Hyderabad, 29th January, 2026: India’s Esports ecosystem has reached a critical inflection point, with rising ambition of Esports athletes, increasing consideration of esports as a serious sport, and growing consideration of esports as a long-term career option, according to a first-of-its-kind JetSynthesys X YouGov Indian Esports Report.
Confidence in esports careers runs high in Hyderabad
Confidence in Esports as a long-term career is notably strong in the city. 84% of daily esports players in Hyderabad see esports as a financially viable career, with 47% describing it as very viable. This confidence is translating into intent, with 79% of esports players in Hyderabad saying they have considered pursuing esports professionally, signalling increasing seriousness around long-term careers in the ecosystem.
Career ambitions extend well beyond competitive play
Hyderabad’s esports players are also displaying a mature understanding of the ecosystem’s breadth. While 58% aspire to become competitive players, interest spans a wide range of roles across the value chain. 48% want to pursue streaming or content creation, 30% are interested in coaching, 42% in team management or event organisation, and 32% in roles such as esports journalism or commentary. This reflects a growing recognition of esports as a multi-layered industry rather than a single-track pursuit.
Ambition is real, structure is still catching up
When asked what would meaningfully strengthen the esports ecosystem, players in Hyderabad consistently point towards long-term enablers. 88% cite government recognition and regulation as important, while 88% highlight the need for infrastructure such as video gaming cafés and arenas. Access to structured guidance also emerges as a priority, with 89% of respondents in Hyderabad citing career counselling and mentorship pathways as critical. Challenges related to family support, social stigma, and broader social acceptance remain significant, with 83% of respondents citing these among their top three concerns.
Institutional adoption is seen as a key support lever, with 89% of respondents saying inclusion of esports in college and university-level sports events is important. Expectations from the private sector are equally pronounced, with 90% citing sponsorships from brands as important, alongside 91% highlighting the role of scholarships, and strong support for coaching programmes and training academies as essential to enabling sustainable esports careers.
Esports increasingly viewed as a sport in Hyderabad
Esports is now being viewed through a distinctly sporting lens in Hyderabad. 60% of daily esports players in the city consider esports to be same as physical sports and mental disciplines such as chess, recognising the discipline, preparation and performance it demands.
This evolving perception is also reshaping how players see themselves. 70% of esports players in Hyderabad say they are comfortable referring to professional esports players as “athletes”, while 52% say they already identify themselves as athletes, signalling that this shift in self-perception is now actively underway amongst Indian esports players.
A competitive ecosystem
Sustained exposure to competitive video gaming is also shaping how esports players in Hyderabad perceive the capabilities developed through esports. 89% associate professional esports with capabilities such as strategic thinking and planning, adaptability, reflexes, hand–eye coordination, and quick decision-making under pressure, ranking these among their top five capabilities. Beyond gameplay, 73% cite discipline, serious practice, focus and concentration as key capabilities developed through esports, while 57% highlight problem-solving, mental resilience and toughness.
Commenting on the findings, Rajan Navani, Founder and CEO, JetSynthesys, said, “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. 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.”
Hyderabad audiences behaving like sports fans
Consumption patterns in the city further reinforce esports’ growing sporting status. 92% of esports players in Hyderabad say they watch esports tournaments or leagues at least once or twice a month. This regular viewership coincides with awareness of major competitions such as the BGMI Mobile India Series, the Esports Asian Games, and leagues like the Global eCricket Premier League, with 83% of respondents saying they are aware of at least one of these events.
About JetSynthesys
JetSynthesys is a global leader in digital entertainment and technology, specializing in video gaming, esports, and digital content. With a reach spanning 180 countries and millions of users, JetSynthesys is committed to building innovative ecosystems where technology, video gaming & Esports, and entertainment converge. Founded in 2014 by Rajan Navani, JetSynthesys continues to redefine digital experiences while championing inclusivity and engagement across its platforms.
