Esports Is the New Cricket: How Competitive Gaming Is Winning Indian Hearts on YouTube
- AceDROO
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
From Gully Cricket to Gaming Setups
There was a time when every Indian child dreamt of becoming the next Sachin Tendulkar. Cricket wasn’t just a sport; it was a religion. But today, in living rooms across India, the chants of "Howzzat!" are being replaced by the tap-tap-tap of mobile screens and the roar of livestream chats. From small towns to metro cities, young Indians are not just watching matches on TV; they’re streaming BGMI, Valorant, and Free Fire tournaments on YouTube, cheering for their favourite gamers just like they once did for cricketing legends.
This isn’t just a trend. It’s a revolution. Esports is fast emerging as the new cricket of India, capturing hearts, screens, and screen time across generations.
🎮 The Meteoric Rise of Esports in India
So, what exactly is esports? Simply put, it’s competitive video gaming, where individuals or teams battle it out in tournaments watched by millions online. India’s esports scene, once a niche subculture, is now a mainstream entertainment industry, largely fueled by mobile gaming and accessible platforms like YouTube.
The rise of games like BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), Valorant, Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile opened the doors for Indian gamers to compete at a global level. Tournaments like BMPS (Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series), Skyesports Championship, and ESL India Premiership draw millions of viewers.
According to a FICCI-EY report, the Indian esports industry is projected to grow by over 30% annually, and YouTube is at the heart of this boom.
🏏 Esports vs Cricket: The New Cultural Clash
Cricket is part of India's DNA, but esports is rewriting the cultural code for the new generation.
Let’s compare. While the IPL 2024 Final drew around 45 million live viewers, the BMPS Grand Finals garnered more than 20 million views across livestreams and replays, with a significantly smaller budget. The gap is shrinking, and quickly.
What’s more compelling is interactivity. Esports viewers don’t just watch, they comment, cheer, superchat, and even game alongside their heroes. It’s cricket for the digital generation, with real-time interaction.
And while cricket stadiums are limited to a few thousand seats, YouTube is an unlimited stadium, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, anyone with data can tune in.
🔴 YouTube: The Virtual Stadium for Indian Esports
If esports is the new cricket, YouTube is its Eden Gardens.
Indian gaming creators have built massive fandoms on the platform. Mortal, once a college student with a dream, is now a household name with over 7 million subscribers. Scout, Payal Gaming, Jonathan, and Snax are no longer just players; they're influencers, youth icons, and brand magnets.
Livestreams of tournaments like BGMI Finals regularly attract hundreds of thousands of live viewers, with users actively participating in polls, Q&As, donations, and giveaways.
Then there’s YouTube Shorts, bite-sized highlights of incredible plays, funny fails, or motivational moments. These clips get millions of views, fueling discovery and fan loyalty.
What cricket was to Doordarshan and Star Sports, esports is to YouTube India, a broadcast revolution.
👾 Why Indian Youth Are Hooked on Esports
The popularity of esports among Indian youth is not just about the gameplay. It's about access, aspiration, and identity.
🔹 Accessibility
All you need is a smartphone and cheap data (thanks, Jio!)
Games like BGMI are free-to-play, and platforms like YouTube make watching seamless
🔹 Aspiration
Anyone can start streaming and become a gaming creator
Real stories of success, like Mortal or Total Gaming, show that fame and fortune are possible without Bollywood or cricket
🔹 Community
Gamers form clans, join Discords, and participate in fan communities
Memes, fan art, and community challenges keep audiences engaged
🔹 Monetization
From Superchats and ad revenue to brand sponsorships and merchandise, young gamers are earning lakhs per month
And unlike cricket, there’s no need for selection committees or years of training; you just need skill, a good personality, and consistency
🏆 Small Town to Stardom: The New Dream
Cricket was once the dream of every small-town Indian. Today, that dream is shared with gaming. In cities like Indore, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Patna, young creators are going live from their bedrooms, and racking up millions of views.
Esports has created a new ecosystem of careers: casters, analysts, editors, coaches, designers, and more. And YouTube is helping these creators reach global audiences.
This is the democratisation of entertainment, and Indian youth are leading the charge.
🔮 The Future: Can Esports Truly Rival Cricket?
Cricket will always be the king of Indian sports. But esports isn’t trying to replace it, it’s creating its own kingdom. A parallel culture, where young Indians are finding purpose, community, and even income.
With government recognition, the inclusion of esports in the Asian Games, and brands pouring crores into gaming sponsorships, the stage is set.
Colleges now host inter-university gaming competitions, and even schools are exploring esports clubs. Events like DreamHack India and India Gaming Show attract thousands of fans, just like cricket matches.
🧠 Final Thoughts: A New Playing Field
India has room for both cricket and esports. But as screens get smaller and attention spans shorter, esports is perfectly positioned for the future.
It's more than a game. It’s a career path, a cultural movement, and a new national obsession.
Cricket may still be our first love, but esports is fast becoming India’s digital heartbeat.
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