For many young people, esports started as a hobby, but it is now emerging as a competitive platform with opportunities beyond gaming. The Bhutan Esports Association says it aims to develop esports as a recognised profession by creating opportunities for athletes, coaches, referees, managers and tournament organisers. Players say proper support and structured competitions could help Bhutanese gamers compete at international levels.
For 20-year-old Yoetshel Pelmen, what began as a way to pass the time has become a serious passion. A student at Royal Thimphu College, she spends hours sharpening her skills in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
That hobby has now taken her much further than she expected.
Earlier this year, Yoetshel and her teammates from ICY Arora won the girls’ national Mobile Legends championship prelims 2027 qualifiers, earning the opportunity to compete at a higher level.
The player says balancing gaming with studies was initially challenging, especially when parents viewed gaming differently. However, she says maintaining a balance helped her manage academic pressure and enjoy gaming responsibly.
Yoetshel Pelmen said, “I think finding a balance between gaming and studying really took the stress off. After classes, once I’d finished all my homework, I’d call my friends, and we’d play for a while. It was a nice way to relax.”
Yoetshel’s journey reflects a growing trend as esports continue to gain popularity in the country.
Competitive titles such as PUBG Mobile, Dota 2, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, Tekken, Free Fire and digital chess are attracting an increasing number of players.
The Bhutan Esports Association hopes to build a sustainable esports industry by creating opportunities not only for players but also for coaches, referees, managers, and tournament organisers.
The association became a member of the Bhutan Olympic Committee in 2025, marking an important step towards recognising esports as an organised sport.
“Once we build the platform, it will create a lot of job opportunities. Even now, some people are already earning through esports as tournament organisers and professional players. Our goal as an association is to make esports a sustainable career with real job opportunities,” said Sherab Lhaden, the secretary general of the Association.
To help professionalise the sport, aspiring athletes must first register with the association and complete training on responsible and ethical gaming before competing in official tournaments.
Players who qualify through national championships can then represent Bhutan at international events.
For fellow national champion in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Jigme Norbu, that opportunity is what makes every practice session worthwhile.
Jigme Norbu said, “I’m really excited to represent Bhutan as part of the national team. My teammates are excited too. We’ve been practising hard, winning competitions, and earning our place as national champions. Now we want to show the world what we can do.”
While opportunities are growing, players agree that success in esports requires commitment, discipline and balance.
Jigme Norbu said, “If you’re planning to make gaming your career, you really have to focus on it and give it your best. Esports is still a challenging field in Bhutan, so success takes a lot of hard work and dedication.”
Yoetshel Pelmen said, “Don’t give up. That’s the main thing I would tell anyone. I know there’s a lot of pressure on young people to excel in academics and be productive, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have time for ourselves and do things we enjoy.”
“Time management is very important. When it is time to study, we should focus on our studies, and when it is time to play, we should give our best in the game. Some young people spend too much time gaming during study hours, so maintaining a balance is essential,” said Pelden Lhamo Dorji, an esports enthusiast.
With the Bhutan Esports National Championship returning next year, many more young gamers will have the opportunity to test their skills, chase their dreams, and perhaps become Bhutan’s next esports champions.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sangay Chezom
