The Rise of Esports in Pakistan - The Emergence of a Thriving Gaming Industry [2023 Updated]

The Rise of Esports in Pakistan - The Emergence of a Thriving Gaming Industry

Esports, or electronic sports, is a form of competitive gaming where players participate in organized tournaments and events. In recent years, the popularity of esports has grown rapidly around the world, and Pakistan is no exception. In this article, we will explore the rise of esports in Pakistan, its current state, and its potential for the future.

What are Esports and Why are they Popular?

E-sports have been gaining popularity around the world due to the rise of video games as a form of entertainment, the growth of online gaming communities, and the development of esports infrastructure such as gaming arenas, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights. In Pakistan, the popularity of esports has been fueled by a young, tech-savvy population, the growth of internet connectivity and gaming culture, and the success of Pakistani gamers in international tournaments.

The Current State of Esports in Pakistan

Despite the challenges of developing esports infrastructure in a country with limited resources, the Pakistani gaming community has been able to establish a foothold in the global esports scene. The country has seen the growth of competitive teams, gaming tournaments, and online communities that cater to Pakistani gamers. Major international esports tournaments have also started to include Pakistani teams and players, further boosting the profile of esports in the country.

Influence of Arslan Ash:

Arslan Ash is the first esports player from Pakistan who got International Recognition. He is a player of Tekken 7, which is a very popular game in Pakistan. The whole Tekken Game Franchise is so popular in Pakistan that almost every kid in Pakistan has played Tekken 3 once in their lifetime.

image Courtesy: Redbull

Arslan Ash was the First Player from Pakistan who got the opportunity to play in one of the Biggest Tekken tournaments in the world which is EVO. Evo 2019 Japan was the first tournament he played and won. 

Although, he faced many problems on his way to the tournament. It gave him so much confidence that he finally won the tournament. Arslan Ash got so popular that people from other countries started to realize that Pakistan got some real talent.

Later that year, Arslan Ash played EVO 2019 North America, Considerably the biggest tournament for fighting games. He once again surprised everyone and won that tournament too. Arslan Ash Became the first player to win two EVOs in a Single Year.

How Arslan Ash gave a boost to Esports in Pakistan?

After Arslan Ash, other Pakistani Tekken players like Atif Butt and Heera Malik also got some recognition. Tekken 7 Players from different countries wanted to practice in Pakistan. Knee tweeted that he will visit Pakistan to train. 

Arslan Ash was named ESPN Esports athlete of 2019. It gave huge Confidence to other Esports Players in Pakistan.

PUBG Mobile Esports Gaming in Pakistan:

Released in 2018, PUBG Mobile soon became the most popular game in the Sub-continent and many other areas of the world. People were obsessed with this game. Almost everyone was playing this game with their friends. After gaining popularity, they started investing in esports. 

PUBG Mobile introduced tournaments like PMCO (PUBG Mobile Club Open), PMPL (PUBG Mobile Pro League), PEL (China Only), PMWL (PUBG Mobile World League), and PMGC (PUBG Mobile Global Championship).

Pakistani Players Started Playing PUBG Mobile Esports through these tournaments and got recognition in the Global PUBG Community. When the First Pakistani Team (Freestyle Esports) got its place in PMWL, PUBG Mobile got banned in Pakistan. So, they played with the help of a VPN and performed average. After the full support of fans, PUBG Mobile Officials were able to get it unbanned in Pakistan.

Fast forward one year, and now we have teams like i8 Esports, Team Qwerty, and Bablu Esports Shining in PUBG Tournaments. This year (2021) PUBG Mobile introduced new tournaments like PMNC (PUBG Mobile National Championship) and PMCC (PUBG Mobile Campus Championship). So, the future of PUBG Mobile Esports in Pakistan is safe and very well-performing.

The Growth of Gaming Communities and Infrastructure

The growth of esports in Pakistan has been driven by a passionate and dedicated community of gamers, who have created online communities, gaming cafes, and esports teams. Many of these communities are centered around popular games such as PUBG Mobile, Dota 2, Counter-Strike, and League of Legends. In addition, several gaming cafes and arenas have opened up in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, providing a dedicated space for gamers to gather and compete.

Pakistani Gamers in the International Scene

Pakistani gamers have also been making their mark in the international esports scene, despite facing obstacles such as limited resources, visa restrictions, and a lack of local support. Pakistani teams and players have competed in major international tournaments such as the PUBG Mobile, Dota 2 International, and the League of Legends World Championship, and have achieved notable success.

The Future of Esports in Pakistan

With the growth of esports in Pakistan, there is great potential for the country to become a major player in the global esports scene. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed in order to fully realize this potential. These challenges include the development of local infrastructure, the creation of more opportunities for Pakistani gamers, and the establishment of a sustainable esports ecosystem in the country.

The Role of the Government and Private Sector

The government and private sector can play a significant role in supporting the growth of esports in Pakistan. This can include investments in esports infrastructure, sponsorships for esports teams and events, and the creation of policies and regulations that promote the growth of esports in the country. With the right support, Pakistan could become a hub for esports in the region, attracting investment and talent from around the world.

Conclusion

The rise of esports in Pakistan is an exciting development for the country, with the potential to create new opportunities and drive economic growth. However, there is still much work to be done in order to fully realize this potential. By investing in infrastructure, supporting local communities, and creating a sustainable esports ecosystem, Pakistan can become a major player in the global esports scene.

FAQs

1. What are esports?

Esports are a form of competitive gaming where players participate in organized tournaments and events.

2. Why are esports popular?

Esports have gained popularity due to the rise of video games as a form of entertainment, the growth of online gaming communities, and the development of esports infrastructure.

3. What challenges does Pakistan face in developing esports?

Pakistan faces challenges in developing esports infrastructure due to limited resources, visa restrictions, and a lack of local support. Additionally, there is a need for more opportunities for Pakistani gamers and the establishment of a sustainable esports ecosystem in the country.

4. What is the role of the government and private sector in supporting esports in Pakistan?

The government and private sector can play a significant role in supporting esports in Pakistan through investments in infrastructure, sponsorships for esports teams and events, and the creation of policies and regulations that promote the growth of esports in the country.

5. What is the potential for Pakistan in the global esports scene?

Pakistan has the potential to become a major player in the global esports scene, attracting investment and talent from around the world if it invests in infrastructure, supports local communities, and creates a sustainable esports ecosystem in the country.