Nepal’s gaming landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. What began in cramped cyber cafés with dial-up internet connections has evolved into a thriving esports ecosystem that’s putting Nepali players on the global stage. With over 171 professional esports athletes earning a combined $1.68 million in tournament prizes, Nepal is carving out its place in the billion-dollar global esports industry.
From Cyber Cafés to Championship Stages
The journey of esports in Nepal mirrors the country’s digital revolution. In the early 2010s, competitive gaming was confined to local LAN tournaments in Kathmandu’s cyber cafés, where enthusiasts would gather to play Counter-Strike and Dota. Fast forward to 2025, and Nepali teams like HORAA Esports are competing in international championships, including the prestigious PUBG Mobile World Cup finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
According to Esports Earnings, Nepal has participated in 45 major tournaments, with PUBG Mobile leading the charge—accounting for 96.5% of all prize earnings by Nepali players. This mobile gaming dominance reflects a broader trend in South Asia, where smartphones have democratized access to competitive gaming.
The Mobile Gaming Revolution
The rise of mobile esports has been the great equalizer for Nepal’s gaming community. Unlike PC or console gaming, which require significant upfront investment, mobile games like Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, and Mobile Legends only need a smartphone and internet connection—resources increasingly accessible to Nepal’s youth.
Free Fire: The People’s Champion
Garena Free Fire has emerged as one of the most popular battle royale games in Nepal, particularly among younger demographics. The game’s low hardware requirements and fast-paced 10-minute matches make it perfect for Nepal’s gaming culture. Players can quickly jump into matches during lunch breaks or after school, contributing to its widespread adoption.
For aspiring Free Fire competitors, access to in-game resources like diamonds is crucial for unlocking characters, weapon skins, and the Elite Pass—items that can provide competitive advantages. Legitimate Free Fire top-up services have become essential infrastructure for the gaming community, offering instant delivery through local payment methods like eSewa and Khalti. These services have eliminated the barriers that once prevented Nepali players from accessing premium content.
PUBG Mobile: Nepal’s Esports Flagship
If Free Fire is Nepal’s most played game, PUBG Mobile is undoubtedly its esports crown jewel. The game has spawned a competitive ecosystem complete with national championships, regional leagues, and international representation.
Notable Achievements:
- HORAA Esports reached the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2025 finals, marking Nepal’s best international performance
- KillerYT remains Nepal’s highest-earning esports player with over $141,000 in tournament winnings
- The PUBG Mobile National Championship Nepal draws thousands of participants annually
The competitive PUBG Mobile scene demands not just skill but also proper equipment and resources. Professional players regularly need Unknown Cash (UC) for tournament-ready accounts, practice tools, and skin investments that distinguish pro setups from casual play. Reliable PUBG Mobile UC top-up services have become integral to maintaining competitive accounts, with authorized resellers providing secure transactions for Nepal’s growing player base.
Infrastructure and Ecosystem Development
Nepal’s esports growth is supported by an expanding infrastructure that includes tournaments, streaming platforms, and payment ecosystems tailored for gamers.
Tournament Landscape
Major competitions now regularly take place in Nepal:
- Nepal Esports Championship (organized by NESA)
- PUBG Mobile Nepal Series
- PUBG Mobile National Championship Nepal
- PUBG Mobile Training Grounds: Pro – Nepal
These tournaments provide pathways for amateur players to turn professional, with prize pools reaching thousands of dollars and offering qualification spots for international events.
The Payment Revolution
One of the most significant enablers of Nepal’s gaming boom has been the rise of digital payment platforms. eSewa, Khalti, and IME Pay have eliminated the need for credit cards—which few Nepali youth possess—making online purchases accessible to the masses. This payment infrastructure has been crucial for esports growth, allowing players to purchase in-game currency, tournament passes, and digital content seamlessly.
Authorized top-up centres in Nepal have emerged as trusted intermediaries in this ecosystem, providing government-certified services that protect gamers from fraud while supporting local payment methods. These platforms have become as essential to Nepal’s gaming infrastructure as the games themselves.
Economic Impact and Career Opportunities
Esports is no longer just entertainment in Nepal—it’s becoming a viable career path. The market is growing at an estimated 10.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2020 to 2026, according to iGaming Today.
Emerging Career Paths:
- Professional Players: Top-tier players earn through tournament prizes, sponsorships, and streaming
- Content Creators: Streamers and YouTubers monetize through ad revenue and brand partnerships
- Coaches and Analysts: Teams increasingly hire strategic coaches and data analysts
- Event Management: Tournament organizers, shoutcasters, and production crews
- Support Services: Game top-up providers, equipment retailers, and training facilities
Leading player KillerYT (Suraj Thapa) has become a household name, demonstrating that esports can provide sustainable income in Nepal’s economy.
Challenges Facing Nepal’s Esports Scene
Despite rapid growth, Nepal’s esports ecosystem faces significant obstacles:
1. Infrastructure Limitations
High-speed, stable internet remains inconsistent outside major urban centers. Many talented players in rural areas struggle with connectivity issues that put them at a disadvantage in online competitions. Nepal’s average internet speed still lags behind esports powerhouses like South Korea and China.
2. Lack of Dedicated Facilities
Nepal has few purpose-built esports arenas or training facilities. Most competitive play still happens in converted cyber cafés or players’ homes, limiting opportunities for professional-grade practice environments and large-scale spectator events.
3. Limited Corporate Investment
While some Nepali brands are beginning to sponsor esports teams, the level of corporate investment pales compared to markets like India or Southeast Asia. This funding gap affects prize pools, player salaries, and event production quality.
4. Regulatory Ambiguity
Nepal lacks clear regulatory frameworks for esports. Issues around taxation, legal status of prize winnings, visa support for international competition, and player contracts remain largely unaddressed by government authorities.
5. Social Perception
Gaming still faces stigma in Nepal, particularly among older generations who view it as time-wasting rather than a legitimate career pursuit. Many talented players face family pressure to abandon competitive gaming for “real jobs.”
Success Stories: Nepal’s Rising Stars
HORAA Esports
Widely considered Nepal’s premier PUBG Mobile team, HORAA has consistently dominated domestic competitions and represented Nepal internationally. Their 2025 World Cup finals appearance marked a watershed moment for Nepali esports, proving that talent from small nations can compete with global powerhouses.
Individual Champions
- KillerYT (Suraj Thapa): $141,096 in career earnings
- DeltaX: $139,737 in tournament winnings
- RuLzSR: $139,279 in prize money
These players have inspired a generation of Nepali youth to pursue competitive gaming seriously.
The Youth Gaming Movement
Nepal’s demographic advantage—a young, tech-savvy population—is its greatest esports asset. Over 40% of Nepal’s 30 million population is under 25, creating a massive potential player base and audience.
Universities are beginning to recognize esports, with institutions like Presidential Business School offering courses on the gaming industry. Student esports clubs are forming across Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other cities, organizing inter-college tournaments and building grassroots communities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Esports in Nepal
Several trends suggest continued growth for Nepal’s esports scene:
1. 5G Rollout
As 5G networks expand across Nepal, mobile gaming will become even more accessible and competitive, reducing the latency disadvantages Nepali players currently face.
2. Regional Integration
Nepal’s participation in South Asian esports leagues is increasing, with opportunities to compete against teams from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, exposing players to higher levels of competition.
3. Blockchain and Web3 Gaming
Play-to-earn games are gaining traction in Nepal, offering new economic models where gaming time directly translates to income—particularly attractive in Nepal’s developing economy.
4. Women in Esports
While currently male-dominated, Nepal’s esports scene is seeing more female participation, with women’s tournaments and teams beginning to emerge.
5. Government Recognition
There are growing calls for Nepal’s government to formally recognize esports as a legitimate sport, which would unlock funding, infrastructure development, and international support.
Supporting the Ecosystem
The growth of Nepal’s esports depends on a robust support ecosystem beyond just players and tournaments. Legitimate service providers play a crucial role in maintaining the industry’s integrity.
Government-certified platforms that offer secure game top-ups, protect user data, and support local payment methods form the backbone of trust in Nepal’s digital gaming economy. These services enable millions of transactions monthly, allowing players to access content safely without the risks associated with unofficial channels or account sharing.
Conclusion: A Nation Leveling Up
Esports in Nepal has evolved from a niche hobby to a cultural phenomenon with real economic impact. While challenges remain—particularly around infrastructure, investment, and social acceptance—the trajectory is unmistakably upward.
Nepal’s young population, increasing internet penetration, mobile gaming dominance, and growing tournament ecosystem suggest that the country’s best esports achievements are still ahead. As teams like HORAA Esports continue to punch above their weight on international stages, they’re not just winning games—they’re changing perceptions about what’s possible for Nepali youth in the digital age.
The journey from cyber café LAN parties to World Cup finals has been remarkable. The next chapter of Nepal’s esports story is being written right now, one match, one tournament, one player at a time.