The esports scene in India is rapidly evolving, offering an array of opportunities for gamers to transform their passion into a professional career. With the Indian government officially recognizing esports, the industry has become more structured and organized.
This in depth point wise steps on How to Join Esports in India will help aspiring gamers navigate their journey from amateur to professional status in esports.
1. Choose Your Game
Choosing the right game is the first step in your esports journey. Your selection should be based on personal interest, skill level, and market demand. Some of the most popular esports titles in India include:
- Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI): This battle royale game continues to be a major force in the Indian esports scene, with tournaments like the BGMI Series attracting millions of players.
- Free Fire: Known for its fast-paced action and unique character abilities, Free Fire has become one of the most widely played esports titles in the country.
- Valorant: A tactical first-person shooter with growing popularity in India, Valorant has seen the rise of competitive leagues and tournaments such as the Skyesports Championship.
- Call of Duty Mobile: With its action-packed gameplay and mobile-friendly format, Call of Duty Mobile is becoming a favorite among competitive gamers.
- FIFA: This globally popular football game has a strong community in India, with tournaments like the AIFF eFootball Challenge gaining prominence.
2. Master Your Gameplay
Once you’ve selected your game, it’s time to hone your skills. Mastering a game requires both dedication and strategy:
- Regular Practice: To compete at a high level, you must play consistently. Engage in ranked matches, where you’ll face increasingly skilled opponents, and refine your gameplay.
- Analyze Professional Players: Watching tournaments and streams of top players is a great way to learn new strategies and techniques. For example, following pro players like Mortal in BGMI or TenZ in Valorant can help you understand how to approach different aspects of the game, from aim precision to game sense.
3. Engage with Online Communities
Building connections within the gaming community is essential for growth:
- Join Gaming Forums and Groups: Platforms like Discord, Reddit, and Facebook have active gaming communities. For example, the Valorant India Discord server is a hub for discussing strategies, finding teammates, and staying updated on events.
- Follow Esports Influencers: Connect with prominent streamers and influencers like CarryMinati or Techno Gamerz on YouTube and Twitch. They often provide valuable gaming tips and industry insights while helping you stay motivated and informed.
4. Find or Build a Team
In team-based esports, forming or joining a team is vital. Here’s how you can do that:
- Participate in Online Lobbies and Scrims: Many gaming communities organize practice matches (scrims) where players can form temporary teams to test their skills. Platforms like Gamerji, MPL, and The Esports Club host regular events for aspiring players.
- Build Your Own Team: If you meet like-minded players, consider forming your own team. This can improve your coordination and teamwork, which are essential in tournaments. Teams like Team SouL and TSM Entity started this way and went on to dominate the Indian esports landscape.
5. Participate in Local and Online Tournaments
Gaining competitive experience is essential to building a professional career:
- Local Tournaments: Many cities, including Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, host regional esports tournaments in gaming cafes and community centers. These provide great opportunities for new players to showcase their skills.
- Online Platforms: Platforms like Gamerji, MPL, Rooter, and Nordwin Gaming regularly host competitive tournaments for various games, allowing players from across India to participate and win prizes.
- Esports Leagues: For more experienced players, participating in prestigious leagues like the ESL India Premiership, Free Fire India Championship, or the Skyesports Championship is a great way to gain visibility and compete with top-tier players.
6. Build Your Online Presence
An online presence can significantly boost your career by attracting fans, sponsors, and teams:
- Streaming Platforms: Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming allow you to stream your gameplay, engage with the community, and build a following. For example, successful Indian streamers like Dynamo Gaming and MortaL started by consistently streaming their gameplay and gradually built a large audience.
- Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can be used to share your highlights, achievements, and progress. Engaging with your followers will not only help you build a fan base but may also attract potential sponsors and esports organizations.
7. Join Esports Organizations
Once you’ve gained experience and built a reputation, you can aim to join a professional esports team:
- Esports Teams: Teams like Global Esports, Team SouL, Entity Gaming, and 7Sea Esports are well-known in India and are always scouting for new talent.
- How to Apply: Build a strong resume highlighting your achievements, tournament wins, and gameplay videos. Reach out to team managers through their official social media handles, or attend esports events to network with team representatives.
8. Stay Updated with Esports News and Tournaments
The esports scene is constantly evolving, so staying informed is critical:
- Esports Platforms: Websites like AFK Gaming, Liquipedia, and EsportsXo publish regular updates on upcoming tournaments, team rosters, and industry news. Following these platforms will help you stay competitive.
- Esports Academies: Several esports academies, such as Skyesports Academy in Chennai, are emerging across India, offering coaching programs, boot camps, and scholarships to help players improve their skills.
Future Prospects of Esports in India
The future of esports in India looks brighter than ever. The industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by:
- Smartphone Penetration: The increasing number of smartphone users and affordable internet access are key factors enabling the growth of mobile gaming.
- Government Recognition: In 2022, the Indian government officially recognized esports as a legitimate sport, which has paved the way for better infrastructure, regulations, and sponsorships.
- Global Competitions: India’s participation in international events like the Asian Games and the Olympic Esports Games in 2025 is expected to boost the industry’s global presence.
Conclusion
Joining the esports industry in India requires dedication, persistence, and strategic networking. Getting knowledge on How to Join Esports in India and by mastering a game, engaging with online communities, participating in tournaments, and building your online presence, you can make your mark in the competitive world of esports.
With the industry on a rapid growth trajectory, a successful career in esports is now more attainable than ever before.
