How Games like BGMI and Free Fire are Dominating South Asia

In recent years, mobile esports has rapidly gained popularity across the South Asian region. Games like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Free Fire have evolved into cultural phenomena, amassing millions of fans and becoming staples in high-profile esports tournaments. These titles are not only drawing massive audiences but also capturing the attention of international sponsors.

This surge in interest has fuelled the rise of dedicated esports teams, training academies and development programs throughout South Asia. These initiatives provide aspiring players with the tools and guidance they need to thrive in this fast-paced industry. Furthermore, streaming platforms like YouTube and Loco have given South Asian players a global stage to showcase their skills, connect with international audiences and build loyal fanbases. Major events such as the Free Fire India Championship and BGIS (Battlegrounds Mobile India Series) are consistently breaking viewership records, positioning the region as a dominant force in the global esports landscape. As a result, the industry is witnessing a sharp increase in investments, sponsorships and career opportunities for players and organizations.

The numbers tell a compelling story. In 2024, BGMI crossed an impressive milestone, surpassing 100 million downloads in India alone after its relaunch—an indicator of its massive appeal (Krafton, 2024). Meanwhile, Free Fire clinched the title of the world’s most downloaded mobile game in 2023, with Indian players accounting for over 30% of total downloads (SensorTower). The Free Fire India Championship 2024 reached a staggering 1.8 million peak concurrent viewers. According to Statista, South Asia’s mobile esports market is set to exceed $240 million by 2026, bolstered by advertising, sponsorships, and tournament prize pools.

These figures are more than just impressive. They reflect a larger story of ambition, talent, and transformation. South Asia’s competitive mobile esports scene is rapidly evolving, with professionally organized tournaments now setting new standards. The 2024 edition of BGIS featured a ₹2 crore prize pool, drawing elite players and fans from across the country. Meanwhile, the Free Fire India Championship continues to dominate streaming charts, regularly trending across platforms. International events like the Snapdragon Pro Series and PMCO South Asia have also brought global recognition to regional talent, opening new doors for collaboration and exposure.

Behind this movement are the people driving it forward—gamers who have become icons and mentors in their own right. Naman Mathur, widely known as Mortal, stands out as a pioneering figure. As a seasoned BGMI player and co-owner of S8UL Esports, his gameplay and live streams have inspired millions. Through his efforts in promoting esports coaching and youth development, he's helping to shape the next generation of competitors. Similarly, Jonathan Amaral of GodLike Esports has become a household name, celebrated for his aggressive in-game style and strategic brilliance. He often credits his success to consistent coaching and a strong support system, an acknowledgment of the importance of professional development in modern esports.

Battlegrounds Mobile India

BGMI, developed by Krafton, a South Korean video game publisher, is one of the most popular mobile battle royale games in India and South Asia. Released in 2021, BGMI is a mobile adaptation of the globally successful PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), and it has quickly captivated millions of players across the region with its immersive battle royale format. Tailored specifically for Indian audiences, BGMI was introduced after regulatory concerns led to PUBG Mobile's ban in the country. The game offers fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping gameplay where 100 players compete to be the last one standing in a shrinking battlefield. BGMI stands out for its high-quality graphics, realistic gameplay and dynamic environments.

Major tournaments like the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) attract top-tier players and teams, drawing in millions of viewers and offering large cash prizes. These events have not only showcased the skill and potential of Indian players but have also highlighted the growing professionalism in the region’s esports ecosystem. BGMI’s presence in esports has solidified its position as one of the top mobile gaming titles in South Asia, drawing attention from international sponsors and investors.

The game's social aspect has contributed to its widespread appeal, with many players forming strong connections within the community. Streaming platforms have amplified BGMI's reach, allowing players to share their gameplay, tips and strategies. As the mobile gaming market in India continues to expand, BGMI remains one of the leading titles, attracting players from all walks of life, from casual gamers to professional esports athletes. Additionally, BGMI’s accessibility on smartphones, coupled with its free-to-play model, has made it easy for anyone to join and participate, ensuring its broad appeal.

With the rise of esports, coaching has become indispensable for aspiring professional players. As competition intensifies, players are seeking every possible advantage, and coaching has proven to be a critical component in developing top-tier talent. The demand for professional esports coaching is rapidly growing, as young players recognize the importance of refining their skills to stay competitive. Coaching helps players sharpen their reflexes, build effective team strategies, and improve in-game communication, providing them with the necessary tools to succeed.

Esports coaching goes beyond gameplay skills. Players can work on multiple levels, including enhancing their esports mindset, nutrition, sleep, fitness, and overall gameplay with expert guidance. This training also includes mental conditioning to help players prepare for the intense pressure of high-stakes tournaments. Many professional esports teams in South Asia now have dedicated coaching staff focused on analyzing gameplay, organizing scrims (practice matches), and conducting mental preparation sessions. Additionally, many esports’ organizations are heavily investing in analytics and data-driven insights to guide coaching strategies. They analyze in-game data to identify patterns in player behavior, map preferences and decision-making processes, which helps coaches offer more effective, targeted training. As esports continues to grow in South Asia, the role of coaching will become even more integral to players’ success. With more platforms offering professional coaching and teams investing in specialized coaching staff, South Asia is on track to produce some of the world’s best esports talent.

In terms of cultural impact, BGMI has become more than just a game. Events and tournaments have brought players together, creating a sense of camaraderie and belonging. The game has also opened doors for professional careers in gaming, with many players turning their passion into full-time careers as streamers, coaches and content creators. As BGMI continues to dominate the South Asian mobile gaming market, its influence is expected to grow, setting the stage for the region to become a global hub for competitive mobile esports.

Free Fire

Free Fire, developed by Garena, has established itself as one of the most popular mobile battle royale games in South Asia, particularly in countries like India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Since its release, the game has rapidly gained a massive following, thanks to its fast-paced gameplay, accessible controls and lightweight design that runs smoothly on a wide range of mobile devices. Free Fire’s appeal lies in its simplicity. The game allows users to engage in 10-minute matches, where they fight to be the last one standing, a format that keeps players hooked with its quick yet intense gameplay.

The game’s strategic depth, combined with regular updates, new content and collaborations with celebrities and brands has kept players coming back for more. Free Fire has also cultivated a vibrant esports ecosystem, with major tournaments like the Free Fire India Championship drawing millions of viewers and offering substantial prize pools. The 2024 Free Fire India Championship set a record with a peak viewership of 1.8 million concurrent users, showcasing the immense popularity of the game in the region.

The community around Free Fire is another key factor in its success. The game has fostered a strong sense of community, with players regularly connecting through in-game chat and social media platforms. Content creators, streamers and influencers have played a significant role in popularizing the game. Free Fire has also made a mark with its inclusive approach, giving players from all backgrounds an opportunity to compete and shine. Many women players, in particular, have found a platform through Free Fire to showcase their skills, contributing to the game’s diverse and welcoming community.

One of the game’s most notable aspects is its free-to-play model, which ensures that anyone with a smartphone can download and enjoy it without barriers to entry. In addition to its entertainment value, Free Fire has become a source of digital leisure, especially during long winters and lockdowns when outdoor activities are limited. The game has successfully integrated various regional and cultural elements into its gameplay, making it highly relatable for South Asian players. Free Fire's impact is further evident in the rise of dedicated esports academies, coaches and tournaments across the region, helping to elevate the game to professional levels. With its constant evolution, Free Fire remains one of the top contenders in mobile esports, continuously breaking viewership and engagement records. As the mobile gaming market in South Asia continues to expand, Free Fire is poised to maintain its position as a dominant force in the competitive gaming scene, shaping the future of esports in the region.

Final Thoughts

Colleges in India, Bangladesh and Nepal have increasingly recognized the potential of esports, leading to the establishment of esports societies and academic research focused on gaming psychology, strategy and performance. These initiatives aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly growing esports industry.

Moreover, some institutions are actively collaborating with leading esports organizations and brands to offer internships and mentorship programs. These initiatives not only provide hands-on experience but also create valuable networking opportunities for students. These academic and industry efforts highlight a growing recognition of esports as a legitimate and sustainable career path. Education is playing a crucial role in shaping the next generation of esports professionals in South Asia.

With the increasing affordability of smartphones, improved internet access and strong community support, the region is well-positioned for continued growth. As long as game developers continue to localize content and sponsors remain invested, titles like BGMI and Free Fire will only gain more traction. And with esports coaching becoming more accessible and professionalized, it’s only a matter of time before South Asia produces the next wave of international esports champions.