Top 10 Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

India’s online gaming industry has seen explosive growth, with fantasy gaming emerging as one of the most engaging and lucrative segments. Driven by smartphone penetration, affordable internet, and a sports-obsessed audience, fantasy game startups are transforming the way users interact with sports. 

These platforms allow users to create virtual teams, predict match outcomes, and win real rewards based on actual game performances. Combining analytics, strategy, and entertainment, fantasy games are not just pastimes but serious digital ventures. A number of Indian startups are leading this revolution, offering innovative platforms that captivate millions of users and shape the future of digital sports.

In this blog, we will take a look at the top 10 Online Fantasy Game Startups in India.

Fantasy Games in India – An Overview

Fantasy games in India have seen explosive growth, driven by the popularity of cricket and increased smartphone penetration. As of 2024, the Indian fantasy sports industry boasts over 180 million users, with cricket accounting for nearly 85% of total participation.

The sector has grown at a CAGR of 30-35% over the past five years and is projected to reach a market size of INR 25,000 crore by 2027. Platforms like Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle dominate the space, offering real-time sports-based contests with cash prizes. 

The growth is fueled by youth engagement, internet accessibility, and legalized skill-based gaming. With increasing regulatory oversight and tech innovation, India’s fantasy gaming industry continues to evolve as a major player in the global gaming market.

List of Top 10 Online Fantasy Game Startups in India 

1. Dream11

Dream11 operates as India’s premier fantasy sports platform after its establishment in 2008 through the efforts of founders Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth. With Dream11, users can construct virtual teams that participate in contests for cricket and football as well as basketball and kabaddi competitions. 

Dream11 introduced the freemium model to India while making history as the country’s first fantasy sports unicorn company. The success achieved by Dream11 enabled the development of fantasy gaming in India where it now serves more than 200 million users. 

By emphasising responsible gaming practices while investing in user retention and strategic corporate sponsorships, Dream11 maintains its leadership position in fantasy gaming while serving as a dominant player within India’s digital sports landscape.

Features:

• Offers fantasy games across multiple sports, including cricket, football, kabaddi, basketball, volleyball, handball, baseball, and hockey.
• Provides various contest types and formats to suit different preferences and risk appetites.
• Delivers data-driven insights and tools for informed team selection.
• Ensures a user-friendly and visually appealing interface for easy navigation.
• Accessible on both Android and iOS devices.

Pros:

• Wide range of sports offerings enhances user engagement.
• Large user base provides extensive competition and significant prize opportunities.
• Engaging interface and mobile compatibility improve user experience.

Cons:

• High competition may make winning more challenging for new users.
• Success requires a deep understanding of the sport and strategic decision-making.

2. Mobile Premier League (MPL)

MPL was established in 2018 by Sai Srinivas Kiran and Shubham Malhotra to become India’s fastest-growing mobile eSports and fantasy gaming platform. Users from all backgrounds find appeal in playing fantasy cricket and chess games alongside quizzes and arcade entertainment which MPL offers as part of its gaming selection. 

Users can access real-time cash contests through the platform’s straightforward mobile app interface. The gaming platform MPL maintains its user base at 90 million while operating throughout India and Southeast Asia. 

The company attracts funding from Sequoia India and Times Internet. Through its flexible platform design along with regular tournaments and diverse game selection MPL established itself as a leading player within the Indian fantasy gaming domain.

Features:

• Hosts a diverse array of games, including fantasy sports, casual games, and esports.
• Offers real-time multiplayer gaming experiences.
• Provides attractive bonuses and promotions for user engagement.
• Supports secure and efficient transactions with various payment options tailored for Indian users.
• Prioritises user safety and fairness with robust security measures.

Pros:

• Diverse game selection caters to a broad user base.
• Real-time matches enhance the immersive experience. 
• Attractive bonuses and promotions encourage user retention.

Cons:

• Some users report performance issues, including app lag and crashes.
• Concerns about fair play policies and server errors leading to cash deductions.

3. Nazara Technologies

Nazara Technologies was established under Nitish Mittersain’s leadership in 1999, to become a gaming and sports media company focused on market diversification. The company maintains its position within India’s fantasy gaming ecosystem by investing in businesses such as Halaplay and SportsKeeda despite offering services other than pure fantasy sports. 

Nazara Technologies delivers its services across mobile gaming eSports and interactive learning domains. The company delivers cricket and educational apps dedicated for children that serve users throughout India along with Africa and the Middle East. 

The publicly traded Nazara maintains its market position by combining organic expansion with strategic acquisitions while operating throughout casual and fantasy sports divisions.

Features:

• Operates in mobile gaming, esports, and interactive learning sectors.
• Offers a range of games, including cricket and educational apps for kids.
• Engages in strategic investments in other gaming companies to expand its portfolio.
• Focuses on markets across India, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Publicly listed company with a diversified business model.

Pros:

• Diversified offerings appeal to various demographics.
• Strategic investments enhance market presence and growth. 
• Established brand with a long-standing presence in the gaming industry.

Cons:

• Not exclusively focused on fantasy gaming, which may dilute brand identity in that sector.
• Managing operations across diverse markets can present logistical challenges.

4. Games24x7 (My11Circle)

Games24x7 emerged in 2006 through the efforts of Bhavin Pandya and Trivikraman Thampy before establishing itself as a leader in online gaming through its popular platforms like RummyCircle and the fantasy sports app My11Circle. My11Circle enables users to participate in fantasy cricket as well as football matches against sports celebrities. 

The combination of data science-powered personalisation and real-time contests with intuitive gameplay positions Games24x7 as a leader in skill-based gaming. The platform achieved user base expansion through celebrity promotions and its creative offerings. 

The game merges enjoyable gameplay with strategic elements to maintain both everyday and experienced gamers’ interest. The company maintains its market expansion in national and international territories through the ongoing support of prestigious investors.

Features:

• Offers fantasy cricket and football contests.
• Allows users to create up to six teams for a single match.
• Provides options to join existing contests or create private contests with customisable entry fees and cash prizes.
• Includes practice contests for users to play for free and improve skills.
• Emphasises legal compliance and responsible gaming practices.

Pros:

• Multiple team creation enhances strategic gameplay.
• Private contests allow personalised gaming experiences with friends and family.
• Practice contests provide a risk-free environment for beginners.

Cons:

• Availability of cash contests is restricted in certain Indian states due to legal regulations. 
• Success in contests requires substantial knowledge and analytical skills.

5. PlayerzPot

PlayerzPot established itself as an Indian fantasy gaming startup in 2015 under the leadership of founders Yogesh Doiphode and Mitesh Gangar. PlayerzPot allows users to participate in fantasy contests featuring cricket, football, kabaddi, basketball, and hockey. 

The platform stands out for clear navigation while delivering instant gaming information through a platform that prioritises secure play and fair competition. A casual game option including ludo and snake & ladder is present to attract users who do not play competitive games. 

The gaming startup successfully developed a large gamer base through celebrity sponsorships and inventive promotional activities. The platform serves both sports fans and non-serious players with its blend of fantasy sports and casual games creating a flexible and welcoming gaming environment.

Features:

• Offers fantasy contests for cricket, football, kabaddi, basketball, and hockey.
• Features casual games like ludo and snake & ladder.
• Emphasises fair play and security measures.
• Provides real-time game updates and user-friendly interface.
• Includes various gaming modes and contests.

Pros:

• Diverse game offerings cater to both fantasy sports enthusiasts and casual gamers.
• Focus on fair play and security enhances user trust.
• Real-time updates keep users engaged and informed.

Cons:

• Users may experience technical glitches affecting gameplay.
• Limited promotional offers compared to competitors.

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6. BalleBaazi

BalleBaazi was launched in 2018 under the direction of its founders Saurabh Chopra, Navkiran Singh, and Puneet Dua to provide fantasy gaming services for sports including cricket, football, basketball, kabaddi, and baseball. Ambitious cricket fans can enjoy two fantasy game formats – Batting and Bowling Fantasy – on this platform. 

The platform’s clean user interface combined with secure payment systems and regular competitions has established a devoted user base. Serious fantasy sports players find attraction to this platform due to its regular performance tracking and real-money reward system as well as its regular updates. 

Innovative operations backed by veteran industry experience together drive BalleBaazi’s expansion, as it delivers players an interactive fantasy sports platform featuring strategy-based competitive gameplay.

Features:

• Offers fantasy gaming across cricket, football, basketball, kabaddi, and baseball.
• Unique formats like Batting and Bowling Fantasy enhance gameplay depth.
• Real-time score tracking and performance analysis tools.
• Supports secure withdrawals and deposits via UPI, Paytm, and net banking.
• Includes seasonal offers and leaderboard-based competitions.

Pros:

• Diverse fantasy formats improve strategic engagement.
• Clean UI/UX with intuitive gameplay.
• Regular contests and bonus offers attract competitive users.

Cons:

• New users may find multiple formats slightly confusing.
• Limited presence in non-cricket sports compared to top competitors.

7. FanFight

FanFight is a fantasy sports app founded to provide an exciting and skill-based platform for cricket and football lovers. The app enables users to create fantasy teams, compete in daily contests, and win cash prizes. 

Its simplified gameplay, seamless UI, and attractive promotions have drawn a wide user base. Based in Bangalore, FanFight competes with top players by focusing on transparency, quick payouts, and user-centric features. 

It also emphasizes responsible gaming practices. Though relatively smaller than Dream11, FanFight has carved out a niche with a focus on grassroots marketing, ease of use, and consistent platform upgrades to enhance user engagement.

Features:

• Focuses on fantasy cricket and football with daily contests.
• Simple interface for quick team creation.
• Offers cash rewards for top performers.
• Fast withdrawal process using UPI and other digital modes.
• Allows head-to-head and multiple-entry contests.

Pros:

• Easy for beginners due to straightforward gameplay.
• Lower competition makes winning more accessible for casual users.
• Transparent reward system with prompt payouts.

Cons:

• Smaller user base means fewer high-stake contests.
• Limited sports variety compared to major platforms.

8. HalaPlay Technologies

Founded by Prateek Anand and Swapnil Saurav, HalaPlay is a daily fantasy sports platform offering real-time contests for cricket, football, and kabaddi. Launched in 2017, it gained early traction for its smooth interface and quick onboarding process. 

HalaPlay’s daily contests and instant cash rewards attract users who prefer short-duration fantasy engagements. It uses data analytics to personalise user experiences and has invested in building a strong in-game strategy component. 

HalaPlay merged with Nazara-backed SportsKeeda to strengthen its market position. With its focus on real-time action and short-format fantasy games, HalaPlay remains relevant in India’s evolving fantasy gaming scene.

Features:

• Provides fantasy contests for cricket, football, and kabaddi.
• Daily leagues with instant cash rewards.
• Supports private leagues for friends and small groups.
• Data-driven platform for performance insights.
• Integration with Paytm and UPI for transactions.

Pros:

• Short-format fantasy games appeal to quick gamers.
• Real-time analytics support strategic gameplay.
• Easy onboarding and low entry fees encourage new players.

Cons:

• Smaller prize pools than competitors.
• Interface lacks polish compared to leading apps.

9. Fantasy Akhada

Fantasy Akhada is a newer entrant in India’s fantasy sports market, founded by Amit Purohit and Sumit Kumar Jha. The platform offers fantasy cricket and football contests with an easy-to-navigate interface and competitive prize structures. 

Backed by cricket legend Harsha Bhogle, Fantasy Akhada has positioned itself as a trustworthy and innovative brand. It focuses on seamless user experience, fast withdrawals, and regular player performance updates. 

The app supports head-to-head challenges, mega contests, and private leagues, appealing to both beginners and seasoned players. With a growing user base and strategic marketing, Fantasy Akhada is steadily gaining traction in the fantasy gaming space.

Features:

• Offers fantasy cricket and football with real-time updates.
• Backed by sports personalities like Harsha Bhogle.
• Seamless UI with smart player suggestions.
• Fast deposits and withdrawals through trusted gateways.
• Emphasis on fair play and responsible gaming.

Pros:

• Celebrity endorsements add credibility.
• Easy-to-use app tailored for beginners.
• Competitive contests with flexible entry options.

Cons:

• Limited marketing presence affects user acquisition.
• Fewer features than more established fantasy platforms.

10. Zupee

Zupee, founded in 2018 by Dilsher Singh Malhi and Siddhant Saurabh, offers skill-based casual games with real-money rewards, focusing primarily on mobile-friendly versions of traditional Indian games like Ludo. 

While not a fantasy sports platform in the conventional sense, Zupee operates in the real-money gaming space, sharing a user base similar to fantasy gaming platforms. Its gamified approach and easy accessibility have helped it grow rapidly among casual gamers. 

Zupee emphasises entertainment blended with skill, offering short gaming sessions with instant gratification. Backed by marquee investors, it has quickly become a prominent name in India’s online gaming and entertainment landscape.

Features:

• Offers skill-based games like Ludo Supreme, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Cards Mania.
• 24/7 tournaments with real cash rewards.
• Supports quick withdrawals via UPI, Paytm, and more.
• RNG certified to ensure fair gameplay.
• Focus on intuitive UI and responsible gaming.

Pros:

• Fun, skill-based games based on traditional favorites.
• Real-time multiplayer contests keep users engaged.
• Large player base enhances competition and community feel.

Cons:

• Occasional technical glitches may disrupt gameplay.
• Less suited for hardcore fantasy sports fans.

Ending Thoughts 

The rise of fantasy gaming in India reflects the country’s deep passion for sports, digital innovation, and mobile-first entertainment. With millions of users engaging daily, these platforms have transformed how fans interact with live sports—adding strategy, competition, and rewards to the experience. The Top 10 Online Fantasy Game Startups in India are at the forefront of this revolution, leading the charge with innovative features, user-friendly interfaces, and responsible gaming practices, setting the stage for sustained growth.

Regulatory clarity and data-driven personalisation will further boost user trust and participation. While challenges such as technical glitches and legal restrictions exist, the overall trajectory remains positive. Fantasy gaming is not just a trend but a rapidly evolving digital sport, reshaping fan engagement and offering exciting monetisation opportunities in India’s booming online gaming ecosystem.

FAQs

How do fantasy gaming platforms work?

Users select players from upcoming matches, form their team, and earn points based on players’ real-time stats like runs, goals, or wickets.

Is fantasy gaming legal in India?

Yes, fantasy gaming is considered a game of skill and is legal in most Indian states, though laws vary by region.

Can I earn money through fantasy gaming?

Yes, many platforms offer cash prizes and rewards based on your team’s performance in paid contests.

Are fantasy gaming platforms safe to use?

Most reputed startups are safe, use secure payment gateways, and follow regulatory guidelines to protect user data and funds.