Maharashtra Esports Open Championship 2025 inaugurated in Pune. First-ever state-backed tournament. IOC has recognized the growing importance of esports. The Olympic Esports Games set to debut in 2027. Over 500 million gamers in India, the esports sector is poised for explosive growth. The Government of India formally classified esports as a “multisport event” under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in December 2023. Just last week, the government also announced that esports players would receive cash incentives for outstanding performances, similar to other traditional sports. The event will witness 2100 participants from across the state, out of which 52 finalists have already made it to the Grand Finale. The state is now set to become the esports hub of the country, thanks to the state’s commitment to developing infrastructure, funding, and opportunities for esports athletes. It comes at a time when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognised the growing. importance ofEsports. The IOC’s decision has spurred countries, including India, to take significant strides in supportingEsports as a legitimate sport.
