Esports Market Research, 2033
The global esports market size was valued at $1.3 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 21.2% from 2024 to 2033. Electronic sports, also referred to as eSports or eGames, are organized competitive video gaming. Teams mostly compete against one another in tournaments with the goal of winning money and prizes. It functions in the same way as traditional sports. Top-level athletes are constantly competing for the top spots in their sport, or game, of choice. Furthermore, rise in the number of mobile users has made it possible for consumers to access these games from any location. They are no longer limited to sitting in front of their computers at home to play or watch online sports.
Rise in the number of live streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube gaming has expanded audience reach, making Esports industry growth more accessible to a global audience. Mobile gaming is also becoming a dominant force, particularly in regions such as Asia-Pacific, due to increased smartphone penetration. Another significant trend is the professionalization of esports, with growing investments from traditional sports teams, media companies, and brands. In addition, advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are creating new immersive gaming experiences, enhancing player engagement and spectator interaction.
The esports market growth is growing due to several key factors, such as increase in popularity of online video games, rise in mobile gaming penetration, and technological advancements. However, data privacy and security concerns and regulatory and legal challenges are expected to hamper the global Esports industry growth. Furthermore, growing sponsorship and investment strategies are expected to provide numerous opportunities for the future of esports industry.
The report focuses on growth prospects, restraints, and trends of the esports market analysis. The study provides Porter’s five forces analysis to understand the impact of various factors, such as the bargaining power of suppliers, competitive intensity of competitors, threat of new entrants, the threat of substitutes, and bargaining power of buyers, on the esports market forecast.
Key Findings:
By application, the platform segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023.
By streaming type, the on demand segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023.
By device type, the smart phone segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023.
By revenue stream, the sponsorship segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023.
Region-wise, North America generated the highest revenue in 2023.
Segment Review
The esports market size is segmented on the basis of application, streaming type, device type, revenue stream, and region. By application, it is bifurcated into platform and service. By streaming type, it is divided into live and on demand. By device type, it is categorized into smart phone, smart TV, desktop-laptop-tablets, gaming console. By revenue stream, it is classified into media rights, game publisher fee, sponsorship, digital advertisement, tickets, and merchandise. Region-wise, it is analysed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
On the basis of application, the platform segment dominated the esports market in 2023. The platform segment includes various online platforms that enable gamers, audiences, and organizers to engage with esports events. These platforms facilitate live streaming, player communication, tournament hosting, and audience interaction, making them integral to the growing popularity and commercialization of esports market demand. However, the¯services segment is projected to attain the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to rise in demand for professional esports services such as event management, talent acquisition, marketing, and player training.
By region, North America dominated the market share in 2023, driven by the region's well-established gaming infrastructure, widespread adoption of digital technologies, and a large base of esports enthusiasts. The region has seen significant investments from media companies, gaming firms, and brands looking to capitalize on the rapidly growing esports ecosystem. However, the Asia-Pacific is projected to attain the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing popularity of esports in countries like China, South Korea, and Japan, where gaming culture is deeply embedded. The region is also witnessing significant investments in esports infrastructure, tournaments, and sponsorships.
Competition Analysis:
Competitive analysis and profiles of the major players in the esports market share include Tencent, Activision Blizzard, Inc., Modern Times Group, NVIDIA Corporation, Electronic Arts, Gameloft SE, FACEIT, CJ Corporation, Kabam, and Gfinity. These major players have adopted various key development strategies such as business expansion, new product launches, and partnerships, which help to drive the growth of the future of esports industry.
Recent Developments in the Esports Industry
In September 2024, Ant Esports launched an inauguration of their new manufacturing facility in Okhla Phase II, New Delhi. The first product to roll out of this state-of-the-art facility is the Value Series Power Supply (VS650L), a notable achievement under the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative.
In October 2024, DHL Group partnered with ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), to build visibility and relevance of the DHL brand amongst the esports and gaming community.
Top Impacting Factors
Increase in popularity of online video games
Increase in popularity of online video games is a major factor driving the growth of the esports market. As more players engage with competitive multiplayer games, especially on digital platforms, the demand for organized tournaments and esports events has surged. The accessibility of online gaming, coupled with advancements in internet connectivity and gaming technologies, has allowed a broader audience to participate in and view esports events. Popular games like League of Legends, Fortnite, and Dota 2 have contributed significantly to the video gaming trend. This in turn is expected to propel the growth of active esports communities, global audience, sponsorship, and investment. Surge in online gaming popularity is creating a robust ecosystem for esports, driving its continuous expansion of the global esports market growth.
Data privacy and security concerns
Data privacy and security concerns are significant factors hampering the growth of the global market. As more businesses and consumers rely on digital platforms, the risk of data breaches, cyberattacks, and unauthorized access to sensitive information has increased. These concerns create hesitation among users and organizations in adopting new technologies, especially in sectors like financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce, where data privacy is critical. Government regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, further complicate compliance, adding costs and complexity to operations. As a result, data security challenges are acting as a barrier to the adoption and growth of the global esports market trends.
Technological Advancements
Technological advancements, particularly the rise of smart technologies, are transforming the esports market by reducing risks and offering innovative solutions for both players and audiences. Smart games like security systems, and motion detectors, provide real-time monitoring and alerts, allowing players to experience real-time gaming activities. Rise in advancements in technologies such as AR and VR in digital gaming is further creating lucrative opportunities for the growth of the global esports market opportunities.
Esports Market Report Highlights
| Aspects | Details |
 Market Size By 2033 | USD 9.2 billion |
 Growth Rate | CAGR of 21.2% |
 Forecast period | 2023 - 2033 |
 Report Pages | 300 |
 By Revenue Stream |
|
 By Application |
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| By Streaming type |
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 By Device Type |
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 By Region |
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 Key Market Players | FACEIT, Modern Times Group, Gameloft SE, Nintendo Co. Ltd., FACEIT Ltd., NVIDIA Corporation, CJ Corporation, Activision Blizzard, Inc., Gfinity, Electronic Arts, Kabam Inc. |
The global Esports market is rapidly evolving, driven by several key trends. Mobile gaming is dominating, particularly in emerging markets, making Esports more accessible to a broader audience. Investments from major brands, sports organizations, and tech companies continue to pour in, enhancing infrastructure and professionalization.
The platform is the leading application in the Esports Market.
North America is the largest regional market for Esports in 2023.
$9.2 billion is the estimated industry size of Esports in 2033.
Tencent, Activision Blizzard, Inc., Modern Times Group, NVIDIA Corporation, Electronic Arts, Gameloft SE, FACEIT, CJ Corporation, Kabam, and Gfinity are the top companies to hold the market share in Esports.
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