Delhi, India – May 3, 2025 – The International Federation of Esports (IFES) has announced a transformative initiative to launch a series of esports certification programs in collaboration with industry leaders, aimed at shaping the future of the rapidly growing esports ecosystem. India will be the first market to experience this groundbreaking rollout, with ten comprehensive certification programs designed to cover critical areas of gaming and esports. This initiative is set to professionalize the industry, empower aspiring professionals, and establish global standards for esports education, with program details to be announced soon.
A Vision for Esports Excellence
The esports industry has seen exponential growth, with India emerging as a key hub due to its vast gaming community and increasing investment in esports infrastructure. Recognizing the need for structured education and professional development, IFES has partnered with prominent organizations in gaming, technology, and education to develop a curriculum that addresses the diverse needs of the esports ecosystem.
“India’s vibrant gaming culture and passionate community make it the perfect starting point for our certification programs,” said Mr. Rajkumar Sharma, President of IFES. “Our goal is to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this dynamic industry while fostering a sustainable and inclusive esports ecosystem.”
Ten Certification Programs to Shape the Industry
The IFES certification programs will cater to a wide range of roles within the esports ecosystem, including players, coaches, event organizers, content creators, and more. Each program will combine theoretical learning, practical training, and industry insights to ensure participants are job-ready. The ten programs, set to launch in Q3 2025, will cover essential aspects of gaming and esports, with specific titles and details to be revealed in the coming months.
Delivered through a hybrid model of online modules and in-person workshops at partner institutions across India, each program will culminate in an IFES-accredited certification, recognized globally by esports organizations and employers.
Strategic Collaborations for Industry Relevance
To ensure the programs meet industry standards, IFES has forged partnerships with leading entities in gaming, technology, and education. These collaborations will provide expertise, resources, and access to cutting-edge tools, ensuring participants receive training that reflects the latest industry trends. IFES is also engaging with game publishers to incorporate game-specific training, ensuring relevance to popular titles such as Valorant, BGMI, and Dota 2.
Why India?
India’s esports market is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2028, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and widespread mobile gaming adoption. With over 500 million gamers and a growing number of professional esports teams, the country is poised to become a global esports powerhouse. However, the lack of formal education and training has been a barrier to sustainable growth.
“India has immense potential, but we need structured pathways to nurture talent and professionalize the industry,” said Vikram Rao, IFES India Chapter Head. “These certification programs will bridge the gap, creating opportunities for thousands of aspiring professionals.”
The programs will initially launch in major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, with plans to expand to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities by 2026. IFES is also working with state governments to integrate esports education into vocational training schemes, enhancing accessibility for diverse audiences.
Impact on the Esports Ecosystem
The IFES certification programs are expected to have a transformative impact on the esports industry in India and beyond by:
Professionalizing the Industry: Setting global standards to elevate the credibility of esports as a career path.
Creating Jobs: Equipping graduates to fill roles in teams, organizations, and related fields like streaming and marketing.
Promoting Inclusivity: Offering scholarships and subsidized fees to ensure access for underrepresented groups, including women and rural youth.
Boosting Global Competitiveness: Strengthening India’s presence in international esports competitions and events.
Industry experts have praised the initiative. “IFES’s certification programs are a pivotal step forward,” said a prominent industry figure. “They address the urgent need for skilled professionals in an industry that’s evolving rapidly.”
Next Steps and Enrollment
Applications for the certification programs will open in June 2025, with the first cohort starting in September. Interested candidates can register on the official IFES website (www.ifes.in) or contact partner institutions for details. Early applicants will be eligible for a 20% discount on program fees.
To support the launch, IFES will host webinars and esports career fairs across India, featuring industry leaders, professional players, and educators. These events will offer insights into the programs and highlight career opportunities in esports.
Looking Ahead
The launch of these certification programs marks a significant milestone in IFES’s mission to advance the global esports industry. Following the India rollout, IFES plans to expand the initiative to other regions, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, adapting the curriculum to local markets while maintaining global standards.
As esports continues to captivate global audiences, IFES’s forward-thinking approach ensures that the industry’s growth is supported by a skilled and professional workforce. With India leading the charge, the future of esports looks brighter than ever.
For media inquiries, contact:
Shwetank Pandey – Chief Strategy Officer
Email: shwetank@ifes.in
Phone: +91-92890-95407
About IFES
The International Federation of Esports (IFES) is a global organization dedicated to promoting and regulating esports worldwide. With a focus on education, inclusivity, and sustainability, IFES works to create opportunities for players, professionals, and fans in the esports ecosystem.
