The tremendous rise in the popularity of esports and gaming across India has played a key role in fuelling the growth of the country’s esports industry. This exponential growth of the sector highlights the fact that any youngster with a passion for gaming can potentially build a successful career in professional esports. Hundreds of players are now dreaming big and turning their dreams into reality, setting a powerful example for future players, and inspiring them to rise up and make their mark in global esports tournaments.
Here are a few of the top rising stars of Indian esports who have taken the space by storm:
Payal Gaming Dhare
Payal Gaming, a prominent figure in Indian esports, embarked on a transformative journey in the world of competitive gaming. Her esports odyssey began with the establishment of her YouTube channel, “Payal Gaming,” in 2019, where she showcased her gaming skills and connected with a burgeoning audience. Despite facing initial skepticism in the male-dominated esports landscape, Payal persevered. She joined India’s largest gaming team, S8UL, solidifying her status as a rising star in the Indian gaming scene.
Achieving the title of Ace Dominator and maintaining a high rank in the Third Person Perspective (TPP) mode, she garnered a dedicated fan base across social media. Payal’s journey transcended personal success; it became a source of inspiration for women breaking into esports. Her story emphasized the importance of challenging gender stereotypes and fostering inclusivity in this competitive arena. Payal Gaming’s social media and YouTube success soared as she built a dedicated fan base by showcasing her gaming skills and engaging content, becoming a prominent figure in the gaming community.
Tanmay ‘Sc0ut’ Singh
Tanmay Singh, famously known as ScoutOP, has risen to become a prominent gamer in the Indian esports arena. As a key member of Team S8UL and a content creator affiliated with 8bit Creatives, ScoutOP wields significant influence in the Indian esports community. He’s grown into an iconic figure, renowned for his exceptional flanking and scouting skills in games like PUBG and BGMI. ScoutOP’s influence extends far beyond the gaming arena. With a colossal YouTube following of 2.77 million subscribers, he’s not just a successful player but also a beloved content creator.
His journey exemplifies the extraordinary rise of esports in India. Today, ScoutOp stands as a shining example of what passion, dedication, and gaming prowess can achieve in the esports domain Recently Sc0ut was also seen cheering with students and inviting them to join the rivalry at India’s biggest college esports event, College Rivals in Delhi that took place in Delhi Technological University (DTU).
Harsh ‘Goblin’ Paudwal
Harsh Paudwal, popularly known as Goblin, is an emerging gaming sensation who has lit up the esports scene with his spectacular performances in Battlegrounds Mobile India. His role as an assaulter has not only won him the hearts of fans at home but has also gained recognition internationally. Known for his aggressive playstyle and knack for clutch moments, Goblin has become one of India’s most consistent and beloved gamers.
After a journey through India’s gaming landscape, he proudly wears the Team Soul jersey, holding the title of the nation’s top “assaulter.” His close-range combat skills are unmatched, and he has often lead his teams to victory with his smart strategies. Harsh “Goblin” Paudwal’s gaming journey began with Team Insane before making a significant move to Team Soul in 2022. Alongside his gaming feats, he has ventured into the world of streaming, where he has built a dedicated following. Goblin’s ascent in esports is more than just a story; it’s an inspiration for a new generation of gaming enthusiasts.
Ankit ‘V3nom’ Panth
Ankit ‘V3nom’ Panth, a well-known figure in India’s esports, began his journey as a gamer in a local Mumbai cafe, fascinated by Counter-Strike 1.6. The game’s depth and excitement inspired him to pursue gaming professionally. He formed his first team, Warriors Of Chaos (WOC), at just 15, marking his first step into the world of professional gaming. In 2008, he co-founded Team Brutality with Aakash ‘RiX’ More, securing his first major Counter-Strike 1.6 tournament win. Ankit then shifted to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, achieving success in various tournaments.
In the context of parental support for esports, V3nom has mentioned that his parents have become more accepting over time, particularly after he became an official Red Bull athlete for gaming. His achievements, including being a brand ambassador for Alienware & Intel, have helped legitimize his profession in his family’s eyes. Ankit ‘V3nom’ Panth’s journey reflects the evolving esports landscape in India, showing how passionate players can transform esports into a respected profession.
Naman “Mortal” Sandeep Mathur
Naman Mathur, popularly known as Mortal, loved games right from childhood. Starting his gaming journey with classics like GTA: San Andreas, Contra, and Counter-Strike, Mortal never let the fire die for his love for games. He started his career as a professional gamer in 2016, when he used to stream Mini Militia, and moved to PuBG with its release in 2018. As his viewership grew, so did Mortal’s fanbase, fuelling his growth in the world of esports. Naman Mathur was an owner and a player for Team SouL.
In late 2020, MortaL partnered with the co-owners of 8bit, Animesh “Thug” Agarwal and Lokesh “Goldy” Jain to merge both organizations and form the renowned S8UL Esports. He went on to win championships for them. Mortal recalls joining 8bit to be the best decision of his life. He went on to represent India on the global stage and has never looked back. With millions of followers across social media, Mortal has truly made his mark on the gaming and esport territory.
These 5 rising stars have been at the top of their game for years, bolstered by the support of massive fanbases. Winning competitions and growing exponentially, none of them show signs of slowing down anytime soon.. The immense success of these gaming stars showcases the vast career opportunities available to gamers and players in the world of professional esports. It sets a benchmark and serves as a motivating factor for young gamers to grow and evolve into the top tier of Indian esports talent.
