Chennai has witnessed a significant transformation in the esports landscape, with the perception of it being a mere hobby for youngsters shifting towards a booming multi-crore industry. The city is now home to professional e-gamers who represent India on the global stage, earning substantial monthly incomes ranging from 10 to 20 lakhs. Recognizing this trend, the Tamil Nadu government has embraced esports by incorporating it into the prestigious CM Trophy tournament.
Sudin Dinesh, a native of Chennai, started his gaming journey casually with friends at local parlors equipped with basic gaming consoles and computers. Little did he anticipate that this pastime would lead him to compete internationally. With dedication and tenacity, he honed his skills by practicing for 10 hours daily, achieving prominence through numerous tournament victories across the country.
His exceptional talent caught the attention of a gaming organization based in Delhi, propelling him into the realm of professional esports. His participation in the 2015 Esports World Championship solidified his position as one of the top 32 players globally. Reflecting on his career, Dinesh, now retired, holds a lucrative position as the Head of Production at an Esports Club in Bengaluru, emphasizing the growing appeal of esports as a viable profession.
The popularity of esports continues to soar in Chennai, with livestreams attracting substantial viewership ranging from 3 to 17 lakhs. Viewers, particularly novices, observe top gamers navigating in-game challenges, alongside the opportunity for players to earn income through streaming, tournament prizes, and brand partnerships.
The esports industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, evidenced by the escalating prize pools. From a ₹5 lakh reward for a FIFA tournament in 2010 to a recent ₹2 crore prize pool for a Battlegrounds tournament in Kochi, the scope and scale of esports have expanded significantly. Game publishers from various nations are increasingly organizing tournaments, showcasing the global appeal and competitive nature of esports.Indian cities are working to promote esports. In late November, Chennai is set to host a major event showcasing the top e-gamers in the country. Not all players are professionals, with some like Kirubakaran Sundar Rajan, a doctor from Georgia, joining friends in Chennai to play purely out of passion. According to Rajan, the appeal lies in the feedback from streams and the opportunity to network with people globally. Gaming is viewed by some professionals, including doctors and engineers aged 20 to 40, as a means to enhance concentration, although concerns about addiction are on the rise. Dr. D Sidharth, who treats cases of back pain and stress related to excessive gaming, notes that many players spend 4-6 hours straight gaming after work, impacting their sleep, posture, and eyesight. To address these concerns, some game publishers have implemented self-regulatory measures such as restricting daily gaming to six hours and sending alerts every two hours to mitigate health issues. Sriram Vishaal, Head of esports at Skyesports, mentions that skill-based esports, unlike games of chance and betting, is not likely to be scrutinized by the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority.
