Esports have amassed large audiences, global sponsorships, and impressive cash pots, allowing players to turn their passions into real careers. There are many online games with a competitive focus, so you will easily find the perfect entertainment to dig in, and this guide will steer you in the right direction.
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What Makes eSports Games so Popular in India?
The esports market is experiencing explosive growth nowadays. According to industry estimates, the gaming sector in India is currently valued at more than $3 billion, while the number of players exceeds 440 million. With that in mind, the local gaming market is now considered the second-largest in the world behind China.
These are the principal factors that contribute to the popularity of esports:
- Mobile accessibility: mobile gaming continues to lead the market since lots of players prefer using their smartphones or tablets to engage in their favorite entertainment. Moreover, the wide availability of affordable devices has provided millions of Indians with powerful gaming possibilities.
- Rise of online betting platforms: there are lots of gambling websites optimized for both mobile devices and PCs, so winning cash while placing bets on favorite esports games is now easier than ever. The most popular platforms, like GGBET, offer additional perks for their members: bonuses, live streams, in-play markets, and more.
- Strong social component: esports is all about social bonds since you can team up and interact with players from all over the world, both newbies and professionals alike. It’s a huge community of like-minded people from all walks of life, and being a part of it is a great experience.
Top 5 eSports Indian Gamers Choose
Professional gaming is always fascinating, whether you are watching it or taking part in the tournaments. The esports titles listed below enjoy the greatest popularity among Indian players, so give them a try to make the most out of your experience:
1. Battlegrounds Mobile India
- Publisher: Krafton
- Developers: Krafton
- Release date: July 2, 2021
- Genre: battle royale
- Platforms: Android, iOS, iPadOS
BGMI (formerly known as PUBG Mobile) boasts the biggest viewership in India since more than 233 thousands of fans have watched its tournaments in 2024. Although its primary objective is to survive until you are the last player, the game also combines the best features of open-world games and decent first-person shooters, as well as accommodates a typical MMO player base. It’s a tense and truly entertaining esports bringing an incredibly compelling experience directly on your mobile.
2. Valorant
- Publisher: Riot Games
- Developers: Riot Games
- Release date: June 2, 2020
- Genre: tactical FPS
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Android
Valorant is another popular esports title in India and beyond. With a growing competitive scene and regular updates, it promises a lot of fun for aspiring gamblers. This tactical hero shooter is known for its intense 5v5 matches, good mechanics, and high-level gunplay. With all its depth and variety, Valorant is a perfect choice for anyone who is tired of regular FPS games.
3. Counter-Strike 2
- Publisher: Valve
- Developers: Valve
- Release date: September 27, 2023
- Genre: tactical FPS
- Platforms: PC
Counter-Strike 2 is a great option to get a refreshing experience with an old favorite. It brings plenty of new stuff to the legendary franchise that both newcomers and veterans alike can appreciate, especially the renovated maps and guns. In July 2024, the number of concurrent players reached 1.34 million, which testifies to the popularity of this team-based shooter.
4. Dota 2
- Publisher: Valve
- Developers: Valve
- Release date: July 9, 2013
- Genre: MOBA
- Platforms: PC
Defense of the Ancients 2 is arguably the most recognizable multiplayer online battle arena game in the world. Known for its high skill ceiling, it offers as many as 125 playable characters to choose from, and their number keeps growing with time to add even more depth and fun to the gameplay. After choosing a hero, you need to use its exclusive abilities, attributes, and playstyle to help your team win.
5. Overwatch 2
- Publisher: Blizzard
- Developers: Blizzard
- Release date: August 10, 2023
- Genre: tactical FPS
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Overwatch 2 is a cartoonish, gun-filled game with fast-paced matches played in the 5v5 format. The shooter comes with different modes that focus on both defending and attacking teams, features colorful levels, and adds some MOBA-like twists. The gameplay is thoroughly enjoyable thanks to its mechanical variety and a nice set of 40+ heroes with vastly different playstyles.