Gaming has been a popular hobby for a long time, but competitive gaming as a legitimate income source has gained momentum in India recently. Bengaluru has emerged as a hub for gamers, attracting players from around the world to come together, compete, network, and grow both personally and professionally. We spoke with members of the Bengaluru Super Smash Bros (SSB) community to learn more about their experiences. According to Shreyas, a 16-year-old currently ranked as India's top SSB player, the pandemic played a significant role in kickstarting many gaming journeys globally. He explained that during the lockdown, he and his friend started playing SSB online, discovered tournaments, and gradually developed their hobby into a serious pursuit. Similar stories have emerged within the community, with players traveling to Bengaluru from various places such as the UAE and Mumbai to compete. Arjun Sivaram, India's fifth-ranked SSB player, shared that he has earned over ₹1.5 lakh through gaming, highlighting the financial opportunities available in competitive gaming. He mentioned that tournaments offer rewards ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000, with podium finishes proving lucrative. Additionally, Rahul Diwakar noted that the SSB community in Bengaluru has a notable representation of female gamers compared to other communities."When considering the broader gaming landscape, our community is notably popular among female gamers. We have a diverse and inclusive membership base, with Super Smash Bros being a game that offers the challenge of professional gaming without the violent content. The game features a variety of characters like Kirby and Jigglypuff, appealing to fans across different entertainment genres," explains Rahul.
Ipsita Thapa, a NIFT student and part-time cosplayer, attended the event dressed as Link from The Legend of Zelda. Ipsita shares, "It took me over a week and around ₹5,000 in materials to create this outfit, but I gladly invest over ₹50,000 a year in cosplay because I enjoy bringing characters to life. I attend various conventions dressed as popular characters, spreading joy."
The professional gaming community has significantly improved over time, now routinely competing against and defeating international players. There is a noticeable rise in dedicated practice within the community, a positive development noted by Arjun Sivaram.
"Bengaluru's social environment fosters a thriving gaming community," says Nitin Rao, a graphic designer and member of the SSB community. "The city's social nature has allowed us to grow from a group of online players to a tight-knit group of friends who consider themselves a big family. Our friendships extend beyond the game."
