Riot Bullish on Valorant, Esports in India

Riot Games maintains a strong commitment to the Indian esports market, viewing the region as a critical component of its long-term expansion strategy. The company’s bullish outlook is driven by the rapid growth of Valorant, which has seen significant popularity gains since its launch. Data supporting this momentum includes a substantial increase in viewership for the Valorant Champions Tour, which recorded over 60 million total hours watched in 2022, up from 46 million the previous year.

To capitalize on this growth, Riot Games is actively investing in local infrastructure and talent. The company has integrated India into its global competitive ecosystem by selecting Global Esports as a partnered team for the 2023 season, providing the organization with a six-figure stipend and long-term stability. Furthermore, Riot is enhancing its local presence through targeted marketing initiatives, such as the introduction of an Indian-themed game agent and localized promotional campaigns in major cities like Mumbai.

Beyond marketing, the company is prioritizing operational expansion within the Asia-Pacific region. Plans include establishing local offices in India, as well as in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, to better support regional fan bases. This move also aligns with proposed local online gaming regulations that necessitate a physical corporate presence within the country. By combining localized content with structural investment, Riot aims to cultivate homegrown talent and solidify its footprint in the emerging Indian esports landscape.