India’s gaming & esports industry in 2026: The biggest opportunity & the biggest challenge

As India’s gaming and esports ecosystem enters 2026, the industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. With unprecedented regulatory clarity, booming player engagement, and rising global competitiveness, the sector’s biggest opportunity lies in transforming scale into sustainable growth. Yet amid this optimism, key challenges remain, from infrastructure and monetization models to talent retention and global standards—that will define the path ahead.

The Tech Panda asked esports industry experts what they see as the biggest opportunity and the biggest challenge for India’s gaming and esports ecosystem in 2026.

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, says the biggest opportunity for 2026 lies in deepening the ecosystem with turning recognition into infrastructure.

“With regulatory clarity in place, we envision a future where every state hosts its own regional esports championships, feeding into a structured national circuit. This will ensure that India’s next generation of esports athletes emerge ...