Build a Career in Esports or Launch Your Own Venture | Masters’ Union

Remember the adrenaline rush of the final circle in PUBG or BGMI? Your squad is on voice chat and thousands are watching live. That energy has outgrown bedrooms and cafés. Esports in India is no longer a hobby. It’s a multi-billion-dollar industry with real careers, real money, and clear professional pathways.

As per reports, the global sports economy is valued at over $600 billion, and gaming has overtaken film and music combined. India alone has over 400 million gamers, with a sports market growing at 15% YoY. This surge is driven by the high usage of smartphones, affordable internet, brand sponsorships and increasing mainstream acceptance.

But growth is more than numbers. Across India, young people are turning their passion for esports into real careers as players, content creators, analysts and entrepreneurs. The PGP in Sports Management & Gaming gives students practical exposure and hands-on experience, helping them navigate the evolving esports ecosystem with confidence.

Understanding the Esports Industry Growth in India

India’s esports ecosystem is expanding rapidly. Franchised leagues, professional teams and dedicated esports arenas are emerging across metropolitan cities. Live tournaments draw tens of thousands of spectators, while online competitions reach millions more.

Revenue streams are diversifying beyond ticket sales to include sponsorships, media rights, subscriptions, merchandising, and live events. Big brands, from technology giants to consumer goods companies, are investing heavily, signalling esports as a mainstream commercial sector.

Institutional support is also rising. State governments, universities and private academies are offering structured programmes, training and scholarships to nurture esports talent, creating a robust pipeline for the industry’s next generation.

The Driving Essence of India’s Esports Expansion

1. Franchised leagues, professional teams and esports arenas are expanding in metropolitan cities

2. Live and online tournaments are attracting massive audiences

3. Revenue comes from sponsorships, media rights, subscriptions, merchandising and live events

4. Structured programmes, training and scholarships are being offered by universities and academies

Emerging Trends to Enter into the Esports Market in India

1. Mobile Esports Takeover

Smartphones are central to India’s esports story. Games like Free Fire and BGMI host tournaments attracting thousands of participants nationwide. Mobile esports removes barriers to entry, making competitive gaming accessible to a wide audience.

2. Integration with Mainstream Entertainment

Esports is intersecting with music, fashion and traditional sports. Celebrities, influencers and professional athletes are entering the space, amplifying its cultural relevance. Partnerships with streaming and broadcasting platforms have transformed esports into mainstream entertainment beyond being a hobby.

3. Growth of Streaming Platforms

Live-streaming platforms are now the backbone of the esports economy. Strong community ties are built through interactive features such as live chat and donations, while monetisation occurs through ads, subscriptions, and fan engagement. This transforms passive audiences into loyal and active participants.

4. Sponsorship, Professionalisation & Institutional Support

Sponsorship drives the largest share of revenue in Indian esports. Brands are investing beyond gaming hardware, entering lifestyle, apparel and digital services.Simultaneously, the industry is professionalising. Franchised leagues, professionally managed teams, and emerging regulatory frameworks are setting standards. Universities and academies now offer formal programmes, preparing students for operational, analytical and managerial roles.

Career Opportunities in India’s Esports & Sports Business

The esports industry offers diverse career pathways: operations, partnerships, analytics and brand management. These are across leagues, teams, streaming platforms, media houses and startups. Entrepreneurship is also thriving, with professionals building esports ventures, sports-tech startups and fan engagement platforms.

Career Pathways and Opportunities

1. Operations & Management: Roles in running esports leagues, teams and event management

2. Partnerships & Brand Management: Handling sponsorships, marketing collaborations and fan engagement strategies

3. Analytics & Strategy: Using data to inform team performance, audience insights and business decisions

4. Content Creation & Media: Streaming, video production, commentary and esports journalism

5. Entrepreneurship: Launching esports ventures, sports-tech startups and fan engagement platforms

Masters’ Union’s PGP  in Sports Management & Gaming prepares students for this landscape through hands-on projects, internships and industry mentorship. Graduates are ready for operational roles or to launch their own sports ventures that’s armed with practical experience and strategic insight.

Building a Career in Esports Leadership and Entrepreneurship | Masters’ Union Pedagogy

Masters’ Union’s PGP in Sports Management and Gaming is designed for the modern sports and esports professional, combining academic rigour with real-world application:

1. Learning by Doing: Students participate in live tournaments, hackathons and startup challenges
2. Industry-Integrated Curriculum: Students learn from industry practitioners, guest speakers, and real-world projects, gaining exposure to current trends and practices in esports and sports management

3. Career Pathways: Graduates enter esports, sports management, media and startups with hands-on experience

4. Global Exposure: Students gain insights from domestic and international league immersions, studio visits and industry workshops

5. By bridging the gap between theory and industry practice, our students are prepared to not only lead but launch their own venture from the get-go. Explore Masters’ Union’s 2025 PGP placement outcomes and discover student-led startups that have featured on Shark Tank since Season 2 till now.

FAQs

What are the career prospects in India’s esports industry?
Opportunities include operations, analytics, marketing, content creation and entrepreneurial ventures within esports and sports technology.

How can students prepare for roles in the esports industry?
Specialised courses like the Masters’ Union’s PGP in Sports Management & Gaming builds skills, credibility and industry networks. This programme also integrates practical exposure through live projects, internships and mentorship programmes, giving students exposure that goes beyond the classroom. 

Why is esports considered a mainstream entertainment sector in India?
Partnerships with music, fashion, sports and streaming platforms have made esports culturally relevant, commercially viable and professionally recognised.

What makes the PGP in Sports Management & Gaming a unique choice for aspiring esports professionals?

The PGP in Sports Management & Gaming by Masters’ Union blends academic learning with hands-on industry experience. Students engage in live tournaments, industry projects, and startup challenges; gaining practical skills to thrive in esports and sports management.