In a gaming ecosystem long dominated by men, Payal Dhare, popularly known as Payal Gaming, has carved out a space that is both influential and inspirational. She is widely regarded as one of India’s first mainstream female gaming creators, someone who didn’t just enter the industry but reshaped conversations around women in gaming through sheer consistency, skill and personality.
Payal Dhare began her YouTube journey in 2019, uploading gameplay videos and live streams that quickly found an audience. She rose to popularity through titles such as Battlegrounds Mobile India, PUBG, and GTA V, but it wasn’t just the games that kept viewers coming back. Her interactive style, candid conversations during live streams and relatability helped her build a fiercely loyal fanbase.
Within a short span, her channel crossed the one-million subscriber mark, and she later went on to become the first Indian female gamer to surpass three million subscribers on YouTube, a milestone that cemented her position in the country’s gaming landscape.
A key turning point in her career was her association with S8UL Esports, one of India’s most prominent gaming organisations. Through S8UL, Payal collaborated with top creators, represented India at major gaming events and became part of a new wave of professional content creators shaping esports culture in the country.
Her growing influence also translated into accolades. In 2024, Payal won an international honour at the MOBIES, making her the first Indian female gamer to receive the award. She has also been named Dynamic Gaming Creator of the Year and Gaming Creator of the Year, along with winning Female Streamer of the Year titles.
Payal was among the leading Indian gamers invited to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions centred on the future of the Indian gaming industry. The meeting touched upon games inspired by Indian mythology, the viability of gaming as a career, and the challenges creators face in India. She was joined by several well-known names from the gaming community, marking a rare moment of mainstream recognition for the industry.
Despite her global reach, Payal’s story remains rooted in Umranala village in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh. She comes from a close-knit and supportive family, with her father, Shivshankar Dhare, often speaking publicly about his pride in her achievements. Her journey from a small village to international stages has become a defining part of her identity and appeal.
Beyond gaming, she has also ventured into entrepreneurship with her own merchandise and retail line, expanding her brand beyond digital platforms.
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With over 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube and a massive following of more than 4 million on Instagram, Payal Gaming earns through multiple revenue streams. These include YouTube monetisation, brand collaborations, sponsorships, tournament appearances and social media partnerships.
According to media reports, her monthly income is estimated at around USD 10,000. Her overall net worth is speculated to range between USD 178,000 and USD 1.07 million, roughly translating to ₹1 crore to ₹9 crore.
Today, Payal Dhare stands as one of India’s most recognisable gaming creators, a figure who continues to challenge stereotypes while building a career entirely on her own terms.
In 2025, Payal Dhare found herself at the centre of online chatter after an alleged mms private video began circulating on social media. Her loyal fanbase quickly stepped in, pointing out that the clip appeared to be a deepfake and urging others not to spread misinformation. Payal has not issued any official statement on the matter so far. Meanwhile, her recent Instagram stories suggest that she is currently in Dubai.
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Image Courtesy: Instagram
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