Top 14 Online Fantasy Game Startups in India: Revolutionizing Fantasy Gaming

In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, one genre has taken the Indian market by storm: online fantasy games. These games tend to give captivating virtual experiences and have become popular among millions across the country. After all, who wouldn't want to create their own dream team and earn real money while playing their favorite sports?

As the popularity of online gaming continues to increase, the Indian fantasy sports sector is sure to experience exponential growth. Revenue from the sector has already witnessed a remarkable rise, growing by 31% to reach Rs 6,800 crore in FY22. The projections for the future are even more inspiring, with estimates indicating a potential rise to an astounding Rs 25,240 crore by FY27, showcasing an exceptional compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33%.

Let's delve into this thriving industry, exploring the leading fantasy gaming companies in India.

Fantasy Games in India - An Overview
List of Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

1. Dream 11
2. Games24x7
3. Mobile Premier League (MPL)
4. Gameskraft
5. Fantasy Akhada
6. OneTo11
7. HalaPlay
8. 11Wickets
9. MyTeam11
10. MyFab11
11. Howzat
12. PlayerzPot
13. BalleBaazi
14. Fantasy Khiladi

Why Are Online Fantasy Games in India Gaining Popularity?

Fantasy Games in India - An Overview

The Indian fantasy gaming industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, reshaping the gaming landscape with its innovative offerings. With the number of gamers projected to expand from 420 million in 2022 to 500 million by 2025, it's clear that the craze for online gaming is on the rise. In fact, between 2017 and 2020, the country's gaming industry witnessed an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38 percent, surpassing the growth rates of both China and the US at 8 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Prominent players in the fantasy sports arena, such as Dream11, 11 Wickets, and more, establish strategic partnerships with official sports leagues like the IPL, Test Matches, and Kabaddi leagues. These collaborations not only enhance the credibility of their platforms but also offer users an authentic and immersive gaming experience.

The Indian fantasy gaming industry has started to boom in terms of startup culture. Learn more about how fantasy gaming startups are changing the gaming industry.

Fantasy Sports Survey

Fantasy sports have been surveyed with respect to two parameters: time-frequency and age group.

1. Time-Frequency: A report by KPMG (2019) says that approximately 75% of the respondents play fantasy sports 1-3 times a week, with the majority of them playing once a week. About 20% of the respondents reported playing more than five times a week.
2. Age groups: It's observed fairly consistently in the age groups of 18–24 and 25–36, with nearly 80% of the respondents playing 1-3 times a week; the 37–50 age group was seen to have a much higher engagement. Nearly 50% of the respondents in the 37–50 age group reported playing fantasy games more than four times a week.

As fantasy gaming continues to gain popularity in India, the landscape becomes increasingly competitive, offering higher cash rewards for participants. This trend initially gained momentum with cricket, coinciding with the introduction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. Today, the options for fantasy gaming extend beyond cricket, encompassing a wide array of sports such as football, hockey, kabaddi, carrom, pool, badminton, basketball, and more. This diverse range of sports provides participants with a plethora of choices and opportunities to engage in their favorite games through fantasy sports platforms.

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List of Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

Here is a list of the top online fantasy gaming startups in India:

Dream 11

Dream11 has completely transformed the online gaming landscape in India, captivating the hearts of sports enthusiasts across the nation. As the country's very first gaming startup in the unicorn startup club, Dream11 has achieved remarkable heights, leaving an incredible mark on the industry. The company's amazing journey includes the prestigious honor of being announced as the official partner for the Indian Premier League (IPL) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. With a four-year exclusive contract, Dream11 has also taken the helm as the official fantasy game of the IPL, solidifying its position at the forefront of the industry.

Dream11's unparalleled success not only solidifies its position as a market leader but also serves as an inspiration for countless aspiring entrepreneurs and startups. By seamlessly blending the excitement of sports fandom, strategic thinking, and exhilarating gameplay, Dream11 has struck a chord with millions of users, redefining the future of online gaming in India.

Games24x7

Another popular unicorn startup on the list of online fantasy game startups in India is Games24x7. Games24x7 is a popular online gaming company in India that has left an incredible mark on the industry. With a strong focus on skill-based and casual games, it offers a wide range of captivating experiences for players of all ages. Its flagship products, RummyCircle and My11Circle, have gained immense popularity, providing players with amazing gameplay and real-money prizes.

What sets Games24x7 apart is its relentless pursuit of innovation, utilizing behavioral science, technology, and artificial intelligence to create unforgettable gaming experiences. In 2022, Games24x7 became a unicorn startup, further solidifying its position as a true industry leader.

Mobile Premier League (MPL)

Mobile Premier League (MPL) is India's leading eSports and mobile gaming platform, offering a wide array of games across various categories. With over 60 games available for free download, MPL caters to diverse gaming preferences, including fantasy sports, card games, puzzles, action games, and more. MPL allows users to engage in real-money games such as rummy, chess, fantasy cricket, and more, providing the opportunity to win cash prizes. The platform promises an unparalleled gaming experience, offering unlimited entertainment and a chance to compete with real players. Whether you're a fan of sports, card games, or brain-teasing puzzles, MPL, with Virat Kohli's endorsement, offers a dynamic and exciting gaming environment.

Gameskraft

Gameskraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is an exciting online gaming company making waves in India's gaming landscape. With a focus on skill-based games, Gameskraft has quickly gained prominence since its inception in 2017. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the company was founded by passionate gamers who wanted to create captivating gaming experiences for players across web and mobile platforms. Safety, security, and ethical gameplay are top priorities for Gameskraft, ensuring a trusted environment for gamers. Its popular gaming platforms, including RummyCulture and Gamezy, offer players thrilling and rewarding adventures, making it one of the favorites when it comes to online fantasy games.

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Fantasy Akhada

Fantasy Akhada, a startup based in Gurugram, is dedicated to bringing the excitement of a real-life akhada (sporting arena) to mobile devices through its innovative tech platform. With a strong focus on fantasy sports, Fantasy Akhada offers leagues in popular sports such as cricket, football, basketball, and kabaddi. The platform is designed to cater to gamers at different skill levels, providing a customized experience for casual players as well as those seeking more involvement. With its user-friendly interface and dedication to delivering maximum returns, Fantasy Akhada is carving its niche in the fantasy gaming industry by providing sports enthusiasts with an immersive and authentic gaming platform.

OneTo11

OneTo11 is a dynamic and tech-driven gaming company that offers a diverse range of gaming experiences to its users. With a focus on fantasy games, real-RMG, RPG, educational, and non-fungible token (NFT) games, OneTo11 provides a platform where users can play and earn money simultaneously. It takes pride in being India's first social networking fantasy mobile application. With a user-centric approach, OneTo11 offers various earning opportunities through referrals, challenges, and community engagement.

HalaPlay

HalaPlay is a prominent player in the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) gaming industry, providing users with exciting sports leagues in cricket, football, and kabaddi. With Halaplay, players have the opportunity to showcase their sports knowledge and skills by participating in fantasy leagues. By placing bets on their virtual teams, users can compete against fellow sports enthusiasts and have the chance to win attractive cash prizes. Established in January 2017, HalaPlay has received funding from renowned entities such as Nazara Technologies and Kae Capital.

11Wickets

11Wickets, a premier brand of Ability Games Private Limited, headquartered in Kolkata, is transforming the landscape of online games for sports enthusiasts. With a strong focus on fantasy cricket and football, the platform offers an immersive gaming experience like no other. 11Wickets brings exclusive features to its users, including live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, a match tracker, and in-depth analysis. As players indulge in their favorite fantasy games, they can stay connected with real-time updates, insightful commentary, and vital information about the playing conditions, all within the 11wickets.com platform.

MyTeam11

MyTeam11, launched in 2016, has emerged as a leading platform for online fantasy sports gaming in India. With its intuitive interface and extensive range of sports offerings, MyTeam11 has garnered a loyal following among sports enthusiasts. The platform empowers users to assemble their own virtual teams by handpicking real-match players from popular sports such as cricket, football, kabaddi, and basketball. By showcasing their knowledge and skills, participants can collect points based on the on-field performance of their selected players and compete against fellow gamers for lucrative cash prizes.

MyFab11

MyFab11, the flagship product of Fantasy Sports MyFab11 Private Limited is a prominent sports gaming platform in India. Established in 2018, it provides a dynamic online portal and mobile applications where users can engage in fantasy sports games. The platform allows participants to create virtual teams consisting of real-world athletes competing in various sports events. Users then compete against each other in-game contests, earning points based on the performance of their chosen athletes. MyFab11 offers sports game formats for cricket, football, and other sports, fostering a competitive environment for thousands of users per contest and per match.

Howzat

Launched in April 2019, Howzat is a popular online fantasy gaming platform in India that combines the thrill of skill-based gaming with the opportunity to win exciting cash prizes. With a strong focus on cricket, football, and kabaddi, Howzat allows users to create their own fantasy teams using real players participating in live matches. By leveraging their cricket knowledge and player statistics, users strategize and build their dream teams to compete in the Fantasy Cricket League. Each player is assigned points based on their performance, adding an element of strategy and excitement to the game.

PlayerzPot

PlayerzPot is a dynamic and engaging online fantasy gaming startup based in India. With a strong focus on providing a thrilling gaming experience to its users, PlayerzPot offers a wide range of fantasy sports contests in cricket, football, kabaddi, basketball, hockey, and more. The platform allows users to create their own virtual teams by selecting real players and competing against other participants to earn points based on their performance in real matches. It contains features such as refer and earn, instant withdrawal, and weekly tasks.

BalleBaazi

BalleBaazi, the highly acclaimed fantasy gaming platform developed by Baazi Games, offers an immersive gaming experience with its diverse range of personalized online gaming formats. With a wide selection of games such as cricket, kabaddi, football, baseball, and basketball. BalleBaazi caters to the interests of every sports enthusiast. Powered by bank-grade security and a unique reward structure, the platform provides a safe and rewarding environment for players. With its user-friendly interface, exciting promotions, referral bonuses, and a combination of daily, weekly, and monthly leagues, BalleBaazi continues to redefine the standards of online entertainment, offering players the opportunity to win real money and enjoy seamless transitions between different gaming products.

Fantasy Khiladi

Fantasy Khiladi is a fantasy sports platform in India. Since its establishment, Fantasy Khiladi has redefined the way Ludo games are enjoyed. With a user-friendly website and mobile apps, Fantasy Khiladi has garnered a loyal and diverse user base. Offering skill-based Ludo games, players can put their gaming skills to the test and have the chance to win real money prizes. The platform provides various Ludo modes and ensures a seamless and fair gaming experience.

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Besides these startups in the fantasy gaming industry, it is important to highlight the emergence of CrickPe as one of the most promising upcoming players. CrickPe, a fantasy cricket and gaming platform, is the latest addition to India's booming online fantasy cricket industry. Launched under Ashneer Grover's new venture, Third Unicorn Pvt. Ltd., CrickPe aims to provide a world-class fantasy cricket experience to cricket enthusiasts.

Why Are Online Fantasy Games in India Gaining Popularity?

The surge in popularity of online fantasy sports in India can be attributed to several key factors:

Wide Array of Sports Leagues

India has a passionate sports culture, particularly for cricket, kabaddi, football, wrestling, and volleyball. The availability of fantasy sports leagues for these sports has resonated with a large population of sports enthusiasts.

Digitalization

India's digital landscape has witnessed significant growth, driven by increased smartphone affordability, expanding internet access, and reduced data costs. This digitalization wave has facilitated the widespread adoption of online fantasy sports platforms.

Increased Investors' Interest

Notable investors, including industry leaders like Tencent and Nazara, have shown keen interest in the fantasy sports gaming sector. Their investments have bolstered the industry's growth and added credibility. Furthermore, these platforms cater to India's diverse population by providing content in regional languages, including religious themes.

High-Profile Sports Partnerships

Renowned sports personalities such as M.S. Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya have become brand ambassadors for online fantasy sports, particularly in cricket. Their association with these platforms has helped garner a larger fan base and added to the credibility of the industry. It is worth noting that fantasy sports are considered games of skill rather than luck, further enhancing their appeal.

These factors combined have propelled the rapid adoption of fantasy sports in India, captivating sports enthusiasts and offering them an engaging and skill-based gaming experience.

Conclusion

The surge of online fantasy gaming in India owes much to the digital revolution that has reshaped the gaming landscape. With more people using smartphones, better internet connectivity, and enhanced gaming experiences, fantasy gaming has become incredibly popular. These home-grown startups have seized the opportunity to provide a diverse range of online games to meet the growing demand in India.

From cricket and football to kabaddi and basketball, these fantasy gaming platforms have created immersive and engaging experiences for sports enthusiasts. As the appetite for online gaming continues to grow, these startups have successfully positioned themselves as the go-to platforms for fantasy gaming in India, revolutionizing the way people experience and enjoy sports virtually.

FAQs

What is Fantasy Game?

A fantasy sport is a type of game, often played using the Internet, where participants assemble imaginary or virtual teams of real players of a professional sport. These teams compete based on the statistical performance of those players in actual games.

Which are the top online fantasy gaming companies in India?

The top online fantasy gaming companies in India include Dream11, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Games24x7, Gameskraft, and more.

Is fantasy gaming legal in India?

The legality of fantasy sports in India is dependent on whether the game qualifies as a 'game of skill' or a 'game of chance'. However, games involving a considerable and substantial degree of skill (mathematically, more than 50%) fall outside the scope of gambling laws and hence are legal in India.

What are the growth prospects of the Indian online fantasy sports industry?

The Indian online fantasy sports sector is expected to witness remarkable growth, with revenue estimated to reach Rs 25,240 crore by FY27, showcasing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33%.

Is it worth playing fantasy cricket?

Yes, with sports players like M.S. Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya promoting online fantasy sports, playing fantasy cricket has become an exciting way to enhance your cricket-watching experience.