Kolkata, February 3, 2026:
Kolkata’s esports community is displaying growing confidence, ambition, and long-term career intent, with 77% of daily esports players in the city viewing esports as a financially viable career, according to the JetSynthesys–YouGov Indian Esports Report, a first-of-its-kind nationwide study on India’s esports ecosystem.
The findings indicate that 44% of Kolkata’s daily esports players consider esports to be a “very viable” career option, reflecting a decisive shift in how competitive gaming is perceived—from a hobby to a serious professional pursuit. This confidence is translating into action, with 73% of respondents saying they have considered pursuing esports professionally, underlining the city’s growing commitment to structured esports careers.
The report also highlights a nuanced understanding of esports as a multi-dimensional industry. While 67% of players aspire to become competitive professional gamers, interest extends well beyond gameplay. 60% expressed interest in streaming or content creation, 35% in coaching, 43% in team management or event organisation, and 40% in allied roles such as esports journalism and commentary—signalling recognition of esports as a broad value-chain ecosystem.
Ecosystem Enablers and Challenges
Players in Kolkata consistently emphasised the importance of long-term ecosystem enablers. Government recognition and regulation and development of infrastructure such as gaming cafés and esports arenas were each cited as important by 90% of respondents. Access to structured guidance emerged as a key requirement, with 91% highlighting the need for career counselling and mentorship pathways.
However, social barriers remain. 81% of respondents identified family support, social stigma, and lack of wider societal acceptance as among their top challenges, pointing to the need for continued awareness and institutional backing.
Role of Education and Private Sector
Institutional adoption is seen as a critical growth lever, with 89% of respondents supporting the inclusion of esports in college and university-level sports events. Expectations from the private sector are equally strong—92% emphasised the importance of brand sponsorships, 91% pointed to scholarships, and 88% highlighted coaching programmes and training academies as essential for building sustainable esports careers.
Esports Seen as a Legitimate Sport
Perceptions of esports in Kolkata are increasingly aligned with traditional sports. 49% of daily esports players consider esports comparable to physical sports and mental disciplines such as chess, recognising the discipline, preparation, and performance it demands. Reflecting this shift in identity, 68% are comfortable referring to professional esports players as “athletes,” while 54% already identify themselves as athletes.
Skills and Capabilities Developed
Sustained participation in competitive gaming is also shaping perceptions of skill development. 91% associate professional esports with strategic thinking, adaptability, reflexes, hand–eye coordination, and rapid decision-making under pressure. Beyond gameplay, 69% cited discipline, focus, and structured practice, while 63% highlighted problem-solving, mental resilience, and toughness as key capabilities fostered through esports.
Leadership Perspective
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 longevity. The next phase of growth must focus on building durable pathways, credible institutions, and support systems that enable talent to progress sustainably. This is how India moves from participation to leadership in global esports.”
Growing Viewership and Awareness
Consumption trends further reinforce esports’ rising stature in the city. 90% of esports players in Kolkata watch esports tournaments or leagues at least once or twice a month, while 91% are aware of major competitions such as the BGMI Mobile India Series, Esports Asian Games, and leagues like the Global eCricket Premier League.
