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Esports World Cup says India has most potential
The Esports World Cup Foundation believes India has the highest growth potential in global esports, according to COO Mike McCabe. Speaking in Paris, where the 2026 Esports World Cup was moved after…
The Story in Brief
The Esports World Cup Foundation believes India has the highest growth potential in global esports, according to COO Mike McCabe. Speaking in Paris, where the 2026 Esports World Cup was moved after security concerns in Riyadh, McCabe said the foundation has dedicated strategies for India and has already held qualification events there. The tournament features 24 games, including chess with USD 1.5 million prize money and four Indian grandmasters. The event was relocated to Paris at a cost of 250 million euros after planning for Riyadh fell through. Over 1.5 million players participated in 330 qualifying events for the tournament.
The Indian Opinion
The talk of India as esports' next big market sounds exciting, but hype alone won't build a sustainable industry. The real test is whether Indian clubs and players can convert passion into consistent earnings beyond tournament prize pools. Chess at the Esports World Cup is a curious fit, it proves esports can stretch its definition, but does that stretch help Indian gamers, or just add spectacle? Watch how many Indian teams crack the top ranks and whether domestic sponsors follow, not just global brands chasing Gen Z.
Sources (3): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
