E-sports has exploded into the global scene, transforming how people view video gaming. What was once considered a niche hobby has now evolved into a full-blown industry, attracting millions of viewers, players, and bettors. In India, e-sports betting is becoming more popular, especially as the nation embraces digital gaming platforms. But, which games are Indian bettors gravitating towards the most? Let’s dive into the world of e-sports and discover which titles dominate the Indian betting scene.
The Rise of E-sports in India
India has witnessed an extraordinary surge in the popularity of e-sports over the last few years, transforming what was once a niche hobby into a mainstream entertainment and competitive arena. This transformation didn’t happen overnight—it was fueled by affordable smartphones, widespread 4G internet access, and a tech-savvy younger generation hungry for digital content. As traditional forms of entertainment started to evolve, e-sports stepped in as a dynamic, interactive experience, offering a mix of excitement, skill, and community.
The Indian gaming ecosystem has grown at breakneck speed, with e-sports emerging as one of its brightest segments. Large-scale tournaments now draw millions of viewers, both online and offline, while major game titles such as BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), Valorant, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive have developed dedicated fanbases. This surge has led to professional teams, sponsorship deals, and national-level competitions, making e-sports a legitimate career option for talented gamers. Influencers and streamers have also added fuel to this growth, turning casual viewers into passionate fans.
Alongside the competitive aspect of gaming, e-sports betting has started to carve out a space in the Indian market. Platforms are rapidly emerging that allow fans to place real-money wagers on matches, outcomes, and in-game events. This development brings an additional layer of excitement for viewers, who now engage with their favorite games not just as spectators, but as active participants. The legal grey area surrounding online betting in India has not deterred this trend—in fact, it has prompted many platforms to operate under international licenses, targeting Indian bettors with user-friendly interfaces and localized features.
As e-sports continue to cement their place in Indian pop culture, the betting side of the industry is also maturing. Understanding which games dominate the scene is becoming crucial, especially for bettors looking to make informed decisions. From FPS titles like Valorant to mobile juggernauts like BGMI and Free Fire, each game offers unique betting markets and strategies. For Indian bettors, this means there’s never been a more thrilling time to be involved in the e-sports revolution.
Popular E-sports Titles in India
| Game Title | Genre | Platform | Popularity Level | Common Betting Markets |
| Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) | Battle Royale | Mobile | Extremely High | Match Winner, Kill Count, MVP, Map Results |
| Valorant | First-Person Shooter | PC | High | Round Winner, First Kill, Total Rounds |
| Free Fire | Battle Royale | Mobile | Very High | Top Squad, Last Player Standing, Kill Spread |
| Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) | Tactical FPS | PC | Medium to High | Map Winner, Total Maps, Pistol Round Winner |
| Dota 2 | Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) | PC | Niche but Growing | Match Winner, First Blood, Tower Destroyed |
PUBG Mobile (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile)
PUBG Mobile stands tall as one of the most iconic e-sports games in India. It’s more than just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its unique battle royale format, where 100 players drop into a map and fight to be the last one standing, has captured the attention of millions. The mix of tactical gameplay, quick reflexes, and survival instincts makes it not only fun to play but thrilling to watch and bet on.
- Massive Popularity Across India: PUBG Mobile has an enormous and loyal fanbase in India. Even after temporary bans and relaunches (as BGMI), the hype never really died. Large tournaments featuring Indian squads regularly hit peak viewership.
- Mobile-First Gaming Culture: India is a mobile-first country when it comes to gaming. Most users don’t own expensive gaming rigs, but they do have smartphones. PUBG Mobile’s availability on budget and mid-range devices makes it incredibly accessible.
- Free-to-Play Format: Anyone can download and start playing without paying a dime. This removes the entry barrier for millions of players, expanding the potential betting audience significantly.
- Frequent Tournaments and Events: From local qualifiers to global championships, PUBG Mobile’s e-sports calendar is packed. This means bettors have regular opportunities to place wagers, follow favorite teams, and track stats.
- Strategic Gameplay Offers Betting Depth: Unlike purely reaction-based shooters, PUBG Mobile requires strategy—zone control, looting paths, teamwork, and rotation plans. These elements add layers to betting markets like predicting MVPs, squad rankings, and zone dominance.
- Live Streaming and Content Culture: Indian streamers and influencers have turned PUBG Mobile into an entertainment staple. Their coverage of matches, custom games, and scrims keeps fans hooked and informed, which helps bettors make smarter wagers.
- Localized Tournaments and Indian Teams: Events like the BGMI Series and PUBG Mobile India Tour are designed for Indian players and fans. This localized approach builds emotional connections with teams and players, deepening betting interest.
- High-Paced Action Keeps It Exciting: Each match is different—random drops, unexpected zone shifts, and surprise ambushes make every moment a nail-biter. This unpredictable nature is exactly what keeps bettors on the edge of their seats.
- In-Game Stats and Analytics: PUBG Mobile provides a lot of data—damage dealt, kills, survival time, headshots, assists—which sportsbooks can use to create diverse and engaging betting options.
- Community-Driven Hype: From memes to team rivalries, the community keeps PUBG Mobile alive between major tournaments. This constant buzz ensures consistent engagement from bettors throughout the year.
Free Fire
Free Fire has become one of the most played and watched e-sports games in India, capturing the hearts of millions of mobile gamers and bettors alike. Its appeal lies in its highly optimized design for low-end smartphones, making it accessible even in areas where high-performance devices aren’t common. The game offers a battle royale experience much like PUBG Mobile but with faster matches and smaller maps, making it perfect for the Indian audience, which often prefers quick bursts of action during short breaks or commutes.
The gameplay is intense and fast-paced, with each match typically lasting around 10 minutes. This shorter format aligns well with the lifestyles of many Indian gamers who want to squeeze in a quick session without committing too much time. For bettors, this means more matches to wager on in a shorter period, increasing both engagement and potential profits. Moreover, the constant stream of updates, themed events, new characters, and stylish skins keeps the player base engaged and the betting markets dynamic.
Another major factor behind Free Fire’s popularity among Indian bettors is the game’s inclusivity. It runs smoothly on budget smartphones, which constitute a large chunk of the Indian market. Because of this, Free Fire has developed a massive user base across urban and rural regions alike. This widespread accessibility has led to an explosion of community-driven content, including live streams, YouTube tournaments, and influencer-hosted battles, all of which help bettors stay informed and entertained.
In the world of e-sports betting, Free Fire is especially attractive due to its competitive scene. Tournaments like the Free Fire India Championship and regional qualifiers regularly draw huge viewership and betting interest. Bettors love the fast outcomes, vibrant team rivalries, and the ability to bet on various outcomes like team winners, top damage dealers, and first kills. With its strong infrastructure and dedicated Indian fanbase, Free Fire has firmly established itself as one of the key titles fueling the growth of e-sports betting in the country.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO)
| Aspect | Details | Impact on Betting | Relevance in India | Tournaments/Events |
| Game Genre | Tactical first-person shooter focused on bomb defusal and hostage rescue. | Offers deep strategic insights, making it ideal for skill-based bets. | Preferred by hardcore gamers and PC e-sports enthusiasts. | ESL India Premiership, ZOWIE eXTREMESLAND, AORUS League |
| Competitive Structure | Features well-structured leagues, frequent regional and global tournaments. | Enables year-round betting opportunities with varied odds. | Indian teams like Global Esports have gained recognition in regional circuits. | BLAST Premier, IEM, DreamHack, local LAN events |
| Team-Based Gameplay | 5v5 gameplay focused on coordination, roles, and tactical execution. | Allows for betting on team stats, player performance, and clutch outcomes. | Appeals to fans who enjoy strategy, teamwork, and long-standing rivalries. | Betting markets include round wins, bomb plants/defusals. |
| Betting Markets | Winner, map winner, first kill, total rounds, pistol round, MVP, etc. | Wide variety gives bettors multiple angles to explore. | Growth in Indian betting sites offering tailored CS: GO markets. | In-play/live betting popular due to fast pace. |
| Viewer Engagement | High viewership on Twitch and YouTube; strong commentary and analysis. | Bettors follow professional analysis to make smarter predictions. | Active Indian e-sports streamers create buzz around matches and teams. | Watch parties and fantasy e-sports further increase interest. |
Dota 2
- Epic Tournaments: Dota 2 is home to one of the most prestigious and exciting e-sports events: The International. With its consistently record-breaking prize pools, this event draws the eyes of the entire e-sports world, including Indian bettors, who eagerly follow the tournament for both the action and the betting opportunities it offers. The massive scale of The International means that fans can place bets on multiple facets of the game, from match outcomes to individual player performances.
- High Skill Ceiling: Dota 2 is known for its depth and complexity. It’s not a simple game to master. The diverse pool of heroes, each with unique abilities, and the vast array of strategies available to players, make the game incredibly challenging. Indian bettors who are experienced in analyzing games enjoy the intellectual challenge that comes with Dota 2 betting. With so many factors at play, such as hero drafts, team compositions, and even individual player skill, there’s always something to break down for a well-informed wager.
- Global Popularity: Dota 2 has a massive international fanbase, and this global appeal translates into a multitude of betting opportunities for Indian players. Whether the tournaments are hosted in North America, Europe, or Southeast Asia, Indian bettors have access to a wide variety of odds, markets, and events to bet on. The global popularity of the game ensures that there is always something to bet on, and the game’s constant updates and patch releases keep things fresh, providing new betting angles for both seasoned and new bettors.
- Strategic Gameplay: The core of Dota 2’s appeal lies in its intricate gameplay mechanics. Players choose from a large roster of heroes, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and abilities, and must work together to destroy the enemy’s Ancient. The game involves intense strategy, from the hero draft phase to the endgame, and every decision can impact the outcome of the match. Indian bettors who follow the game closely love to place wagers on various aspects of the game, such as the first hero picked, the first tower to be destroyed, or the overall match winner.
- Match Variety: Dota 2 offers diverse match types and formats, from pub games to professional league matches. The professional scene is vast, with leagues such as the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) offering year-round action. This variety means that bettors are not limited to major tournaments but can also bet on smaller events and online qualifiers. The constant stream of competitive action ensures that there are always fresh opportunities to wager, no matter the time of year.