As esports soars globally, Nagaland seeks to tap latent potential

KOHIMA — Once considered a niche hobby, esports or ‘electronic sports’ has erupted into a multi-billion dollar global phenomenon. In 2024 alone, over INR 1.43 lakh crore (USD 1.72 billion) in prize money was awarded to more than 1.31 lakh players across 52,451 tournaments worldwide, according to industry data.

The global esports audience is projected to surpass 640 million by 2025, suggesting esports is on track to challenge traditional sports in terms of viewership and potentially generate comparable revenue streams in the coming years.

According to a study conducted by gaming expert Soulbound.gg, games like Dota 2, Fortnite, Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Arena of Valor are leading this digital revolution.

The esports landscape is currently dominated by China, with earnings reaching a staggering INR 24,024 crore (USD 289.1 million). The United States follows closely behind with INR 22,290 crore (USD 268.3 million), while South Korea secures third place at INR 11,738 crore (USD 141.4 million). (Refer table)

These countries benefit from strong government support, robust gaming infrastructure, as per the report which was compiled using data Esports Earnings, Statista, and Speedrun.com.

The analysis included top esports rankings by prize money, earnings per player, and a weighted average method (total earnings 25%, earnings per player 45%, top speedruns 20%, gamer territory share 10%). Rankings were based on game prize money and a weighted average for countries, with scores scaled from 10 to 95 for uniform comparison.

Meanwhile, platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming are further picking up the growth, as millions tune in to watch their favorite games and players.

Nagaland enters the arena (box/highlight)

Recognising the transformative potential of esports, the Government of India has entrusted the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to look after the sector. In Nagaland, the state’s Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS) is spearheading this effort, recognising that esports can provide new avenues for youth engagement, economic growth, and technological advancement.

The department has taken a step towards this with the first Hornbill Esports Championship, coinciding with the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, to provide a platform for local talent to shine and foster a thriving esports community within Nagaland.

Also read: Nagaland to host first-ever Hornbill Esports Championship

Announcing the initiative earlier in September, Director of DYRS, Kethosituo Sekhose had noted the state’s youth also have the potential to make it in the esports sector. The International Olympic Committee has announced that Esports Olympics will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2025, and the state should not be left behind, he said.

The DYRS had informed that the Hornbill Esports Championship will feature popular titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Dota 2, and FC24 (FIFA), with a total prize pool of INR 6 lakh.

Alongside the championship, a Cosplay Competition will also be held, where participants can showcase their creativity by embodying their favourite gaming or pop culture characters. This competition also offers a prize of INR 50,000.

With registrations closing by the second week of October, the championship will blend online preliminary rounds with live finals held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on December 6 and the 7th.