Gaming is going crazy in India with Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) going to bring an Indian Premier League (IPL)-like esports league to the gaming scene in the country. To cricket-like game of rivalries and all the excitement of a competitive game, as enjoyed by the fans, this new venture is certain to deliver a new zeal to the world of esports in India. Just imagine how tense the games during IPL can be and imagine how fast paced battles of BGMI, city-based teams, and loud fanbases can be. It is an answered prayer of the gamers with the desire to have a well-organized and high-sphere esports society in India.
The Indian gaming sector has experienced a massive upsurge over past few years with more than 450 million gamers and more than 400 percent increase of viewers over the last three years in esports. BGMI, which is one of the most famous mobile games in this country, has been on the center stage of the revolution. Summarizing that more than 100 million downloads have been made, it is not surprising that the developer of the game now acts daringly to raise its esports activity. With the next franchise-based league that is based on the IPL, there will be the long-term goal of having a competitive platform that would resemble the traditional sports of excitement and professionalism.
The new league will be city based league similar to Mumbai Indians or Chennai Super Kings in IPL. The teams will be formed across different major cities in India adding on to the feeling of regional pride and rivalry to the world of games. Viewers are to see the heated games, local fans supporting their home teams, and an electrified climate that is similar to a sporty feast with elements of gaming. It will provide professional opportunities to players enabling them to make money and have a career in esports in the long run, making the league a game-changer among the aspirants in the field of esports.
The most exciting part of this initiative is that it will have a potential to change the perception towards esports in India. The developers are allowing interested corporate entities, individuals and celebrities, sports people, investors to own and operate such franchise teams on prepared bids. This brings the possibility of large brands entering the esports scene, which will bring the gap closer between the traditional sports and the games. Think of a cricket icon or an Indian Bollywood celebrity owning his or her BGMI team, and getting others to root their team on. This entertainment, sporting and game combination is bound to impress millions.
The organization of the league will most likely be based on the achievements of the current BGMI events, including the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) and Battlegrounds Mobile Pro Series (BMPS). BGMI esports have already demonstrated the enormous following it has received with huge prize pools and full stadiums in cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. The new IPL-style league is set out to take it a notch higher by establishing a stable competitive ecosystem throughout the year. Crowds will get to witness exciting games, new ways of developing their strategies, and memorable events foreseeable like in the final of IPL.
Players representing this league get an opportunity to perform in a larger scale. It is about professionalism, and thus a greater degree of training, coaching and supporting teams and aids immensely in assisting the players in taking their passion into a professional career. Other than the players, the league will also offer the coaches, analysts, content creators, and event organizers some opportunities that will grow the entire esports industry. It is a massive milestone towards popularising esports as a career choice in India similar to Cricket or football.
It does not only stop with the teams and the players. This league will incorporate fans as a major part of it, and they will have a chance to participate in the form of affordable, in-person experiences, event streams, and content in the game. IPL teams make anthems and fan chants, BGMI teams may also provide their followers with music video and memes, and merchandise to help them establish a loyal fanbase. It will also leverage the Indian culture of storytelling and youthful culture as the league will be a lively ground where brands and creators can reach millions of gamers.
The waiting is on as bidding on franchise teams commences. The bids are to be received not later than in the beginning of July of 2025, and the gaming community could not wait to see what cities and teams will be forthcoming. Given that the revenue generated by the Indian gaming industry is estimated to be more than Rs 1,100 crores by 2025, this league is ideally placed as an opportunity to tap into the current enthusiasm towards esports. It is not a tournament it is the beginning of new competitive gaming in India.
It is a game changer among the fans who have dreamed to watch their city BGMI team play in a full house stadium or watched their favorite BGMI players play to win on a global stage. It is an opportunity to witness such esports in focus where all the excitement of a game combines with that of a sports fan. As the league has been starting to form, there is one thing that stands above the rest, and BGMI is at the heart of making history, and Indian players will be experiencing an unforgettable adventure.
Sources: The data was motivated by the recent events in the Indian esports world, as well as the news in the field of franchise-based leagues of the game BGMI.
