Pakistan’s gaming industry is on the verge of a major breakthrough, driven by a youthful population, increasing internet penetration, and a thriving Esports community. According to a recent report by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), the number of gamers in the country is projected to reach 50.9 million by 2026, highlighting the rapid growth of this sector. In 2024 alone, the Esports market in Pakistan is expected to generate $5.2 million in revenue, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.71%, pushing the market to an estimated $8.7 million by 2029.
Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive gaming where professional players and teams compete in various video game tournaments for cash prizes and global recognition. Over the past decade, Esports has evolved from niche gaming communities into a multi-billion-dollar global industry with millions of fans and corporate sponsors. The report notes that by the end of 2022, around 16% of Pakistan’s population—approximately 36 million people—were already actively engaged in gaming, demonstrating the country’s potential to become a key player in the global Esports ecosystem.
The federal government’s formal recognition of Esports as an industry in 2021 under the E-Pak initiative was a game-changer for Pakistan’s gaming sector. This initiative aimed to support local game developers, encourage professional players, and host international gaming events. The establishment of the Pakistan Esports Federation and increased government support for local tournaments have further contributed to the industry’s rapid expansion. In 2022, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication announced plans to develop Esports infrastructure and training programs, ensuring that Pakistani gamers receive the necessary resources to compete at a global level.
Globally, around 30 to 40 countries officially recognize Esports as an industry, with dedicated governing bodies, regulations, and funding mechanisms in place to support professional players. In several countries, Esports athletes receive the same recognition as traditional sports professionals, with benefits such as visa privileges, legal protections, and eligibility for government-backed funding programs. If Pakistan continues to develop its Esports ecosystem, it could follow the path of countries like South Korea and the United States, where gaming has become a mainstream professional career.
The future of Esports in Pakistan looks particularly promising, driven by key technological and economic trends. The rise of mobile gaming, fueled by affordable smartphones and low-cost internet access, has significantly expanded the player base, bringing competitive gaming to a broader audience. Additionally, the integration of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into Esports has created new revenue opportunities, with local developers exploring the potential of Play2Earn (P2E) models that allow players to monetize their in-game achievements.
Pakistan has already gained global recognition in the Esports arena, particularly in fighting games like Tekken. In the Tekken World Tour (TWT) Global Rankings of 2023, two Pakistani players—Arslan Ash and Atif Butt—secured spots in the Top 10, with Arslan Ash ranked No. 1 and Atif Butt at No. 6. The 2024 rankings continue to reflect Pakistan’s dominance in the field, with six players in the Top 50, including Arslan Ash at No. 2 and Atif Butt at No. 3 globally. These achievements have positioned Pakistan as a formidable force in international Esports competitions.
On the domestic front, Pakistan has hosted several high-profile Esports tournaments, attracting both local and international competitors. The Pak-China Esports Friendship Cup, organized in collaboration with Chinese gaming organizations, has become a key event in fostering cross-border cooperation. Meanwhile, the Dew Gamers Arena, sponsored by Mountain Dew, has gained prominence by offering substantial prize pools and attracting top-tier gaming talent. The Lahore Esports Festival, held in 2023, showcased the country’s growing gaming community, with tournaments featuring popular titles such as Valorant, CS:GO, and FIFA.
In 2024, major gaming platforms like Raptr Games and IGN, in partnership with HBL, organized large-scale tournaments across FIFA 24, Valorant, and Tekken 8, providing a platform for emerging talent. Similarly, the Beaconhouse School System has taken steps to integrate Esports into mainstream education. In 2023, the school collaborated with Raptr and IGN to host a nationwide EA FC 24 tournament, allowing over 1,000 students from four cities to participate in professional-level gaming competitions.
On a global scale, Esports is one of the fastest-growing industries, with projected revenue expected to reach nearly $5 billion in 2024 and an estimated $641.39 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 22.6%. This growth is driven by advancements in live-streaming technology, increased sponsorship deals, and the rising popularity of platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Esports events are now drawing audiences comparable to traditional sports, with tournaments such as The International, the League of Legends World Championship, and the Fortnite World Cup attracting millions of viewers worldwide.
Pakistan’s Esports industry is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to become a significant player in the global gaming market. With continued government support, investment in gaming infrastructure, and the growing enthusiasm of local players, the country is well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum. As more young Pakistanis enter the world of competitive gaming, the industry is set to become an integral part of the nation’s digital economy and cultural identity.
