In Chennai, esports has transformed from a leisure activity popular among young mobile phone users to a thriving multi-million rupee industry. The city has become a hub for professional e-gamers representing India at global competitions and earning monthly salaries ranging from 10 to 20 lakhs. Recognizing this shift, the Tamil Nadu government has embraced esports by incorporating it into the CM Trophy tournament.
Sudin Dinesh, a native of Chennai, started his gaming journey casually with friends at local gaming parlors with basic PlayStation kits and personal computers. Little did he know that this hobby would lead him to compete at an international level. With dedication and practice of up to 10 hours a day, Dinesh began winning tournaments across the country, eventually landing a contract with a gaming organization in Delhi specializing in FIFA tournaments held in major Indian cities. This opportunity propelled him to the 2015 Esports World Championship, where he ranked among the top 32 players in the world. After retiring, Dinesh now serves as the Head of Production at Esports Club in Bengaluru, emphasizing the professional potential of esports and the growing interest among aspiring gamers.
The popularity of esports in Chennai continues to skyrocket, with live stream viewership reaching millions. Fans tune in to watch skilled gamers tackle in-game challenges, attracting vast audiences ranging from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. In addition to streaming revenue, gamers receive rewards from tournament sponsors and collaborate with brands seeking to partner with victorious teams. The esports scene has significantly expanded over the years, with prize pools escalating from lakhs to crores of rupees and global game publishers organizing competitions in India.Indian cities are working to promote esports. In late November, Chennai will host a major event featuring the top e-gamers in the country. Not all players are professionals, as individuals like Kirubakaran Sundar Rajan, a doctor from Georgia, enjoy playing with friends in Chennai out of passion. Some professionals, such as doctors and engineers aged 20 to 40, see gaming as a way to enhance concentration, although concerns about addiction are increasing. Dr. D Sidharth, who treats cases of back pain or stress related to excessive gaming, notes that many players spend 4-6 hours playing after work, impacting their sleep, posture, and eyesight. Game publishers are taking steps to address health issues, including limiting daily play to six hours and sending alerts every two hours to prevent problems. Sriram Vishaal, Head of esports at Skyesports, a tournament organizer, mentions that esports, unlike games of chance and betting, are skill-based and are not likely to come under scrutiny by the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority.
