The year 2024 marked a transformative period for India’s esports and gaming industry, propelling it to global prominence. A dynamic mix of government support, international achievements, and private sector innovation positioned the sector as a cultural and economic force.

According to the latest India Gaming Report, the gaming industry in India is valued at INR 6,715 crore and is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 24 percent, potentially reaching INR 10,487 crore by 2026. The country is home to 13.85 crore gamers, with an expected annual growth rate of 11.82 percent over the next two years, underscoring the industry’s explosive momentum.

Indian esports made headlines with podium finishes on prestigious international stages. At the BRICS Esports Championship, India clinched a silver medal in Tekken 8, while a bronze medal in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games 2024 further solidified its global standing. The announcement of the Olympic Esports Games 2025 by the International Olympic Committee brought renewed hope for further accolades.

Adding to this momentum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a historic meeting with leading Indian gamers, including Naman Mathur (Mortal), Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug), and Payal Dhare (PayalGaming), recognizing the sector’s potential.

S8UL Esports, co-founded by Animesh and Mortal, made waves with multiple wins at global awards, including a third consecutive Esports Award. PayalGaming’s victory as Streamer of the Year at MOBIES 2024 underscored the growing presence of Indian female gamers in the global arena.

Institutional support played a pivotal role in 2024. The Union Cabinet established the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR in Mumbai, while Bihar and Meghalaya pioneered grassroots initiatives, including school-level tournaments and state-sponsored esports teams. The inaugural WAVES Esports Championships 2025 also gained momentum with backing from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

States like Nagaland hosted their first-ever esports tournaments, reflecting an expanding ecosystem reaching Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

NODWIN Gaming, a leader in youth-focused entertainment, spearheaded several initiatives, from broadcasting the BGMI Masters Series nationally for a third consecutive year to hosting DreamHack India. International acquisitions of Freaks 4U Gaming and Ninja Global bolstered its global presence, while domestic collaborations with JSW Sports and Comic Con India expanded its reach.

CyberPowerPC’s debut in India further diversified the gaming landscape, introducing premium gaming PCs with customizable configurations tailored to local preferences. The company also facilitated community engagement by gifting high-performance systems to aspiring gamers.

Milind Shinde, CEO of 88 Games, highlighted the growth of Indian studios, including his own, which is developing premium PC and console titles rooted in Indian folklore. This aligns with PM Modi’s vision of Indian developers making a global mark.

Esports has transcended gaming to become a mainstream cultural and economic force in India. With creators and influencers amplifying its appeal, brands like Garnier Men and Android have entered the esports sponsorship ecosystem. Animesh Agarwal of S8UL Esports emphasized the evolution of esports as an integral part of modern culture, fostering synergies with traditional sports and influencer-driven content.

As 2024 draws to a close, the Indian gaming and esports ecosystem stands poised for sustained growth and global influence. With international recognition, institutional support, and innovation at its core, the industry is set to redefine entertainment for years to come.