In a bustling internet café in Pakistan, the sounds of rapid keyboard strokes and virtual gunfire form the soundtrack of a rapidly evolving industry. Once considered a niche hobby, e-sports is now emerging as a serious career path, marking Pakistan’s entrance into the global competitive gaming scene.
The Rise of E-sports in Pakistan
Traditionally dominated by cricket and other physical sports, Pakistan’s gaming landscape has undergone a quiet but significant transformation. The widespread availability of affordable smartphones and high-speed internet has accelerated this shift, enabling young gamers nationwide to engage with titles such as PUBG Mobile, Valorant, Tekken, and FIFA. Social platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and gaming-focused communities on Discord and Facebook have transformed gaming into a vibrant social and competitive culture.
Early competitive gaming in Pakistan can be traced back to the popularity of Counter-Strike in the 2010s, which led to the emergence of local tournaments and the gradual formation of a dedicated player base. The success of Pakistani players on the international stage has further inspired a growing e-sports community.
Market Growth and Youth Engagement
Pakistan’s e-sports market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. According to Statista (2024), the market revenue is estimated to reach approximately $5.9 million by 2025, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.25% from 2025 to 2029, resulting in a market volume of $8.7 million by 2029.
User engagement is also increasing steadily, with the number of e-sports users forecast to rise from 4.9 million in 2025 to about 6.4 million by 2029. User penetration, currently at roughly 2% in 2025, is expected to increase to 2.4% by 2029. The average revenue per user (ARPU) is projected at $1.15, reflecting monetization potential through media rights, sponsorships, and in-game purchases. Media rights alone are expected to contribute around $2 million in revenue by 2025.
Despite this positive trend, Pakistan’s e-sports industry is still in its infancy compared to countries like the United States, where the market volume is forecasted to hit $1.2 billion in 2025 (Newzoo Global Esports Market Report, 2023).
Institutional Recognition and Challenges
The formal recognition of e-sports by Pakistani authorities marks a significant step toward the industry’s growth. On January 14, 2021, the Pakistan Sports Board and the Pakistan Science Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) officially recognizing e-sports as a sport. Additionally, the E-Pak Initiative has begun developing frameworks to establish e-sports as a viable industry.
However, Pakistan still lacks comprehensive government policies to regulate and promote e-sports fully. By comparison, India established the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) in 2019, which provides structured support and has attracted substantial investments from international brands and private investors (ESFI, 2023).
Private sector involvement in Pakistan is growing. Telecom giants such as Jazz, Telenor, and Zong sponsor tournaments with cash prizes, while global brands like Red Bull have been instrumental in organizing major events, including the Red Bull Campus Clutch since 2021 and the Red Bull M.E.O. Pakistan in 2024, which have helped strengthen Pakistan’s e-sports ecosystem.
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Spotlight on Pakistani Talent
One of the watershed moments in Pakistan’s e-sports history was Arslan Ash’s groundbreaking victories at the EVO Japan and EVO USA Tekken 7 championships in 2019. Arslan became the first player ever to win both titles in the same year, earning international acclaim and inspiring a new generation of Pakistani gamers.
Similarly, Sumail “Suma1L” Hassan from Karachi rose to global fame by winning The International Dota 2 Championship in 2015 at just 16 years old, becoming one of the youngest and highest-earning e-sports players worldwide (Forbes, 2019).
Beyond Competitive Gaming: Game Development
Pakistan’s gaming industry is not limited to competitive play; the game development sector is also expanding. Studios such as Mindstorm Studios, Caramel Tech Studios, Frag Games, and WeRPlay have gained recognition for producing locally developed games with international appeal. Titles like Cricket Revolution (Frag Games) and Burrito Bison (WeRPlay) showcase Pakistani creativity and technical skills.
Government incentives and collaborations with international developers could help Pakistan establish itself as a regional hub for game development, thereby contributing to the broader global digital economy.
Regional Context and Future Outlook
Compared to regional counterparts such as India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bangladesh, Pakistan is still in the early stages of developing its e-sports infrastructure and investment. India’s e-sports market, projected to reach $150 million by 2025, benefits from stronger institutional frameworks and international partnerships (KPMG India Gaming Report, 2023). The UAE is building a robust gaming infrastructure to attract global tournaments and investments.
However, Pakistan’s most significant asset remains its young, talented population, eager to compete and innovate. With strategic government policies, increased investment, and infrastructure improvements, Pakistan can unlock its potential as a competitive regional e-sports powerhouse.
The future of e-sports in Pakistan looks bright. As internet connectivity improves, investment grows, and societal acceptance increases, gaming could emerge as a primary industry contributing to employment, international recognition, and economic growth. The next global e-sports champion may well be practicing their skills right now in one of Pakistan’s many internet cafés—waiting for their moment to shine on the world stage.
