Pakistan’s Esports Industry Poised for Rapid Growth: A Look into the Future
With its vibrant gaming community, increasing internet penetration, and a youthful population, Pakistan’s Esports industry is on the verge of a massive expansion. According to the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), the number of gamers in Pakistan is expected to grow to 50.9 million by 2026, fueling an anticipated boom in the Esports market.
Projected Market Growth
In 2024, the Esports market in Pakistan is projected to generate approximately $5.2 million in revenue. With a CAGR of 10.71%, this market is expected to reach $8.7 million by 2029. As the industry continues to evolve, Pakistan is rapidly positioning itself as a significant player on the global Esports stage, with an estimated 36 million gamers by the end of 2022.
What is Esports?
Esports, or electronic sports, refers to competitive gaming, where professional players and teams compete in video games for prize money and prestige. Over the past decade, Esports has evolved from a niche community to a global phenomenon, attracting millions of fans and generating billions in revenue.
Government Recognition and Support
Pakistan’s government officially recognized Esports as a legitimate industry through the E-Pak initiative launched in July 2021. This recognition has been a major catalyst for the industry’s growth. The initiative supports game developers, players, and gaming events, laying the groundwork for the creation of a supportive infrastructure for the industry. In 2022, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication announced plans to develop Esports infrastructure and training programs to nurture local talent.
The establishment of the Pakistan Esports Federation has further strengthened the ecosystem, ensuring the country’s position as an emerging force in the global Esports landscape.
Global Recognition of Esports
Around 30 to 40 countries worldwide officially recognize Esports as an industry or sport. These nations have created governing bodies and regulations to support the growth of Esports. Many have extended the same status and privileges to Esports athletes as traditional sports figures, including visa perks, legal protections, and government-sponsored programs.
Future Outlook for Pakistan’s Esports Industry
The future of Esports in Pakistan looks promising, driven by factors such as:
- Mobile Gaming: Affordable smartphones and data plans are expected to expand the player base and audience for Esports.
- Blockchain and NFTs: The integration of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in Esports introduces new revenue streams and innovation, with Pakistani developers exploring Play2Earn (P2E) models.
Esports is expected to become an integral part of Pakistan’s digital economy and cultural fabric, creating new opportunities for players, developers, and investors.
Read More: Pakistan’s Gaming Industry revenue to cross $200 million in 2023
Pakistani Players Achieving Global Success
Pakistani Esports players have garnered global recognition for their remarkable achievements in various tournaments. In 2023, Arslan Ash ranked #1 in the Tekken World Tour (TWT) Global Rankings, with Atif Butt securing the #6 spot. In 2024, both players continued to represent Pakistan with Arslan Ash at #2 and Atif Butt at #3 globally.
These achievements underscore the growing prominence of Pakistan in the global Esports community.
Local Esports Tournaments
Pakistan has hosted several high-profile Esports tournaments, showcasing local talent and attracting international participation. Notable events include:
- The Pak-China Esports Friendship Cup, fostering international cooperation.
- Dew Gamers Arena, a tournament sponsored by Mountain Dew.
- Lahore Esports Festival, which featured popular titles like Valorant, CS:GO, and FIFA.
In 2024, Raptr Games and IGN, in partnership with HBL, conducted large-scale tournaments across FIFA 24, Valorant, and Tekken 8, offering a platform for hundreds of players to showcase their skills.
Esports in Education
The Beaconhouse School system took the initiative to introduce Esports into mainstream education by partnering with Raptr and IGN in 2023. Over 1,000 students participated in the EA FC 24 national tournament, helping students engage with Esports professionally.
Global Esports Market Growth
Globally, the Esports market is set to reach $5 billion in revenue by 2024 and is projected to surge to $641.39 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by advancements in live streaming technology, increased sponsorships, and platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Major Esports events, such as the League of Legends World Championship and the Fortnite World Cup, now draw audiences comparable to traditional sports events.
As Esports continues to gain momentum worldwide, Pakistan is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of competitive gaming, both regionally and globally.
