Level Pegging! 'Six In Ten Indians' Rate Esports On Par With Traditional Sports, Says Survey

Last Updated:January 22, 2026, 08:59 IST

The first-of-its-kind gamer-led national survey indicates a shift in perception of esports, with players viewing them not just as recreation but also a long-term sporting dream.

Esports Representational Image. (X/ Esports World Cup)

Nearly 60% of Indian esports players now view competitive gaming on par with traditional sports, as revealed by a first-of-its-kind gamer-led national survey conducted by YouGov for JetSynthesys. This indicates a shift in perception, with players seeing esports not just as recreation but as a structured, long-term sporting endeavour.

Passion to profession And Careers beyond competition

The survey, which included more than 1,500 daily esports players aged 18 to 44 across major Indian cities, found that 83% believe esports can be financially viable as a career, with nearly half considering it “very viable." Three out of four respondents have thought about pursuing esports professionally, reflecting growing seriousness about long-term career planning within the ecosystem.

Career ambitions extend beyond just playing. While 81% of respondents are interested in becoming full-time competitive players or streamers, 56% are open to roles such as coaching, analysis, team management, or event operations. Streaming and monetisation are seen as the most established avenues, with 77% recognising clear opportunities beyond tournament prize money.

Structural gaps and what the ecosystem needs

Despite rising confidence, significant challenges persist. Financial instability and limited long-term career pathways were cited by 87% of respondents as key concerns. Family support and social acceptance remain major barriers, with more than four in five ranking them among their top three worries when considering esports as a profession.

Players suggested long-term enablers rather than short-term fixes to strengthen esports in India. Government recognition and regulation, better infrastructure such as gaming arenas, and access to career counselling and mentorship were deemed important by around nine in ten respondents. Institutional adoption also found strong backing, with 93% supporting the inclusion of esports in college and university-level sports events, alongside calls for greater private sponsorship and training academies.

Esports seen through a sporting lens and fan behavior

Perceptions of esports are evolving. Fifty-nine percent of respondents believe esports should be considered on par with physical and mental sports, while 69% are comfortable referring to professional esports competitors as “athletes." Notably, 40% already identify as athletes, indicating a shift in self-perception within the community.

JetSynthesys founder and CEO Rajan Navani said the focus must now shift from participation to sustainability. “Players are thinking seriously about longevity and legitimacy," he stated, emphasizing the need for building credible pathways and support systems for long-term talent progression.

Consumption patterns are beginning to mirror traditional sports viewership. Eighty percent of respondents watch esports tournaments or leagues at least once or twice a month, and 85% are aware of at least one major domestic or international esports competition. Esports is also associated with skills linked to high-performance sports, including strategic thinking, adaptability, hand–eye coordination, and decision-making under pressure.

The survey coincides with clearer regulatory recognition of esports in India following recent changes to online gaming laws. While player confidence is rising, the findings suggest the next phase will depend on whether policy, infrastructure, and institutional support can keep pace, turning growing belief into sustainable sporting careers.

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