What once started as casual gaming is now taking on a far more serious meaning in Hyderabad. The city’s esports community is showing a clear shift in mindset, with nearly 79 per cent of players saying they have considered going pro. This reflects a growing belief that competitive gaming can offer real career opportunities, supported by skill, commitment and consistency.
This momentum is being felt across the country as well. Esports in India is moving towards a more organised and performance-oriented structure, driven by regular tournaments, disciplined practice routines and rising career aspirations. Players are no longer logging in just to play; many are now thinking ahead and mapping out long-term futures within the esports ecosystem.
Building on this growing confidence, Hyderabad stands out as a city where belief in esports careers runs particularly strong. As many as 84% of daily esports players here view esports as a financially viable profession, with nearly half calling it very viable. The ambition also goes well beyond competitive play, as players explore diverse paths within the ecosystem where 48% are interested in streaming or content creation, 42% see opportunities in team management or event organisation, 30% are looking towards coaching, and 32% are considering roles such as esports journalism or commentary.
Despite rising ambition, players say support systems are still catching up. Around 88% highlight the need for government recognition and proper infrastructure, while 89% stress the importance of career counselling and mentorship. Social acceptance remains a challenge, with 83% citing family support and stigma as key concerns.
Institutional backing is seen as crucial. 89% want esports included in college-level sports events, 90% point to brand sponsorships, and 91% say scholarships would play a major role in enabling sustainable esports careers.
Esports is also increasingly viewed as a sport in Hyderabad. 60% equate esports with physical sports and mental disciplines, 70% are comfortable calling pro gamers athletes, and 52% already identify themselves as athletes.
Competitive exposure is shaping skill development too. 89% associate esports with strategic thinking, reflexes and decision-making, while 73% credit it for discipline and focus, and 57% for mental resilience and problem-solving.
Audience behaviour shows this sporting mindset. 92% of Hyderabad esports players watch tournaments at least once or twice a month, and 83% are aware of major events and leagues, signalling a mature and engaged fan base.
These findings are drawn from a recent Indian esports survey conducted by JetSynthesys in collaboration with YouGov.
Commenting on the report, JetSynthesys Founder and CEO Rajan Navani said, “The next phase of esports growth must focus on building credible institutions and long-term pathways that allow talent to progress sustainably.”
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