Esports levels up as Indian gamers eye long term careers

MUMBAI: Game on, and game serious. A first-of-its-kind national survey suggests Indian esports players are no longer just playing for passion, but planning for pay cheques too. A new study by Yougov, commissioned by Jetsynthesys, reveals a sharp shift in how Indian esports athletes view the ecosystem, increasingly seeing it as a structured, long-term career rather than a side hustle. The findings arrive months after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 came into force, lending regulatory clarity to the sector.

According to the survey, 83 per cent of Indian esports players believe esports is financially viable as a career, with nearly half describing it as extremely viable. That confidence is translating into intent, as three out of four respondents said they have actively considered pursuing esports professionally.

Importantly, ambition now stretches well beyond the main stage. While 81 per cent expressed interest in becoming full-time competitive players or streamers, 56 per cent are keen on off-stage roles such as coaches, analysts, team managers and event organisers, underlining esports’ evolution into a multi-layered career ecosystem.

Streaming and monetisation currently offer the clearest pathways. As many as 77 per cent of respondents said they see real opportunities in content creation and monetisation, making it the most established support system outside prize money.

Yet, the report also flags friction points. Social acceptance remains a hurdle, with 82 per cent citing family support, stigma and societal perceptions as key concerns. Players are looking beyond quick fixes, calling instead for long-term enablers such as government backing, better infrastructure, mentorship and career counselling. Nearly 90 per cent rated these as critical, while 93 per cent want esports included in college and university sports events.

Perceptions of esports itself are also evolving. Almost 60 per cent of daily players now consider esports as valid a sport as physical games or mental disciplines like chess. While 69 per cent are comfortable calling professional gamers “athletes”, 40 per cent already identify as athletes themselves.

Viewership patterns mirror this shift. Four in five respondents watch esports tournaments at least once or twice a month, with high awareness of events such as the BGMI Mobile India Series, the Esports Asian Games and the Global eCricket Premier League.

Commenting on the findings,Jetsynthesys founder and CEO Rajan Navani said the survey marks a turning point. “Indian esports players are thinking seriously about longevity and legitimacy. The next phase must focus on durable pathways and credible institutions so India can move from participation to leadership in global esports,” he said.

The message from players is clear, the skill, ambition and audience are already in play. What India’s esports ecosystem now needs is structure that can help talent stay in the game for the long run.