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It is no secret that when it comes to esports, India has come a long way in the last couple of years, from being a niche hobby to one of the mainstream competitive sports. This growth is driven by rising internet access and smartphone penetration and increasing government support that, in turn, has made India one of the fastest-growing esports markets in the world. In this post below, I am going to talk about the top most popular esports games in India, what makes them so special, and the present competitive gaming scene in India.
7 Popular esports Games in India
Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)
BGMI is one of the most popular esports games in India. A “battle royale” game created for India by Krafton after PUBG Mobile was banned in the country. In BGMI, players find themselves stranded on an island, engaged in a battle to survive among 100 other players.
BGMI reigns on top of the esports market in India with a huge player base and viewers. The Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2025 featured a prize pool of ₹3.2 crore (approximately $375,945). The BGIS 2025 Grand Finals were held offline in Kolkata at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan from April 25 to 27, 2025, featuring the top 16 teams competing for the championship. The Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2025 is a separate tournament starting online with a prize pool of ₹2 crore (about $230,000) and finals scheduled for July in New Delhi.
Several Indian esports organizations and players have made a mark in BGMI competitions. The game is played in national competitions such as the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 as a demonstration sport, and its increasing recognition is evidence of its status as a competitive sport.
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
Counter-Strike 2 is the next version of the most popular first-person shooter computer game, Counter-Strike. It has caught on fast in India, thanks in huge part to the likes of platforms such as Skyesports, which organize mega-level tournaments.
The focus and teamwork, strategy, and shot-taking are what continue to attract Indian gamers to Counter-Strike 2, especially the ones that already played the series. Its structured competitive format and international appeal make it a strong contender for sustained growth in India.
VALORANT
VALORANT by Riot Games is also a popular tactical shooter in India. It marries precise gunplay with special agent abilities in a fresh take on the competitive shooter experience.
There has been an increase in Indian esports tournaments and viewership for VALORANT. The game’s mixture of strategy and action makes it appealing to a wide audience, and Indian teams are also beginning to make a name for themselves in regional and international competitions.
Riot Games and esports organizations such as Intel have backed the development of Indian talent, which has given the game a firm base.
Here is all you need to know about Valorant brackets and rankings.
Dota 2
Dota 2 is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game created by Valve. It has a history rooted in international esports, with its challenging strategy and teamwork.
The biggest prize pool in esports ever was over $40 million for Dota 2’s biggest event, The International. Dota 2 has a really passionate fan base in India.
Matches consist of 5v5 teams on a large map, requiring exquisite control and logical strategy. Although Dota 2 is not as popular in India as BGMI or CS2, its high level of strategic gameplay still draws serious esports fans to the game.
eFootball and Chess
India also brings eFootball to its flagship events like the WAVES Esports Championship 2025, showing the increasing acceptance of sports simulation games in the country.
Rapid and blitz matches online have revitalized Chess, the classic sport of kings in esports. India has fully embraced chess esports, including with the Chess Super League and competing in the Esports World Cup 2025, which had a prize pool of $1.5 million. Rising star Indian grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju brings to the forefront India’s presence in esports chess. The 2025 Esports World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia from July 31 to August 3.
Other Notable Games
Fortnite
Even though it is a rage worldwide, Fortnite has a limited but loyal following in India. It is still new with ongoing updates and a battle royale component.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
This MOBA game boasts a massive global esports community and also a community in India, although nowhere near as substantial as BGMI or Dota 2.
Indian Esports Ecosystem: What the Future Holds
India’s esports market is scaling up, but market size estimates are diverging greatly. According to multiple reports:
- The esports market revenue in India is projected to reach around $139 million in 2025 with a moderate CAGR of about 5.8% through 2029.
- Another report predicts that the Indian esports market will grow to $1.09 billion in 2033 with a CAGR of 18.4 percent from 2025.
- An Ernst & Young report estimates the Indian esports industry to expand from Rs 2.5 billion in 2021 to Rs 11 billion by FY25, at a CAGR of 46%.
Tencent and Nazara Technologies, major companies, are pouring resources into the industry, and even government efforts are beginning to recognize esports as a mainstream sport. With the lack of formal regulations, tax concerns, and visa challenges for international events, the road has not really been easy, but the esports ecosystem in India is exciting and quickly maturing. That esports have found a place in multi-sport events, including the Khelo India Youth Games and the Esports World Cup, is a sign that mainstream acceptance is growing.
Final Thoughts on Popular esports games in India
Games such as BGMI, Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT, and Dota 2 are leading the way in India’s diverse and dynamic esports landscape. The growth is supported by increasing investments, government recognition, and a passionate player base. As esports continues to integrate into India’s sporting culture, it offers exciting prospects for players and fans. The combination of mobile and PC esports titles ensures that competitive gaming in India will remain inclusive and accessible. The scene is poised for further evolution with upcoming tournaments and growing international participation.
Which esport game is your favorite? Tell us in the comments or over at Facebook and Instagram.
Sources:
- www.statista.com/outlook/amo/esports/india
- www.imarcgroup.com/india-esports-market
- www.g2g.news/gaming/indian-esports-sector-to-grow-rs-11-billion-by-fy2025-report/
- www.imarcgroup.com/esports-market-india
- www.businessworld.in/article/indias-gaming-industry-set-for-growth-in-2025-542917
- www.impactonnet.com/more-from-impact/indian-video-gaming-and-esports-set-for-major-growth-in-2025-9556.html
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