India is emerging as a powerhouse in esports, marked by historic milestones and ambitious industry plans. The nation recently celebrated its first-ever esports World Champion when Ved Bamb (Beelzeboy) claimed victory at the Pokémon GO World Championships.
Ved Bamb’s triumph has acted as a catalyst for India’s growing esports community. Government recognition, dating back to 2022, alongside esports’ inclusion as a demonstration sport in the Khelo India Youth Games, has boosted the visibility and legitimacy of competitive gaming nationwide.
Industry stakeholders are actively building a stronger ecosystem. NODWIN Gaming is outlining a roadmap that spans grassroots tournaments to international competitions. At the same time, S8UL Esports operates a professional boot camp in Navi Mumbai, offering training comparable to that of traditional sports academies.
The upcoming Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, aims to establish uniform rules and formally distinguish esports as a recognized sport. This framework is designed to ensure the sustainability, security, and long-term growth of the industry.
With talent development, government support, and structured regulation, India is positioning itself as a rising global force in esports, paving the way for new opportunities on the international stage.
