Rise Worldwide Partners with BLAST to Tap into India’s Booming E-Sports Market
In a significant move for the Indian e-sports landscape, Rise Worldwide, backed by Reliance, has announced a strategic joint venture with a subsidiary of Denmark’s BLAST. This collaboration aims to carve a niche in the domestic e-sports arena, projected to soar from $3.8 billion today to an astounding $9.2 billion by 2029, reflecting an impressive annual growth rate of 19%. With approximately 600 million gamers currently in India, making up 18% of the global player base, this market is set to double in the coming years.
Leveraging Expertise for Growth
According to Devang Bhimjyani, who leads Reliance Sports, this joint venture marks a pivotal step in Reliance’s expansion into the e-sports sector. He stated, "This partnership will allow us to utilize Rise’s strengths in marketing and promoting sporting events and teams, while Jio contributes its technology and distribution capabilities." This synergy aims to create a powerful platform for e-sports in India.
BLAST’s Global Footprint
Recognized as one of the premier e-sports tournament organizers globally, BLAST collaborates with renowned game publishers, including Epic Games, Valve, Krafton, and Ubisoft. The joint venture will combine BLAST’s media production prowess and established publisher connections with Reliance Jio’s extensive reach and technological expertise, facilitating the hosting of events on the JioGames platform.
A Bright Future for Indian E-Sports
Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, emphasized the potential of the Indian gaming market, stating, "India is one of the most exciting gaming markets in the world, with a rapidly expanding e-sports audience and appetite for more competitive gaming experiences. Our partnership with Reliance offers a unique opportunity to elevate the local e-sports scene."
Industry Insights
The global e-sports market is anticipated to grow from $2.8 billion in 2024 to $16.7 billion by 2033, at a remarkable annual growth rate of 22%. Experts predict that by this time, the Indian gaming segment will constitute about 60% of the overall global market. Moreover, the Government of India has acknowledged e-sports by categorizing it as part of the "multi-sports event" landscape, paving the way for further growth and recognition.
With this joint venture, Reliance and BLAST are set to redefine the e-sports landscape in India, making it an exciting time for gamers and enthusiasts alike. As the industry evolves, the potential for innovation and engagement only continues to grow.
