E-sports - the next frontier of digital economy

Competitive gaming is no longer confined to entertainment in Bangladesh; it is emerging as a significant economic force. With the global e-sports market valued at $2.1 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $7.5 billion by 2030, Bangladesh finds itself at a critical juncture.
The numbers are compelling. The country now has 77.7 million internet users and a smartphone penetration rate of 72.4 per cent among households. Mobile games such as PUBG Mobile and Free Fire have built vast player bases, while tournaments like the Free Fire Bangladesh Championship 2025 have offered prize pools worth Tk 6,000,000. Bangladeshi teams have also begun to make their mark internationally, earning tens of thousands of dollars in global competitions.
Beyond players, a wider ecosystem is taking shape. Content creators, event organisers, and digital marketers are discovering new income opportunities within the sector. Bangladesh's overall gaming market reached $121.6 million in 2024.
Yet significant barriers persist. Inconsistent internet connectivity, high costs of gaming equipment, and lingering social stigma continue to restrict talent development. Infrastructure remains the most pressing challenge-while median mobile internet speeds improved to 28.26 Mbps in early 2025, reliability across regions remains uneven.
A key milestone came on 13 July 2025, when the Ministry of Youth and Sports formally recognised e-sports as an official sport under the National Sports Council Act 2018. A committee is now working to draft national guidelines aligned with International Olympic Committee standards.
To sustain this momentum, three areas demand urgent attention: investment in digital infrastructure, transparent policy implementation, and stronger collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions.
E-sports will not replace traditional industries, but it will complement the digital economy and create new forms of employment. With official recognition now in place, Bangladesh has a genuine opportunity to transform competitive gaming from a recreational pursuit into a legitimate economic sector.
Afsana Sultana
North south university