Top Esports Games in India: Esports, a dynamic sector within gaming, involves individuals or teams competing in a fair and competitive environment. The onset of mainstream esports in India can be traced back to the arrival of PUBG (Player Unknownโs Battlegrounds Mobile) in 2018, a popular mobile game. Esports has gained global traction, with India emerging as a significant market, evident in the extensive viewership on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. This article explores the top esports games in India in 2022, offering potential career opportunities for aspiring youngsters.
Rise of Esports: Its Emergence and Importance in India
The surge in gaming’s popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 contributed to the exponential rise of esports. Beyond traditional gaming for entertainment, people began recognizing the potential for esports careers. Presently, thousands aspire to become esports athletes, marking a significant shift in the gaming landscape.
Here are the Five Top Esports Games in India 2022
5. Clash Royale
Introduced in 2016 as a successor to the highly popular Clash of Clans, Clash Royale quickly carved its niche in the gaming landscape. Drawing players from Clash of Clans and cultivating its own fanbase, the game gained widespread popularity across all age groups. As its popularity surged, so did the level of competition, paving the way for the emergence of esports in Clash Royale.
While official tournaments in Clash Royale may not be as abundant, Supercell, the game’s developer and owner, consistently releases numerous in-game tournaments. These tournaments are accessible for free on the first attempt, providing players with an avenue to engage in competitive play. Furthermore, private organizations like ESL play a pivotal role in the esports ecosystem, hosting third-party tournaments that furnish players with a genuine esports environment.
4. Counter Strike Global Offensive CS: GO
Released in late 2012, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) has witnessed a monumental surge in its following, establishing itself as a renowned game that endures to this day. CS: GO stands out as a strategic FPS (first-person shooter) game, offering gameplay that strikes a balance between accessibility and complexity.
The global esports scene for CS: GO took a significant leap in 2016 with its inaugural major worldwide esports event. Since then, the fervour for esports in CS: GO has shown no signs of waning. In India, the journey of major CS: GO events commenced in 2018, evolving into a landscape where tournaments featuring substantial prize pools are now a monthly occurrence. The enduring popularity of CS: GO is a testament to its lasting impact on both the global and Indian esports communities.
3. Valorant
Introduced by Riot Games in 2020, Valorant stands out as a PC game offering a fresh gaming experience. This free-to-play FPS (first-person shooter) boasts various playing modes such as team deathmatch and search and destroy. Valorant is meticulously designed to be esports-friendly, aligning with the competitive gaming landscape. While catering to casual players seeking fun, its strategic gameplay has propelled it into the realm of esports.
Valorant quickly gained traction in India shortly after its launch, solidifying its presence in the esports scene. The popularity of esports in Valorant has soared, leading to the organization of numerous official and third-party events both in India and globally. These events feature substantial prize pools that grow in tandem with the game’s increasing popularity, making Valorant a prominent player in the competitive gaming arena.
2. Free Fire
Free Fire, a free-to-play battlegrounds game, immerses players in a survival quest where the ultimate goal is to emerge as the last survivor. The game offers versatile modes, including squad, duo, and solo; however, esports competitions primarily focus on the squad format. Launched in 2017 following the release of PUBG PC, FREE FIRE garnered early comparisons to the mobile version of PUBG. Initially embraced as a casual gaming experience, FREE FIRE witnessed a significant shift with the ascent of esports influence from PUBG MOBILE.
In India, FREE FIRE has secured its position as the most played game, earning the second rank in esports popularity, following closely behind BGMI. The gaming community regularly participates in both official and unofficial events, featuring substantial prize pools, establishing FREE FIRE as a prominent player in the competitive gaming landscape.
1. Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)
Battlegrounds Mobile India stands as the Indian iteration of the mobile esports phenomenon, PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS (PUBG). The honourable Indian government’s ban on the earlier version of the game, citing privacy concerns, prompted Krafton, the publisher and developer, to create a version compliant with government regulations. Given India’s status as one of PUBG’s largest markets, crafting an Indian version was a logical step.
PUBG has cultivated a substantial fan base in India, offering enthusiasts an unparalleled esports experience. With the launch of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), the excitement surpassed even that of the previous versions, propelling it to the coveted position of India’s number one esports game. Monthly official and unofficial events, featuring prize pools exceeding a crore, present valuable opportunities for underdogs and casual players alike. Notably, Indian teams have made their mark on the global stage, with Orange Rock Esports securing an impressive #2 position in the world league.
In conclusion, the esports landscape in India is thriving, offering diverse opportunities for aspiring gamers across various games. The popularity of these esports titles showcases the significant growth and potential within the Indian gaming community.
Note: The titles listed above are not based on any ranking
