Over 77% Indian Esports Players See Streaming as Key Income Path: YouGov Poll
According to a recent national-level survey conducted by JetSynthesys and YouGov, a significant majority of Indian esports players are turning to streaming and content creation as their primary means of generating income. This comprehensive study marks the first such survey undertaken after the esports sector gained clearer regulatory recognition following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
Survey Highlights Growing Confidence in Esports Career Viability
The survey, which gathered responses from over 1,500 daily Indian esports players aged between 18 and 44 across multiple cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Patna, reveals that over 77 per cent of respondents see clear monetisation opportunities in streaming beyond traditional tournament winnings. Furthermore, approximately 83 per cent believe there is financial viability in pursuing esports as a career, with 49 per cent describing it as an extremely viable career option.
Regulatory Recognition and Industry Challenges
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which officially recognises esports as a sport while prohibiting online money games like poker and fantasy sports, has provided a much-needed regulatory framework. However, industry leaders have pointed out that gaps in infrastructure and the lack of enabling policy frameworks continue to hinder India's ability to host large-scale tournaments. In October 2025, the IT Ministry released draft rules proposing the establishment of the Online Gaming Authority of India as a regulator, along with measures for company registration and a three-tiered grievance redressal system.
Key Findings and Structural Gaps
The survey identified several key trends and structural gaps within the esports ecosystem:
- Over 81 per cent of respondents expressed interest in becoming full-time competitive esports players or content creators.
- 56 per cent showed keenness towards roles such as coaches, analysts, team managers, or event organisers.
- The report highlights a growing understanding of esports as a broad, multi-layered career ecosystem encompassing performance, content creation, strategy, and team operations.
Respondents emphasised the importance of government recognition and regulation, infrastructure like video gaming cafés and arenas, and access to career counselling and mentorship pathways, with 9 out of 10 rating each of these as crucial growth factors. Additionally, nearly 90 per cent called for support from the private sector through brand sponsorships, scholarships, and coaching in training academies.
Barriers to Full-Time Esports Careers
Despite the growing optimism, the survey also noted significant barriers to pursuing esports as a full-time career. Family support, social stigma, and broader social acceptance remain prominent challenges. The study recommends long-term fixes rather than short-term solutions to address these structural gaps and foster sustainable growth in the industry.
Industry Perspectives and Future Outlook
Commenting on the survey findings, Rajan Navani, founder and CEO of JetSynthesys, stated, "This study captures a pivotal moment for esports in India. What stands out is the clarity with which Indian esports players are thinking about the future, not just in terms of opportunity, but in terms of longevity and legitimacy." He added, "The next phase of growth must be about building durable pathways, credible institutions, and support systems that allow talent to progress sustainably. This is how India moves from participation to leadership in global esports."
The survey underscores a transformative shift in the Indian esports landscape, driven by regulatory clarity and increasing player confidence in streaming and content creation as viable income streams.
