Although the presence of eSports is gradually increasing in Japan, it has yet to become mainstream. It is still largely perceived as a niche interest among those well-versed in gaming, and may take more time to become integrated into the everyday lives of the general public.

In contrast, Indonesia shows a much higher level of interest in eSports compared to Japan. The country even hosts a Presidential eSports Cup supported by the government. With such proactive support from the state, public perception and awareness of eSports in Indonesia differ significantly from Japan’s.

This article explores the size and growth drivers of the eSports market in Indonesia. It also highlights popular eSports games and players, and notable tournaments held in the country. Read on for a comprehensive overview.

The eSports Market Size in Indonesia

According to data from the statistics platform Statista, eSports revenue in Indonesia stood at USD 4.17 million (approx. JPY 591.2 million) in 2018. By 2022, it had doubled to USD 8.36 million (approx. JPY 1.205 billion).

The popularity of eSports is expected to keep growing, with revenue projected to reach USD 13.29 million (approx. JPY 1.916 billion) and the number of users expected to hit 18 million by 2027.

As Indonesia’s population continues to grow, with a high proportion of youth expected to remain, many companies are optimistic about the expansion of the young gamer base and the further development of the eSports market.

For example, VSPN, the world’s largest eSports organizer, has stated that it considers Indonesia a priority country for business expansion.

References:

• Statista “Esports – Indonesia”
• Statista “Revenue of the esports industry in Indonesia 2018-2027”
• NIKKEI Asia “Esports organizer VSPN eyes growth in Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia”

Why eSports is So Popular in Indonesia

Inclusion of eSports in the Asian Games

In August 2018, the Asian Games were held in Indonesia, where eSports was featured as a demonstration sport for the first time. This marked a major turning point for the eSports boom in Indonesia.

Before this event, eSports was not widely accepted in Indonesia, and there were critical views such as “games are not sports.”

However, witnessing the athletes’ exceptional reflexes, hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and mental focus during the games helped reshape public perception. As a result, public interest in eSports surged.

Expansion of the Mobile Gaming Market

Indonesia’s mobile gaming market is rapidly expanding. In 2022, the number of mobile game downloads reached 3.45 billion, an increase of over 300 million from 2021.

A segment of mobile game users is naturally drawn to eSports. Thus, as the mobile gaming market grows, so does the eSports user base.

Reference: VIVA.co.id “Indonesia Becomes the Third Largest Mobile Game Market in the World”

Strong Government Support

In 2014, the Indonesian government established the Indonesia Esports Association (IESPA), which now oversees the country’s major eSports teams and manages participation in international competitions.

In 2019, Indonesia hosted the inaugural “Piala Presiden Esports” (Presidential Esports Cup), a national event backed by the government that attracted widespread attention.

The Indonesian government’s support stems from its belief that eSports will contribute significantly to the country’s economic development.

This governmental backing has created more opportunities for the public to engage with eSports, further fueling interest in the field.

Popular eSports Games in Indonesia

Mobile Legends

Image Source: Mobile Legends

Mobile Legends, with over 1 billion downloads worldwide, is especially popular in Indonesia.

Ahmad Syahnd, CEO of Indonesian eSports media outlet Revival TV, once stated that over 50% of Indonesia’s mobile gamers are Mobile Legends players.

Indonesian teams have claimed numerous championships in Mobile Legends tournaments, making a strong international impact.

This team-based game involves two sides battling to destroy the opponent’s base. With easy controls, appealing characters, and nation-based competitions, it attracts players from beginners to professionals.

Reference: Voice of Indonesia “Mobile Legends Jadi Gim Seluler dengan Pengggemar Terbanyak di Indonesia”

PUBG Mobile

Image Source: PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile is a battle royale shooting game where 100 players fight to be the last one standing on a deserted island. With simple survival rules—collect resources and outlive opponents—it has gained wide appeal across age groups.

Like Mobile Legends, Indonesia boasts strong teams in PUBG Mobile. For instance, Bigetron Red Villains, established in 2017, has won multiple international championships.

The game’s popularity comes from fair matchups, team cooperation, and diverse weapons and gear. It has also surpassed 1 billion downloads globally.

Reference: PUBG Mobile

Free Fire

Image Source: Free Fire

Free Fire, which has also been included in the Presidential eSports Cup, is a survival shooter where players battle until one remains.

In 2022, it was the second-best-selling mobile game in Southeast Asia. The region’s total user spending reached USD 7.9 million (approx. JPY 1.139 billion), with 32.2% from Indonesia.

Unlike typical shooters, Free Fire features auto-aiming, making it beginner-friendly. Fast-paced gameplay also appeals to players seeking quick matches.

Reference: Free Fire

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Company Formation in Indonesia

Major eSports Tournaments Held in Indonesia

IeSF World Esports Championship 2022

The IeSF World Esports Championship, a global eSports tournament since 2009, was held in Bali in 2022. The event drew participants from 106 countries and regions, with a total prize pool of around USD 500,000 (approx. JPY 72 million).

The tournament featured titles such as:

• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (action)
• DOTA 2 (battle)
• eFootball™ 2023 (soccer)
• Mobile Legends (action)
• PUBG MOBILE (battle)
• Tekken7 (fighting)

Athletes stayed at the resort hotel Merusaka Nusa Dua in Bali, where four dedicated stages were set up for matches.

Indonesian teams won championships in DOTA 2, eFootball™ 2023, and Mobile Legends, igniting national excitement as the host country.

Reference: World Esports IeSF

Piala Presiden Esports 2023

The Piala Presiden Esports, held annually since 2019, is a government-backed international tournament involving various ministries.

In 2023, tournaments including regional, closed, and open qualifiers took place over two weeks from July 18. With a prize pool of IDR 2 billion (approx. JPY 19 million), the event attracted over 50,000 participants nationwide.

This year’s qualifying games were Mobile Legends and LOKAPALA—a MOBA game developed in Indonesia. Finalists from each category will compete in the Grand Final scheduled for October in Jakarta.

References:

• PIALA PRESIDEN ESPORTS 2023
• detiksport “Piala Presiden Esports 2023: Momen Munculnya Atlet Top”

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Notable eSports Teams and Players in Indonesia

REX REGUM QEON

Established in October 2013, REX REGUM QEON is an eSports organization with divisions in Mobile Legends, PUBG, and Free Fire.

Initially, there were concerns about communication among players from different nationalities—Indonesian and Filipino. However, the team has since risen to become one of the top eSports teams in the country.

In 2022, the team achieved 7th place worldwide in both Mobile Legends and Free Fire. Its YouTube channel also boasts over 3.5 million subscribers.

Notable players include xffero—who performed impressively at “Champions 2022″—along with Emman and Lmemore.

Reference: REX REGUM QEON

EVOS Esports

Founded in 2016, EVOS Esports is based in Jakarta and competes in Mobile Legends, PUBG, Free Fire, Arena of Valor, and more.

The team operates not only in Indonesia but also in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, achieving notable success across Southeast Asia.

They won the world title at the “Mobile Legends M1 World Championship” in Malaysia in 2019, and claimed victory in the Mobile Legends category at the “IeSF World Esports Championship 2022” in Bali.

The team’s mascot—a white tiger with a shield—symbolizes perseverance and is beloved by Indonesian eSports fans.

References:

• Voice of Indonesia “Profil Evos eSport yang Dua Kali Harumkan Nama Indonesia”
• EVOS Esports

BOOM Esports

Established in November 2016, BOOM Esports is a multinational team composed of Southeast Asia’s top players.

The team excels in DOTA 2, PUBG Mobile, and VALORANT, and is known for its outstanding teamwork. Star players include fl1pzjder, known for bold plays in difficult situations, and Berser, praised for his aggressive style.

BOOM Esports does not fix its team roster, adding an element of surprise for fans, who don’t know which players will appear until match time.

Reference: BOOM Esports

The Future Potential of Indonesia’s eSports Market

With a large and growing youth population, Indonesia is expected to see a continued rise in digitally savvy young people who are well-acquainted with online gaming.

Given the government’s national-level support for eSports and the presence of world-class competitive teams, Indonesia’s eSports market is poised for further growth.

For companies seeking to enter the Indonesian market, sectors like eSports and gaming—where market expansion is anticipated—may offer valuable opportunities for investment and business development.