Market Overview

The global esports market size was valued at USD 2.08 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.06 Billion by 2033, experiencing a CAGR of 17.05% between 2025 and 2033. The Asia Pacific region dominated the market with a 30.0% share in 2024. Key growth drivers include rising internet penetration, innovations in gaming technology, increasing live-streaming platform popularity, and investments from sponsors and advertisers.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
• Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033

Esports Market Key Takeaways

• Current Market Size: USD 2.08 Billion in 2024
• CAGR: 17.05% during 2025-2033
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033
• Asia Pacific held the largest market share at 30.0% in 2024
• The US accounted for 86.80% of the North American market share in 2024
• Advertising and sponsorships led revenue models with 43.6% market share in 2024
• First person shooters (FPS) were the top-performing game segment
• Growing Gen Z engagement and introduction of global events such as the Olympic Esports Games are accelerating adoption

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Market Growth Factors

The rapid growth of esports is substantially driven by increasing internet penetration worldwide. In 2024, 5.35 billion individuals, equivalent to 66.2% of the global population, were active internet users, marking a significant connectivity leap. This expansion is bolstered by a 1.8% annual growth in netizens and 97 million new first-time internet users in 2023. Enhanced broadband connectivity, especially with 5G networks, enables seamless live streaming and low-latency competitive gaming, making esports more accessible and engaging globally.

The growing popularity of digital streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Kick has fostered vibrant online communities where fans and players interact in real-time. This trend, coupled with the preference of young demographics such as Gen Z and millennials for digital platforms, has led to exponential growth in esports viewership and participation. Cloud gaming and mobile esports further lower hardware barriers, expanding access and reinforcing esports as a dominant force in modern pop culture and online media.

Significant investments from brands, sponsors, and venture capitalists have strengthened esports financially. Between 2014 and 2024, capital investment in gaming surged 3.7 times, exceeding the broader venture capital growth rate. Major sponsorships from non-endemic brands and strategic partnerships—from Nike to Intel—are enhancing visibility and infrastructure. High-profile events like esports inclusion at the 2022 Asian Games and the proposed Olympic Esports Games accelerate industry legitimacy, driving prize pool increases, professional player incentives, and commercial appeal globally.

Market Segmentation

By Revenue Model:

• Advertising and Sponsorships: Dominated in 2024 with 43.6% market share, providing critical financial backing and visibility. Brands leverage sponsorships, team affiliations, and in-game ads to reach a young, tech-savvy audience, supporting tournaments and player salaries.
• Media Rights: Included as a revenue stream supporting esports ecosystem.
• Merchandise and Tickets: Part of the revenue model mix enhancing fan engagement.
• Others: Additional revenue streams contributing to the market.

By Platform:

• PC-based Esports: Driven by personal computers’ advanced capabilities offering superior graphics, processing power, and customization, supporting major titles and competitive gameplay.
• Consoles-based Esports: Benefit from accessibility and ease of use of platforms like PlayStation and Xbox, with live streaming and social media integration enhancing engagement.
• Mobile and Tablets: Increasing smartphone penetration makes esports accessible to a broader audience; mobile gaming's convenience and affordability drive widespread adoption.

By Games:

• First Person Shooters (FPS): Leading segment in 2024 due to fast-paced action and strategic depth; popular titles include Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, and Overwatch.
• Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA): Included as a game segment.
• Player vs Player (PvP): Included as a game segment.
• Real Time Strategy (RTS): Included as a game segment.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region was the dominant esports market in 2024, commanding 30.0% of the global market share. This leadership is powered by its large, tech-savvy population, advanced internet infrastructure, mobile gaming popularity, and strong government support. Major esports companies and well-organized tournaments further bolster the region’s position, making it the largest market in the forecast period.

Recent Developments & News

• April 2025: FIA launched the FIA Girls on Track Esports Cup, a sim racing competition for females aged 16 and above, in collaboration with Advanced SimRacing and iRacing.
• March 2025: M80 and IMG Academy inaugurated an esports camp in Florida offering professional training for teens in Valorant, Rocket League, and League of Legends.
• February 2025: The inaugural Olympic Esports Games is planned for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, marking a milestone in global esports recognition.
• June 2024: PrizePicks introduced The Esports Lab, a platform combining fantasy sports and esports, focusing on education and accessibility.
• May 2024: USEF and Ghost Gaming launched the International Esports Exchange, featuring a Tekken tournament to represent the US at the Global Esports Camp.
• April 2024: SC State partnered with Blaze Fire Games to start a competitive esports program emphasizing student engagement and career paths.
• July 2024: Electronic Arts announced EA SPORTS FC 25, set for September launch, featuring new advancements in multiple game modes.

Key Players

• Activision Blizzard Inc.
• Capcom Co. Ltd.
• Electronic Arts Inc.
• Epic Games Inc.
• FACEIT
• Gameloft SE (Vivendi SE)
• Gfinity PLC
• Intel Corporation
• Modern Times Group
• Nintendo Co. Ltd.
• NVIDIA Corporation
• Riot Games Inc.
• Valve Corporation
• Zynga Inc.

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