Countries Going All In on Esports: A 2025 Recalibration

The past year tested the limits of the esports world. Some outfits folded entirely. Others regrouped. A few clung to survival by pivoting hard toward long-term viability. Now the tide shifts.

After enduring a turbulent period, the resilient few are seeing signs of resurgence. Esports isn’t just recovering — it’s evolving. As global fascination with competitive gaming grows, national governments are no longer bystanders. They are moving in, fast.

Esports Insider dissects the new reality by spotlighting several countries that are no longer testing the waters but diving headfirst into the industry.

🇲🇾 Malaysia

Malaysia has transitioned from passive supporter to active architect of its esports destiny. In early 2025, the M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends received direct backing from government authorities. The competition, hosted by MOONTON at Kuala Lumpur’s Axiata Arena, stood as a milestone.

Shortly after, officials committed £3.5 million to push national esports forward. This financial injection targets infrastructure, amateur engagement, skill-building, and employment pathways within gaming.

The local MPL Malaysia scene thrives. Season 15 pulled in nearly half a million peak viewers, as noted by Esports Charts. With homegrown squads leaving their mark abroad, Malaysia is no longer emerging — it is asserting dominance. The long-term goal remains crystal clear: to construct a self-sustaining esports model for the next generation to build careers upon.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Britain’s journey with esports has been uneven. Some years, it soared. Others, it stalled. But 2025 has reignited momentum. The government seeks to appoint a dedicated Head of Esports and Video Games within its Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

That’s not just bureaucracy. It reflects a broader shift. In 2024, League of Legends brought its World Championship to London’s O2 Arena — a significant return after a seven-year absence. The country also hosted major Dota 2, Counter-Strike, and Rocket League events.

Plans stretch beyond events. British Esports announced a 2026 launch for a specialised esports centre. This venue will train, educate, and prepare the UK’s future gaming elite.

Success is already brewing. Byron ‘Nastie’ Plumridge competed in two Call of Duty League Majors. William ‘mezii’ Merriman broke ground by becoming the first Brit to lift a Counter-Strike Major title with Team Vitality.

Yet cracks remain. A £30 million investment was rolled out to develop gaming in June, but it avoided direct support for esports growth. While British talent thrives, the ecosystem still lacks robust backing.

🇮🇳 India

Recognition came in 2023. Since then, India has moved at speed. Esports now falls under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. That decision unlocked rapid development.

April saw BLAST partner with Reliance to launch a high-spec production hub. Simultaneously, the Esports World Cup Foundation forged local alliances. Indian teams now compete globally while streaming platforms feed content to millions.

The mobile title BGMI — India’s tailored version of PUBG: Mobile — dominates. Banned in 2022, reinstated in 2023, the game has rebounded. KRAFTON has since opened franchise league bids, branding it as nothing short of transformative.

Phones remain central. India’s esports path is being paved through mobile-first tournaments, and its position as a continental juggernaut only solidifies.

🇫🇷 France

France doesn’t dabble in esports. It invests. In 2023, its government outlined a structured national esports agenda meant to attract top-tier event organisers and foster enduring growth.

It worked. BLAST hosted CS:GO’s final Major in Paris. Fortnite and Rocket League world finals were confirmed for Lyon in 2025. These are no small feats.

Meanwhile, organisations like Karmine Corp and Team Vitality elevate French presence on the international stage. This momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing anytime soon.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

No nation has moved with more financial weight in esports than Saudi Arabia. Through the Esports World Cup Foundation, launched in 2024, the kingdom positioned itself as a global hub almost overnight.

Last year’s event disbursed £46 million in prize money. By 2025, the pool ballooned to over £51 million. The initiative grew to include 40 clubs, extending invitations to Asia, Oceania, and China. Scale and ambition define this project.

Still, questions remain. The Public Investment Fund’s deep involvement has drawn scrutiny. Critics argue the surge in esports investment aims to divert attention from broader human rights concerns. The term “esports-washing” now follows many of the kingdom’s efforts.

🌍 Who’s Next?

With rising demand and growing legitimacy, more governments are preparing to dive in. Some — such as South Korea and China — are already cultural powerhouses in the space.

Others, including the UK, India, and Saudi Arabia, are carving their own trajectories. Whether the motivation is economic gain, youth engagement, or soft power projection, one thing is undeniable: esports is now a serious play on the world stage.

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