How VALORANT Champions Tour 2024 is creating unprecedented Esports culture in India? - Explained

The roar of excitement in India is no longer confined to cricket stadiums or traditional sports arenas. In recent years, the country has witnessed an esports revolution, fueled by the ever-growing popularity of competitive gaming, especially with the rise of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT). As Southeast Asia becomes an epicentre for global esports, India stands tall, demonstrating its passion and potential in this fast-evolving industry.

The VALORANT Champions Tour, a prestigious global tournament organized by Riot Games, has drawn significant attention in the region. The VCT Pacific, the branch dedicated to Southeast Asia, has seen extraordinary viewership numbers. In 2023, the tournament hit a peak of over 400,000 concurrent viewers, and a cumulative 250 million esports hours were consumed by fans. These staggering figures underscore the growing dedication of esports enthusiasts in India and the surrounding regions.

India's involvement in the VCT is emblematic of its rising stature in the global esports arena. Two of the country’s top esports teams, Global Esports and Revenant Esports, are making waves on the international stage.

Global Esports, one of Asia’s fastest-growing esports organizations, represented India at the VCT Pacific Stage, while Revenant Esports secured its spot at VCT Ascension Pacific after triumphing in regional tournaments. Their participation demonstrates the country’s capacity to compete at the highest levels, and Indian fans have been quick to support their teams.

Reasons behind India’s growing esports market!

Part of India’s growing esports success is due to hyperlocal initiatives that have ignited the fanbase. Riot Games has introduced a range of regional tournaments and activities, including local events in cities like Pune and Delhi, which attracted thousands of passionate fans. In addition, Hindi broadcasts of VCT Pacific matches and watch parties hosted by popular streamers like Binks69 and Tbone have contributed to a 26% year-on-year growth in viewership.

The ongoing VALORANT Champions Tour 2024, which kicked off in Seoul, South Korea, from August 1-25, brings together 16 of the world’s top teams to compete for the ultimate title. As fans across India eagerly tune in, it’s clear that the country is on the verge of becoming a global esports powerhouse. The grassroots tournaments and regional circuits provide a platform for nurturing local talent, laying the foundation for a new generation of esports athletes.