Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Six in Ten Indians View Esports as Traditional Sports
A big survey was done with over 1,500 esports players in India.
It found that almost 60% of them think esports is just as important as regular sports.
Many players, about 83%, believe they can make a good career out of esports.
They also think there are lots of ways to make money, not just by winning tournaments.
But there are some problems too, like not having enough money or support from families.
Players want better places to play, more help from the government, and for esports to be included in schools and colleges.
A lot of players also watch esports tournaments often, showing that it's becoming more popular.
Nearly 60% of Indian esports players view competitive gaming on par with traditional sports.
83% believe esports can be financially viable as a career, with nearly half considering it 'very viable.'
81% are interested in becoming full-time competitive players or streamers, while 56% are open to non-playing roles.
87% cite financial instability and limited long-term career pathways as key concerns.
93% support the inclusion of esports in college and university-level sports events.
- Who
- Indian esports players aged 18 to 44
- What
- A survey indicating a shift in perception of esports
- When
- January 22, 2026
- Where
- Major Indian cities
- Why
- To understand the perception and career aspirations of esports players in India
- Survey Conducted By
- YouGov for JetSynthesys
- Survey Participants
- 1,500 daily esports players aged 18 to 44
- Percentage Viewing Esports as Viable Career
- 83%
- Percentage Considering Esports as Very Viable Career
- Nearly 50%
- Percentage Interested in Professional Esports Roles
- 81%
- Percentage Open to Non-Playing Roles
- 56%
- Percentage Recognizing Opportunities Beyond Prize Money
- 77%
- Percentage Citing Financial Instability as a Concern
- 87%
- Percentage Supporting Esports in College/University Events
- 93%
- Percentage Watching Esports Tournaments Monthly
- 80%
- Percentage Aware of Major Esports Competitions
- 85%