For many families in Bangladesh, video games are viewed as mere distractions or as a hobby to be enjoyed after studies but never as a serious profession. The idea of turning a love for gaming into a career is often met with scepticism and rejection from parents. However, Ashikur Rahman Shakib is one of the few young individuals who challenged this perception and succeeded.
Today, Ashikur works as an Esports Operations Manager at Garena, one of the biggest names in the gaming industry.
- Early days: A familiar story of family resistance – Like countless young people across Bangladesh, Ashikur’s first introduction to gaming was purely recreational. “I used to play games when I was eight years old,” he shared. Popular games like Need for Speed: Most Wanted, DX Ball, and The House of the Dead series sparked his early interest.
But his parents, particularly his mother, were concerned about the hours he spent playing. “I was not addicted, but I enjoyed them so much that I forgot how many hours went by,” Ashikur admitted. Naturally, his mother scolded him, worrying about his studies and future, which is very common in Bangladeshi households.
As he moved into his teenage years, academic pressures increased and gaming became more limited. Yet his passion never faded. “After a while, I realised I loved gaming so much that I wanted to pursue this as a career,” he recalled. Initially, his family hesitated, believing it to be an unwise choice. But as Ashikur’s intentions became clearer and as he started showing them the professional side of the industry, their resistance softened. “When they understood my intention and this industry, they stopped resisting,” he said.
This is a lesson for parents: before dismissing gaming as mere entertainment, it’s worth understanding what esports actually is. A structured, competitive and rapidly growing global industry which offers respectable careers across various fields.
- University life and the turning point – Ashikur’s professional journey began to take shape during his university years at AIUB. It was during this time that he started moving from casual gamer to esports professional.
In 2020, Ashikur took on the role of an esports caster, providing live commentary for popular games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). He then expanded to Arena of Valor, where he was officially hired by Tencent and later worked on Honor of Kings and PUBGM tournaments.
Alongside casting, Ashikur recognised the need for additional skills. “I was good at GFX design and video editing as well,” he mentioned. These skills gave him a bonus and led to his hiring at GosuGamers, a globally recognised gaming media platform. “That’s when I realised I am on the right track and a career in esports can be a good opportunity.”
His advice to the youth is crucial here: “Before starting something, you need to see how the ecosystem works. This industry is for passionate people only. A person with 10 years of professional experience cannot just come and do his work perfectly. There is a system where you are needed.”
- Joining Garena – Ashikur’s current role at Garena came through persistence and a sharp eye for opportunity. He found the opening via LinkedIn, having kept track of the company’s activity for months. “I sensed they would hire someone in the role I am in,” he said confidently.
His blend of esports knowledge, casting experience and design skills made him stand out in the recruitment process. While the specifics of his role remain confidential, Ashikur describes his daily work as both “interesting and enjoyable”. Finding fulfilment in doing what one loves is important.
- The Esports landscape in Bangladesh – While Bangladesh’s esports industry is still growing, it holds immense promise. According to Ashikur, “There is some positive feedback about the industry, and there is huge potential in Bangladesh. Especially with Free Fire.”
However, one of the biggest barriers to progress is the lack of public education about esports. “Education is needed, and it is the most important thing right now,” he insisted. Ashikur believes it’s essential to build a solid ecosystem where people can understand the difference between casual gaming and professional esports.
Casual gaming is played for entertainment, often without structure or competitive goals. Esports, however, involves organised competitions, skilled players, event management, content creation, casting, operations management, graphic design and international tournaments. The global esports industry has grown into a multi-billion dollar sector with room for multiple careers beyond just playing games.
- Parents, family pressure, and misunderstanding – In Bangladesh, most parents view gaming as a waste of time. Young people interested in pursuing esports often face resistance, much like Ashikur did in his early years. But Ashikur encourages open conversation. “Communicate. Let them see and know what you are doing. If you are a gamer, let them see the tournaments you are participating in, let them know your goals and let them know your dedication,” he advised.
He also warns against neglecting education, noting that major companies consider academic records. “Play for a limited time also study which you are supposed to do. Giant companies usually look at CGPA before hiring,” he emphasised.
- Esports: A legitimate career in a changing world – In a country where unemployment is rising and traditional job opportunities are increasingly limited, it is essential for young people to explore emerging industries like esports, digital marketing, content creation and game development.
Ashikur firmly believes esports could become even more successful than many conventional careers in Bangladesh, provided the right system is in place. “Let them see the career paths in this industry, the ecosystem that will be structured, financial independence, work opportunities and growth,” he stated.
He also highlighted how university clubs could play a transformative role. While universities like Brac, NSU and IUB have already dedicated esports clubs, AIUB does not. “If there is a revolution that can come in this industry, yes, esports clubs from universities can bring this revolution,” he said, imagining a future where Bangladeshi players compete internationally and global esports stars come to play in Dhaka.
To the young people dreaming of turning their gaming passion into a profession, Ashikur had one simple but powerful message: “Keep your dreams up. Today or tomorrow, it will happen. There will be heartbreaks, and there will be joy too. I started with at least 10 potential people, and I can proudly say I am the only one who kept going. So keep your heads high, champs. Learn from your mistake and, most importantly, accept what happened. By accepting fate, you can achieve a lot. Good luck.”
His story is the proof that a hobby can become a profession and that with persistence, communication, and education, esports can emerge as a respectable, rewarding career in Bangladesh.