When we talk about sports in Pakistan, we normally think of the traditional sports like Hockey, Squash, Cricket (HSC) and now Javelin Throw on account of the laurels we won in the last Olympics. And rightly so that we think that way, as there was a time when we indeed ruled the world when it came to Hockey, Squash and Cricket. We could hold our heads high and claim proudly as a nation that we are world champions in these sports. There’s no harm in being a bit nostalgic and revel in the past glories that we enjoyed.

But those were yester years and life moves on. It is time that we move forward with times instead of basking in the past milestones that we once enjoyed.

One category of sports which often tends to get ignored when deliberating on sports is E-sports, notwithstanding the fact that it is gaining huge popularity especially amongst youngsters in Pakistan. in the competitive e-world of gaming, the top ranking esport games - the ones that dominate tournaments, streaming platforms, and pro circuits globally include: Tactical Shooter games like Valorant & Counter Strike 2, Multiplayer Battle Games like Dota 2 and League of Legends, and Fighting games like Tekken. These are very competitive games played on international platforms and it’s not at all easy to break into top ranks. These games require high degree of competence, dexterity, tactical and strategic planning skills, dedication and perseverance. These are highly challenging games where one has to compete against highly talented players from around the world. Gaming at international level is no child’s play. It’s an extraordinary feat to be able to make a name for oneself as a gamer.

It is heartening to note that Pakistani youth have not only made their presence felt at the international gaming arena but have excelled in these games against top international competitors. Internationally prominent Pakistani esports players who have achieved world recognition include:

Arslan Siddique (Ash), born in Lahore, is a Pakistani professional esports player. He is a six-time EVO (a major international gaming event is called EVO) champion, having emerged victorious in EVO Las Vegas 2019, 2023, 2024, 2025, as well as EVO Japan 2019 and 2023. He also won the Tekken World Tour Finals 2023.

Atif Butt, another professional Pakistani Tekken player who has secured strong placements in many international tournaments like Tekken World Tour 2022.

Sumail Hassan is also one of the most significant Pakistan esports player who has earned the title of the youngest player to win Dota 2 Championship (at the age of 16) setting a record which has still not be broken since 2015.

It’s not just the Pakistani gamers have showcased their talent on the international scene.

The gaming developers have also earned international recognition by winning prestigious global awards such as in the Game Development World Championship (GDWC) 2021, when a Pakistani developers team Playdew won the GDWC in the Pro PC game category for their game “Lost Twins 2”. Other notable Pakistani game development companies of international repute include: Arbisoft, Marvels Soft, TechMatter and Infinity-Up.

Gaming has emerged in recent years as a high stake sport. Talented players (like Arsalan Ash who was basically a Chartered Accountant and left his profession to adopt gaming as an occupation) are turning to gaming as a full time profession as it has the potential of offering life changing earnings for talented and skilled players and game developers.

From an overall perspective, the Gaming Industry Revenue in Pakistan is currently valued at approximately $500 million which has the potential to surpass $1 billion in the near future. This figure is higher than revenues generated from any of the other sports in Pakistan.

Pakistan has a huge human resource, it’s youth bulge with around 70% of the population under the age of 30.

However, the downside is that 27 million of it’s population comprises out-of-school children, the highest anywhere in the world. Furthermore, over half of Pakistan’s population doesn’t have internet access due mainly to inadequate digital infrastructure and internet connection affordability issues. Notwithstanding these constraints, Pakistan’s gamers and game developers have showcased exceptional skill, talent and resilience at international esports events by winning major global competitions. It indicates the growth and development potential in the country’s gaming industry despite challenges that it faces.

The need of the hour is to realize the potential of the gaming / esports industry and to take all possible steps to prioritise the gaming industry. It is essential to invest in digital infrastructure including fibre optics cables and mobile networks. Internet services are often not available in remote areas. Utilization of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites internet such as Elon Musk’s Starlink can overcome this constraint by providing internet converge to remote areas in the shortest possible time. Digital literacy programs must be launched, especially in the remote and less developed areas of the country. Pakistan has a very low per capita income. As such it is essential to ensure affordability of internet access in order to bridge the gap between those who have access to digital connectivity and those who don’t. This way we can promote digital inclusion and equality. Appropriate policies must be formulated/implemented to ensure: Regulatory framework: geared towards promoting investment, innovation and overall growth of the gaming industry. Infrastructure Development: towards providing high speed internet and gaming facilities. Talent development: to identify talent and to introduce training and development programs for nurturing talent and developing skills required for gaming and esports.

In conclusion, through prioritisation of the gaming industry, implementation of the right policies, investment in infrastructure, training and development programs and through a sincere concerted effort by all stakeholders, we can ensure a favourable environment for the gaming and e-sports industry to thrive and prosper.

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