The excitement around BGIS 2025 is undeniable. With a massive prize pool of over ₹2 crore, teams across India are fiercely battling it out for the coveted championship title. The finals, set to take place from 25th to 27th February in Kolkata, the “City of Joy,” are shaping up to be a spectacular event. Yet, despite the fierce competition and incredible local talent, a lingering question remains: When will India get a chance to compete on the international esports stage?
In 2024, Indian teams were notably absent from the Esports World Cup, despite being among the leading nations in mobile gaming. The question is becoming even more pressing as we look toward the Olympic Esports Games. If PUBG or its variants are included as official titles in the competition, can India rise to the occasion and make its mark?
The Rise and Fall of PUBG in India: An Esports Journey
PUBG Mobile’s journey in India has been turbulent, with national security concerns leading to its ban in September 2020, along with other Chinese apps. This left Indian players without one of the most competitive mobile titles in the world. However, in July 2021, the Indian version of PUBG, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), was introduced, offering a ray of hope to the esports community.
But the dream was short-lived. On 28th July 2022, BGMI was also banned, further dimming the prospects of international representation for Indian esports athletes. After almost a year of uncertainty, BGMI made its comeback on 19th May 2023, reigniting hopes among players and fans alike.
The India-Korea Invitational: A Step Toward Global Competition?
The India-Korea Invitational held by Krafton in October 2023, with a ₹1 crore prize pool, was a significant event in India’s esports landscape. It provided Indian teams with a rare opportunity to compete against international teams. However, many argue that one event is hardly enough to bridge the gap between India and the top global esports teams.
While the Invitational was a step in the right direction, it exposed a glaring reality: Indian teams are severely lacking in global competition. The absence of regular international exposure means that Indian players don’t have the opportunity to compete in the same lobbies as global players, which is crucial for skill development and experience.
The Global Esports Stage: What’s at Stake?
As the esports industry continues to evolve, events with multi-crore prize pools like the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC), Esports World Cup, and the Olympic Esports Games have become the ultimate goal for competitive players. However, the gap between India and global standards remains daunting. Without the ability to compete regularly against the best in the world, Indian players may struggle to gain the experience necessary to succeed in these prestigious tournaments.
The Olympic Esports Games, in particular, could be a game-changer for Indian esports if PUBG Mobile or BGMI becomes an official title. The Olympics represent the pinnacle of global competition, and if Indian teams can participate, it would be a moment of immense pride. But will India be ready?
Can India Ever Represent at Global Esports Events?
The road to international representation is undeniably challenging, but not impossible. India’s esports ecosystem needs a platform that fosters consistent global competition. Events like BGIS 2025 offer great local exposure, but to elevate the level of competition, India needs more opportunities to play against top international teams. The future of Indian esports will depend on initiatives that provide such exposure, not just from the private sector but also from government and global esports organizations.
The hope is that as the esports scene continues to grow, Indian teams will have access to more global tournaments, building the skills and experience required to compete at the highest level. The Esports World Cup and Olympic Esports Games could become the stepping stones for India’s international esports journey.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Esports in India
While India is making strides in the esports industry, we still have a long way to go to match the global giants. As BGIS 2025 heats up and with new opportunities like the India-Korea Invitational popping up, the future seems promising. However, without regular international exposure, Indian teams may find it hard to bridge the skill gap.
As the next generation of esports players rise to prominence, the ultimate question remains: Will India ever have the chance to represent the country on the global stage, be it in the Esports World Cup, PMGC, or the Olympic Esports Games?
Only time will tell, but with the passion and talent Indian gamers have shown so far, the future of India in global esports is definitely something to watch.
