Islamabad, Feb 6: Pakistan’s gaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by a young population, increasing internet penetration, and a thriving gaming community. According to a report by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), the number of gamers in the country is expected to reach 50.9 million by 2026. In 2024 alone, the Esports market is projected to generate $5.2 million in revenue, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.71%, bringing the market volume to $8.7 million by 2029.
Pakistan has emerged as a key player in the global Esports landscape, with approximately 16% of its population around 36 million people engaged in gaming by the end of 2022. Esports, which involves competitive video gaming at professional levels, has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide. Recognizing its potential, the Pakistani government formally acknowledged Esports as an industry through the E-Pak initiative in 2021, which supports game developers and players while promoting Esports events. The formation of the Pakistan Esports Federation and government-backed infrastructure development have further propelled the industry forward.
Globally, around 30 to 40 countries officially recognize Esports, granting professional players the same status as traditional athletes, including visa privileges and government support. Pakistan is following suit, as the country’s Esports sector continues to gain recognition and support. The rise of mobile gaming, driven by affordable smartphones and internet access, has significantly expanded the country’s gaming audience. Additionally, emerging technologies like blockchain and NFTs are creating new revenue streams through Play2Earn (P2E) gaming models, allowing players to earn and trade virtual assets.
Pakistan has made a mark in the international Esports arena, particularly in the Tekken World Tour (TWT) Global Rankings. In 2023, two Pakistani players Arslan Ash and Atif Butt secured top positions at No. 1 and No. 6, respectively, with seven players making it to the Global Top 50. The trend continued in 2024, with six players ranking in the Top 50, including Arslan Ash at No. 2 and Atif Butt at No. 3.
The country has hosted several major Esports tournaments, attracting both local and international talent. The Pak-China Esports Friendship Cup has strengthened collaboration between the two nations, while Mountain Dew’s Dew Gamers Arena has provided substantial prize pools for emerging players. Events like the Lahore Esports Festival have further highlighted the industry’s growth, featuring popular games such as Valorant, CS:GO, and FIFA. In 2024, Raptr Games and IGN, in collaboration with HBL, organized large-scale tournaments for FIFA 24, Valorant, and Tekken 8, encouraging new talent to compete at professional levels.
Educational institutions are also integrating Esports into mainstream learning. In 2023, Beaconhouse School partnered with Raptr and IGN to engage over 1,000 students in a national EA FC 24 tournament, providing opportunities for young gamers to develop their skills professionally.
At a global level, Esports is expected to generate nearly $5 billion in revenue in 2024, with projections reaching $641.39 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 22.6%. Factors such as live streaming advancements, corporate sponsorships, and the popularity of platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming are driving this expansion. Viewership has surpassed half a billion, with events like The International, the League of Legends World Championship, and the Fortnite World Cup attracting audiences comparable to traditional sports tournaments.
With government support, technological advancements, and growing international recognition, Esports is poised to become a vital part of Pakistan’s digital economy and cultural landscape.
