Raistar’s streaming setup used to be all about the quick, flashy kills – solo chaos, battle royale mayhem. Now? His screen’s split five ways, voices crackling over comms, every move a calculated risk. From solo kills to 5v5 mastery, this is the shift that’s rewriting India’s esports playbook. And with 400 million eyes projected to tune in by 2025, it’s not just a pivot. It’s a revolution.
The Numbers Don’t Lie – India’s MOBA Moment Is Here
300 million esports viewers in 2023. 400 million by 2025. Let that sink in for a second. India’s gamer base – already over 160 million strong – isn’t just growing; it’s exploding, and mobile esports is the fuse. Globally, 56% of esports viewership happens on phones. In Asia-Pacific? That number jumps to 62%. The message is clear: if you’re not playing on mobile, you’re missing the party.
And the money? Oh, it’s following. The market’s sitting at $40 million in FY2025, but by FY2030? $132 million, growing at a blistering 26% annually. Some forecasts are even more aggressive, pegging the value at $90-100 million by 2028. Sponsorships are driving two-thirds of that growth, turning teams into brands and players into influencers. MOBAs, with their 28.7% global market share and a 20.4% CAGR through 2035, are the crown jewel in this expansion.
Here’s the kicker: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Pokémon UNITE aren’t just popular – they’re dominating. MLBB’s Mid-Season Cup 2025 pulled in 3 million peak viewers. That’s not just a number; that’s a statement. India’s esports scene, once synonymous with battle royale, is now a strategy-heavy, team-based powerhouse.
The Stars Leading the Charge
Raistar and Gyan Gaming didn’t just wake up one day and decide to switch games. They saw the writing on the wall: 5v5 MOBAs offer something battle royale can’t – depth, teamwork, a global stage. And they’re not alone. Teams like S8UL are going all-in, launching experienced MLBB rosters with players like Apex and Abhi, fresh off their MSC 2024 performances. Their Pokémon UNITE squad? They’re not just competing; they’re dominating South Asia, racking up regional wins and representing at the World Championship.
This isn’t just about skill. It’s about narrative. MOBAs thrive on stories – underdog comebacks, clutch plays, rivalries that span continents. And in India, where esports is still finding its footing, these stories are gold. They turn players into legends and teams into dynasties. S8UL’s new roster isn’t just a lineup; it’s a statement of intent. Backed by title sponsors like iQOO, they’re not just playing the game. They’re shaping it.
The Global Stage Is Watching
MLBB’s M6 World Championship in 2024 drew 250,000 live attendees. 250,000. That’s not just a crowd; that’s a movement. Peak viewership? 4.13 million. India’s mobile-first approach isn’t just keeping up with this global surge – it’s mirroring it, fueled by Asia’s 5G boom and a government that’s finally taking esports seriously. Digital India initiatives, Asian Games inclusion, platforms like YouTube Gaming and Loco – they’re all pieces of the puzzle.
And let’s talk about the Esports World Cup. $3 million events. Teams from India stepping onto the global stage, proving they can hang with the best. This isn’t just about participation; it’s about respect. MOBAs demand strategy, coordination, and split-second decision-making. They’re the ultimate test of a team’s mettle. And India’s teams? They’re passing with flying colors.
What’s Next? The Future Is Mobile, and It’s Bright
Sponsorships are the lifeblood of this growth. Two-thirds of the market’s expansion is tied to them, and brands are taking notice. iQOO, Red Bull, Logitech – these aren’t just logos on jerseys. They’re partners in the revolution. And with 5G rolling out across the country, the infrastructure is finally catching up to the ambition.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about the money or the viewership. It’s about the culture. MOBAs are bringing something new to Indian esports – a sense of permanence. Battle royale was fun, but it was fleeting. MOBAs? They’re built to last. They’re about teamwork, strategy, and the kind of depth that keeps players coming back for years.
So what’s next? More teams. Bigger tournaments. Higher stakes. And yes, more stars like Raistar and Gyan Gaming, proving that India isn’t just a market to watch – it’s a market to bet on. Speaking of which, if you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of competitive gaming, check out the latest insights on esports betting at TipsGG. The scene’s evolving, and the opportunities? They’re endless.
The Bottom Line
India’s MOBA esports scene isn’t just rising. It’s erupting. And with 400 million viewers on the horizon, a $132 million market in the making, and teams like S8UL leading the charge, the question isn’t if this is the future. It’s how far it’ll go. One thing’s for sure: the game has changed. And India? It’s playing to win.
