In recent years, esports has seen an incredible transformation from a niche hobby to a lucrative career, rivaling even traditional fields like engineering. But how exactly is this shift happening? And can esports players really earn as much as IIT graduates? Let's break down the key points.
How Much Can Top Esports Players Earn?
According to Roby John, co-founder and CEO of SuperGaming (via Money Control), skilled esports players competing internationally or as part of professional teams can earn between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 30 lakh per year.
However, the earning potential doesn't stop there. Top players can surpass Rs 50 lakh annually, with some reaching as high as Rs 1 crore when factoring in sponsorships, endorsements, and tournament prizes.
This means that the salaries for top esports players are now overlapping with those of graduates from India's prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Average IIT graduate salary: Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per year
IIT Bombay 2022-2023 average gross salary: Rs 16.66 LPA
IIT Bombay 2022-2023 average CTC: Rs 21.82 LPA
IIT Palakkad 2021-2022 average CTC: Rs 13.93 LPA
These figures highlight how esports careers are becoming increasingly competitive with traditional engineering paths, particularly for top performers in both fields.
How Do Earnings Differ Across Esports Tiers?
Esports players are often categorized into different tiers based on their skill and success:
Tier 3 players: Rs 3 lakh to Rs 6 lakh annually
Tier 2 players: Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh annually
Pro/skilled athletes/Tier 1: Can exceed Rs 1 crore annually
Which Games Offer the Highest Earning Potential?
In the Indian esports scene, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) athletes currently have the highest earning potential.
According to Rahul (known as Ayogi in esports), top BGMI players can earn between Rs 2.5 lakh and 4 lakh per month.
Other popular games with well-established ecosystems in India include:
Valorant
FIFA
Pokémon UNITE
What's Driving the Increase in Esports Earnings?
Several factors have contributed to the rise in esports player earnings:
Tournament prize pools have increased in recent years
Popularity and viewership increasing
Esports athletics and teams getting better sponsorship deals
Broadcast deals with major TV sports channels (e.g., BGMS on Star Sports)
Big Brand partnerships (e.g., AMD with Revenant Esports, PUMA with Orangutan)
Is the Government Supporting Esports Growth?
Yes, the Indian government has taken steps to support the growth of esports:
Esports is officially recognized as a multi-sport event
Several state govt like Gujarat, UP, Bihar, and Kerala have partnered with esports organizers and game developers to develop an esports ecosystem in the state.
Govt of India itself announced the first National esports tournament named "THE WAVE" for BGMI, eFootball, and WCCC3.
Are Esports Opportunities Limited to Major Cities?
Interestingly, esports talent is emerging from all corners of India. Notable players from smaller cities and towns include:
Harman Mavi (Mavi) from Sangrur, Punjab
Abhirup Paul Choudhury (Lightningfast) from Silchar, Assam
Hariraman (PVS Gaming) from Vizhuppuram, Tamil Nadu
Game streaming, a key revenue source for many esports professionals, has also seen a 20-25% increase in viewership, particularly in tier-II cities.
As the esports industry continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that professional gaming is no longer just a pipe dream. For many skilled players, it's becoming a viable and potentially lucrative career path that can rival traditional engineering jobs in terms of earning potential.
For more information, visit the Money Control. And remember to subscribe to Gaming Amigos for more exciting esports news!
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