More than 70 days have passed since the conflict between the United States and Iran began, as fighting in the Middle East led to a sharp increase in oil prices, damage to infrastructure, and blackouts.
Before the conflict, the Iranian government focused on controlling citizens’ online activities, limiting access to social media and gaming platforms. Despite the difficulties, members of the country’s sports and sports community continue to defy the odds as they seek to raise awareness of their emerging scene, striving to raise voices around the world.
Infrastructure Limitation
In most countries, accessing the Internet via a standard Wi-Fi connection or mobile data is the norm. For residents of Iran, however, difficulties in accessing esports platforms, game servers, and social media remain. Not to mention the internet across the country following the protests of January 2026. It was restored, but still heavily monitored and unstable.
According to a source who wished to remain anonymous, the Iranian government has implemented a tiered framework that provides varying levels of access. A “white SIM card” offers unlimited access, a “pro SIM card” comes with restrictions and platform limitations, and the “National Network” requires residents to pay for limited access.
For sportsmen and gamers, there is no access to international networks unless they have access to a white or pro SIM card, or if they are willing to pay the high cost of a VPN service.
“The monthly income of an average worker in Iran is less than $100,” a source told Esports Insider. “Broadcasters, online retailers, sports media channels, and sports centers are all facing huge challenges. Everyone is now in a survival mode, trying to stay on top while operating at the lowest possible cost.”
With sanctions restricting access to platforms ranging from YouTube to Steam, Iran’s gaming and esports media sectors are severely affected when producing content. Described as “small and independent, lacking stable income, and operated by limited professional teams,” any kind of investigative journalism and in-depth analysis is impossible.
Instead, content-generating outlets are becoming more and more complex. He explained: “Broadcasting has become too superficial or translation-based. There is a demand for sports content and the audience is still there, but models like the National Network and the smart disconnect systems act as a barrier between viewers and the media.”
Help From the Wider Industry
The sports industry is no stranger to coming together to support important causes, such as those affected by conflict. In 2022, tournament organizer ESL made donations to the UN Refugee Agency following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and banned Russian teams from its tournaments.
Due to many international sanctions, legal risks for participants, and internet restrictions, it has been difficult in the wider esports area to provide any support to those affected. Combined with a lack of access to professional sports arenas, Iran has struggled to establish a stable infrastructure for developing talent.
“The lack of a formal and domestic sports structure is the main reason for the lack of representation at the international level,” said the source.
Reducing Chances
Despite the lack of domestic infrastructure and support from international stakeholders, members of the emerging sports community in Iran are entering the international arena.
eFootball player Hassan Pajani has cemented its place at the top of Konami’s sports simulation title. In February, he won the Arsenal FC Club Finals to book a place at the season-ending World Finals in July. By winning the Club Finals, Pajani will represent Arsenal FC in the console competition, competing against the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and FC Barcelona.
Elsewhere, Kasra “Mikey” Mesbah continues to fly the flag in Dota 2. Since starting his playing career in 2019, he has competed in several Tier 1 tournaments, most notably reaching third place in DreamLeague Season 19 while representing Shopify Rebellion.
They are not the only players looking outside of Iran and the Middle East to further their esports careers. A source told ESI: “Currently, immigration has become a priority in many sectors, and there is a visible trend of migration among broadcasters and even journalists.”
Earlier this year, Counter-Strike team OxinGame moved to the Arab world to compete on the international stage under a flag other than their own. As players leave in search of opportunities, Iran’s sports industry is in danger of falling by the wayside.
Next Steps for Iran’s Esports Scene
As conflict continues to engulf Iran, the country’s gaming and esports ecosystem is hoping that small signs of growth can blossom into a sector with greater global reach.
At the moment, the country’s industry is so stagnant that recovery may not be possible.
“The situation of sports in Iran is not good at all. Before it was weak, and now it is going backwards,” the source admitted.
Sports in other Middle Eastern countries are experiencing significant growth, thanks to huge government investments, which shows the potential of gaming in the region. As the conflict in Iran continues, it remains to be seen whether the country’s ecosystem can sustain itself and reach the level where Iranian esports is becoming along with other countries in the region.
