, training academies, and professional leagues keeps improving, India could easily rival traditional esports giants like South Korea, China, and the U.S.
Consumption Patterns: India vs. the World
• India: Mobile-first. Games like BGMI, Free Fire, and COD Mobile dominate. Short content (YouTube Shorts, reels, TikTok clones) drives most engagement. Live streaming platforms like Loco, Rooter, and YouTube Gaming are huge.
• Global: PC and console still rule in the West and East Asia. Long-form content, full-match streams, and high-production tournaments (like Valorant Champions Tour and League of Legends Worlds) are major draws.
India’s audience craves more bite-sized, high-energy, influencer-driven content, whereas abroad, polished, team-driven, and league-structured events have a larger share.
Career Paths in Esports: More than Just Playing
• Game Designer or Developer: The creators behind the magic. Designers imagine the gameplay experience; developers bring it to life with code.
You’ll need: problem-solving skills, creativity, and a love for gaming. Degrees in game design, computer science, or programming are often required.
• Pro Player: The dream for many: competing in games like Valorant, League of Legends, or BGMI. Top players train hard think 8–12 hours a day and often build personal brands through streaming.
• You’ll need: lightning-fast reflexes, mental endurance, and competitive discipline. No formal degree, but serious practice and tournament experience are key.
• Coach or Analyst: These are the brains behind the players analysing strategies, improving player performance, and prepping for opponents.
You’ll need: deep game knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to communicate under pressure. Some start players or game theorists.
• Caster or Host: Casters make the game thrilling for viewers, while hosts steer events and interviews. Think of them as the voices of esports.
You’ll need: strong public speaking skills, quick thinking, and a solid grasp of the games. A background in media, broadcasting, or theatre helps.
• Content Creator: Streamers and YouTubers are at the heart of gaming culture making gameplay videos, tutorials, and memes that rack up millions of views.
You’ll need: creativity, consistency, and camera confidence. No degree needed, but editing skills and a personal brand building are a huge plus.
• Team Management & Operations: From contracts to player wellbeing, managers keep everything running smoothly. Think HR, logistics, and brand strategy for esports organisations.
You’ll need: people skills, business savvy, and multitasking ability. A degree in sports management, business, or communication helps.
• Event Production: From light shows to livestreams, these professionals make sure tournaments look world-class, both online and in stadiums.
You’ll need: technical know-how, attention to detail, and nerves of steel. Experience in live events or production is key.
• Marketing & Sponsorships: Esports runs on brand deals. These roles connect teams with sponsors, design campaigns, and grow fan engagement.
You’ll need: creativity, data skills, and marketing sense. A degree in marketing, PR, or communications is a great start.
Your First Steps into Esports
Breaking into esports doesn’t require expensive gear or insider connections just passion, consistency, and the right direction. If you’re a player, start by focussing on one game you genuinely enjoy and practise regularly. Join online tournaments and keep an eye on local competitions announced on social media or streaming platforms. If you’re aiming to be a streamer or content creator, begin by building your presence on popular platforms. Engage with your audience, create useful or entertaining content, and grow steadily it takes time, but authenticity goes a long way.
Aspiring casters, coaches, or analysts should watch pro matches closely, take notes, and even create their own match breakdowns or commentary reels to build a portfolio. If event production or team management is more your thing, try volunteering at local tournaments or joining student-led gaming clubs to get hands-on experience. For those interested in design or development, consider exploring free tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, and follow communities where you can learn from others and share your work.
India’s esports scene is still growing, which means there’s room for newcomers to make their mark. Start small, stay consistent, and focus on learning whether you’re aiming for the stage, the studio, or behind the scenes, there’s a career path waiting for you in the game.
(The author is a Senior IT Professional.) Views expressed are personal.