As a kid, I was allowed to play video games for exactly two hours a week. Those two hours were the happiest of my week — a blur of colours, stories, and worlds that made homework worth surviving. Back then, though, gaming was seen as a distraction. Parents didn’t think of it as a serious hobby, let alone a career.
SurveyNow, as someone who covers gaming for a living, I’ve realised I wasn’t the only one who grew up hearing, “Bas do ghante, aur band kar do.” For years, gaming in India was reduced to a guilty pleasure which was something you did for fun, not to build a future. But that mindset is finally shifting.
And that’s why when the BGMI International Cup (BMIC) came to India, it didn’t just feel like an industry milestone; it felt personal. Even as someone who’s more into story-driven titles than FPS battles, watching India host a global esports tournament was emotional. Gaming is finally being taken seriously, and it’s about time India stepped onto the world stage.
Also read: India is no longer the underdog in esports: Karan Pathak, Krafton India
A moment of validation
When I pulled my car up to the venue of the BMIC in New Delhi, the security guard stopped me at the entrance and asked, “BGMI jaana hai, ma’am?” That one question hit harder than I expected. It was proof that gaming had seeped into everyday vocabulary. The fact that a security guard – probably not a gamer, not a journalist – knew exactly what BGMI was, said everything about how far we’ve come.
Inside, the atmosphere was electric. Fans were chanting, screaming, and recording every move of their favourite players. The energy was closer to what I’ve felt at a Marvel premiere or an India–Pakistan cricket match. It wasn’t just an event but felt like witnessing a cultural shift when gaming in India is becoming mainstream.
The stage itself was cinematic. Players competed from inside massive containers, screens towered above, and the crowd roared with every elimination. For years, gamers like me craved validation that this passion wasn’t a waste of time. And at that time, we got it.
Government’s support for Indian esports
For decades, that “profession” tag was missing from the esports scene in India. But with the Online Gaming Bill 2025, introduced recently, things are finally changing. The bill officially distinguishes esports from online gambling and bans real money games, offering much-needed clarity and legitimacy to the industry.
Ankit Panth, better known as V3nom and one of India’s earliest professional esports athletes, told Digit how personal this change feels when the Online Gaming Bill was introduced. He had said, ‘When I started, even my parents thought I was gambling. It took me a lot of time to convince them I wasn’t. This bill is a great move and clears the confusion between esports and gambling. Finally, we have an official statement that says what I’ve been saying all along – esports is not gambling.’
Streamer Harsh Salunkhe (Harsh Khelraay) echoed that sentiment. He had also shared back then, ‘I once told someone I stream games for a living, and they immediately assumed I meant poker or rummy. That misconception will finally end. For years, parents believed gaming meant gambling while creators promoting such apps pushed people into debt.’
For Tanmay ‘ScoutOP’ Singh, one of India’s biggest gaming icons, formal recognition means everything. He had said, ‘Competitive gaming has always been skill-based. This bill’s effort to clearly distinguish between esports, social gaming, and chance-based money games is crucial. With the right balance, India can become a global esports powerhouse.’
Veteran creator Arush Bhardwaj also called the move a “milestone moment.” He had said, ‘It’s a blessing to see this development after years of effort. The decision to ban real money gaming is a good one. Esports is competition, skill, and discipline – just like any sport. Players grind hard to earn their place. This is the start of a new era.’
Why it feels personal
So, for a country that once laughed off gaming as a “waste of time,” India’s esports story has come full circle. The BGMI International Cup told millions of young gamers that their passion is valid, their career is real, and their time was never wasted. Hence, even as a non-FPS gamer, it felt personal.
Moreover, with the government’s support, corporate investment, and a generation of disciplined, passionate players, India is finally stepping into its own esports era. This time, it is not as an imitator, but as a contender.
And somewhere, the kid who only got two hours of gaming a week can finally smile and say, ‘See, it was never a waste of time’.
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
