Reels on Instagram are considered one of the most powerful modes of reaching out and engaging a global audience base. While businesses leverage reels mosdtly for their marketing, we cannot deny that these short and crisp videos are also enormously popular and an addictive form of entertainment.
It is hard to come across a single person today who has not watched reels just for “timepass”. However, it does not take long to blur the thin line between timepass and addiction. And before even realizing it, we are already hooked to “doom scrolling”, hampering our concentration and mental health and impacting our productivity.
Esports is another hugely popular form of entertainment that has gained significant momentum since the lockdown in 2020. However, despite its rising popularity, the reel-addicted population far outnumbers esports enthusiasts in India. What most of us fail to realize is that reels can be outright detrimental when consumed at large, whereas esports can deliver substantial benefits, both tangible and intangible.
What options can esports offer to Indians?
Esports is one of those few things to have exploded sensationally, in the world of modern entertainment. But it is not just about playing competitive games and displaying mind-blowing skills, for there are many interesting benefits too, that esports can bring.
The esports domain has taken fun and games to a different level altogether; let us consider the option of earning. Yes, you can use the available free bets for the week at bookmakers to your advantage to earn while you play. The current paradigm shift towards play-to-earn technologies is encouraging more and more players to invest money in esports. As such, esports is fast emerging as a career option today, with gamers earning in the range of INR 20 lakhs a year.
As esports gain greater recognition, experts are hopeful that players’ average incomes can rise by almost 20-25% in the next couple of years. (Source) Top esports teams are signing deals with gamers, offering them a chance to win huge monetary rewards. Besides, gamers can also bag lucrative sponsorship and advertising deals and even travel around the world with top e-gaming companies.
And, with the Indian government encouraging entrepreneurs like never before, you can leverage esports to start your own business venture. From setting up esports cafes and building teams, to content creation, this industry is the hotbed for those who aspire to become entrepreneurs.
Final words
Unlike watching reels on Instagram, playing esports is not a mindless or passive activity; it can help us sharpen vital job skills and critical thinking and even boost our cognitive abilities. Besides, research has proven the effectiveness of e-gaming in helping us beat stress and boost our mental health. It helps build teams and communities with players from various countries, promoting inclusivity and diversity and boosting our social connections.
So, the options offered by esports extend far beyond our immediate career paths and financial gains. When leveraged correctly, it can build and uplift our physical and mental well-being too, just like any other traditional athletics.
Disclaimer:
- As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman and Sikkim, prohibit gambling
- Land-based casinos are legalized, with certain guidelines, in Goa and Daman, as per the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976
- Land-based casinos, Online gambling and E-gaming (games of chance) are legalized in Sikkim under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009
- Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries as per and subject to the conditions laid down by state laws. Kindly refer to the same here
- Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in a licensed premise in select states. Kindly refer to the 1996 Judgement by the Supreme Court Of India here and for more information
- This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff.