Once dismissed as a hobby or a waste of time, competitive video gaming—or esports—has now become a legitimate career path in Bangladesh. With dedicated teams, regular tournaments, growing prize pools, and rising fan bases, esports is transforming how young people think about gaming, teamwork, and even employment.
Esports is not just about fun anymore—it’s about focus, strategy, and a whole new future.
What is Esports?
Esports refers to organized, competitive video gaming. It can be team-based or solo, and includes popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Dota 2, Valorant, and League of Legends.
Players train like athletes—honing reflexes, developing strategies, and playing in online or on-stage tournaments watched by thousands. In 2025, the global esports industry is worth over $2 billion, and Bangladesh is now beginning to claim a small but promising share of it.
The Growth of Esports in Bangladesh
Over the last three years, Bangladesh has witnessed a rapid rise in esports activity:
- Major national tournaments now happen regularly, such as “Free Fire Bangladesh Championship” and “PUBG Mobile Pro Scrims BD”
- Gaming cafes in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi are serving as bootcamps for teams
- Esports teams like A1 Esports, Xenon Esports, and Venom BD are gaining social media popularity
- Young gamers are forming local squads, creating team jerseys, and livestreaming their training on YouTube & Facebook
In 2024, a Bangladeshi Free Fire team even qualified for the South Asia Regional Finals—marking a major milestone.
Opportunities for Young People
Esports is no longer limited to just “playing.” Young people are also exploring other roles:
- Streamers: Entertain viewers live on platforms like YouTube Gaming or Twitch
- Casters: Commentate on live matches with excitement and analysis
- Coaches & Analysts: Train teams, develop playbooks, and review gameplay
- Organizers: Plan and host online and offline tournaments
- Designers & Editors: Create gaming content, logos, and highlight videos
With the right training and consistency, many are now earning through ads, sponsorships, donations, and prize winnings.
Challenges That Remain
Despite growth, Bangladesh’s esports scene still faces hurdles:
- Lack of stable internet in rural areas
- Absence of official government recognition for esports as a profession
- Limited brand sponsorship compared to India or Malaysia
- Concerns over health, screen time, and academic performance
However, the community is pushing forward through discipline, talent, and love for gaming.
The Road Ahead
For esports to thrive in Bangladesh, it needs structured support. Here’s what’s needed:
- Government endorsement and policy inclusion
- Corporate sponsorships from telecom or tech companies
- Esports clubs in universities and colleges
- Mental and physical health support for pro players
Several tech startups and gaming brands have already started collaborating to build an esports ecosystem. It’s only a matter of time before Bangladesh becomes a regional powerhouse in competitive gaming.
