India’s esports ecosystem has reached a critical inflection point, driven by rising ambition among esports athletes, increasing acceptance of esports as a serious sport, and growing consideration of esports career as a long-term career option, according to a first-of-its-kind JetSynthesys X YouGov Indian Esports Report.
The study highlights a significant shift in mindset, particularly among daily esports players, who are increasingly viewing esports through a professional and career-oriented lens.
Pune Shows High Confidence in Esports Career
Confidence in esports career is notably strong in Pune. The report reveals that 78% of daily esports players in the city consider esports to be a financially viable career option, with 49% describing it as very viable.
This confidence is translating into intent, as 68% of esports players in Pune say they have considered pursuing esports professionally, indicating growing seriousness around sustainable careers within the esports ecosystem.
Also Read: India Gaming Industry 2025 Marks Structural Shift Toward Esports, Original IP and Long-Term Value
Esports Career Aspirations Extend Beyond Competitive Play
Pune’s esports players are demonstrating a mature understanding of the broader esports ecosystem. While 64% aspire to become competitive esports players, interest spans multiple roles across the value chain.
About 54% express interest in streaming or content creation, 33% in coaching, 35% in team management or event organisation, and 27% in esports journalism or commentary. This reflects increasing recognition of esports as a multi-dimensional industry rather than a single-track pursuit.
Esports Career: Ambition Grows as Structural Support Lags Behind
Despite strong ambition, players highlight the need for long-term enablers to strengthen the esports ecosystem.
- The report notes that 92% of respondents in Pune consider government recognition and regulation important, while an equal 92% emphasise the need for physical infrastructure such as gaming cafés and esports arenas.
- Access to structured guidance is also critical, with 89% citing the importance of career counselling and mentorship pathways.
- Challenges related to family support, social stigma, and broader social acceptance remain significant, with 82% of respondents identifying these as key concerns.
- Institutional adoption is viewed as a major support lever, with 83% highlighting the importance of including esports in college and university-level sports events.
Expectations from the private sector are equally strong. About 93% of respondents cite the importance of brand sponsorships, 91% highlight scholarships, and 83% point to the need for coaching programmes and training academies to enable sustainable esports careers.
Esports Career: Increasingly Recognised as a Sport in Pune
Perceptions of esports in Pune are increasingly aligned with traditional sports. The report finds that 63% of daily esports players in the city consider esports comparable to physical sports and mental disciplines such as chess, recognising the discipline, preparation, and performance required.
This evolving perception is also reshaping self-identity. Around 64% of esports players in Pune are comfortable referring to professional esports players as “athletes”, while 58% say they already identify themselves as athletes, signalling an ongoing shift in how esports participants view their role and status.
Also Read: Gaming and Interactive Media Opportunity in India to Touch USD 7.7 Bn by FY2030: BITKRAFT Report
Competitive Esports Builds Transferable Skills
Sustained exposure to competitive esports is also shaping perceptions around skill development. As many as 90% of respondents associate professional esports with capabilities such as strategic thinking, adaptability, reflexes, hand–eye coordination, and quick decision-making under pressure.
Beyond gameplay, 73% highlight discipline, focused practice, and concentration, while 61% cite problem-solving ability, mental resilience, and toughness as key capabilities developed through esports participation.
Commenting on the findings, Rajan Navani, Founder and CEO of JetSynthesys, said the study captures a pivotal moment for esports in India, highlighting the growing focus among players on longevity, institutional support, and sustainable career pathways.
Pune’s Esports Audiences Mirror Traditional Sports Fans
Consumption patterns further reinforce the sporting status of esports in Pune. The report notes that 91% of esports players in the city watch esports tournaments or leagues at least once or twice a month.
Awareness of major competitions such as the BGMI Mobile India Series, the Esports Asian Games, and leagues like the Global eCricket Premier League is also high, with 84% of respondents familiar with at least one of these events.
