The increase in number of esports tournaments with pool prizes worth up to Rs 20 million indicates growing potential in the industry By Zunairah Qureshi
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ohail Tanveer and other cricketers drafted into Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) silver category of players were paid close to Rs 5 million. What if we told you that is the same amount a few youngsters made by winning an esports tournament in January 2022? Earlier this year, Pakistan’s esports industry hit a new record with its largest ever tournament, organized by the middle-eastern esports organiser, Galaxy Racers. The tournament’s pool prize valued at Rs 20 million and the highest payout went to a team of five youngsters who won Rs 5 million for conquering the PUBG championship. And this is only one tournament, there are dozens that happen in Pakistan across the year, which are in addition to international tournaments that offer even higher in prize
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money, where local players represent Pakistan. The head of Galaxy Racers Pakistan division, Fakhr Alam has announced that he is aiming for a higher and higher cash pools in the coming years going from ‘Rs 20 million to 50 million and from there to 100 million.’ Tournaments and winning cash prizes are not the only way esports enthusiasts make money. There are other professions that stem off from the platform and this is only the start for Pakistan as the industry is steadily growing. Of course, comparing tournament winnings to a PSL salary is not exactly a tit for tat comparison. However, it goes to show the promise there is in an untapped industry that could become something major for a youthful Pakistan. The growth of the industry is consistent but it does have its challenges, especially considering that the country is still building its technological knowledge and infrastructure. It requires the right kind of environment for
which there is much to be understood about the nature of an esports industry. In any case, one thing is for sure, esports has been picking up in Pakistan and it is bound to flourish further in the coming years.
The industry’s scope in Pakistan
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sports started to surface in Pakistan around 2003 when it was based on gaming zone’s tournaments and what Mamoon “TeaTime” Sabri, Pakistan’s leading esports strategy consultant and international broadcast talent, termed as ‘grassroots level’ activities. He went on to explain that, ‘Then, around 2005 to 2007 we had Pakistani teams going into world cyber games. We’ve had a very long history of esports in Pakistan - it generally came in waves. So, from time to time a lot of money was invested into the local industry but it didn’t really pick up until 2015,
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