eSports: Mega-sporting events through gaming

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• October 13, 2022

Insight summary

eSports has transformed into a major sporting event, captivating millions worldwide with its diverse games and substantial cash prizes. This surge in popularity is reshaping entertainment, betting industries, and even educational institutions, as more viewers and players engage in these virtual competitions. The industry's growth can create new opportunities and challenges across marketing, education, and regulatory frameworks.

eSports context

eSports has gone from a niche pastime to a significant sporting phenomenon. With competitions like The International and The League of Legends World Championship and talented gamers battling for large money prizes, it's no surprise that eSports' appeal is on the rise. According to European Gaming, ESportsBattle events saw a significant increase in viewership in 2021, with an additional 6 million people tuning in monthly. These events include e-football, the multiplayer game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), e-basketball, and e-ice hockey. CS:GO events saw the most significant increase in viewers than any other eSport discipline. 

With large cash prizes and so many people watching, it's no surprise that eSports is also growing the world of betting, particularly in Europe and Asia. For example, the total number of bets on all ESportsBattles events saw a massive increase of nearly 100 percent between December and August 2021.

Research firm Statista stated that in one year, the global eSports market grew by nearly 20 percent in 2023, totaling USD $3.8 billion. The surge in popularity is expected to grow in the short term, with the worldwide market revenue reaching USD $4.3 billion by 2024. 

The esports market in the US is expected to lead in revenue generation, with an anticipated market value of approximately $1.07 billion by 2024. South Korea is also emerging as a dominant player in the field. By 2024, the industry is expected to attract 577 million viewers globally.

Disruptive impact

In the early 2000s, it would have been unimaginable to say that people would tune in more to video game players than football players. However, eSports have become the main rival of traditional sports. Esports is a distinctive form of entertainment because it appeals to hardcore gamers and casual observers.

Competitive video games, like traditional sports, provide various options for players of all tastes. There's an audience for everyone in gaming competitions, whether it's shooters, card collecting strategies, or even farm simulation. Another advantage of virtual sports is that it provides a level playing field for men, women, and other gender identities to compete. Gaming demands talent, attitude, and collaboration but isn't limited by physical standards.

The popularity of eSports is more apparent among young people, particularly college students. According to research from the University of Texas and the University of Salerno, Italy, hundreds of colleges and universities are members of the US National Association of Collegiate eSports (NACE). In fact, virtual sports are one of the most rapidly expanding sports on college campuses, with spectators and players joining. There are around 1,600 eSports clubs across 600 universities, and these numbers might expand into elementary, middle, and high schools across the US. As a result, universities are using eSports to incentivize students to join their campuses, build critical thinking skills, and encourage teamwork.

Implications of eSports

Wider implications of eSports may include: 

• eSports being seriously considered to become part of the Olympics in a bid to attract the younger crowd.


• An increase in cash prizes for competitions sponsored by large multinational companies. This trend may lead to an increase in betting during events.


• The rise of eSports athletes that have the same influence, popularity, and salary as top traditional athletes. These perks can include brand deals and corporate partnerships.


• More people tuning in to eSports, eventually overtaking all traditional sports audiences. This development may cause advertisers to switch to eSports partnerships.


• College students prefer training to become professional eSports players rather than pursuing traditional degrees.


• Businesses adapting to sponsor eSports teams and events, leading to diversified marketing strategies and increased brand visibility among younger demographics.


• An increase in dedicated eSports arenas and facilities, resulting in urban development and new job opportunities in event management and technical support.


• Governments crafting regulations specific to eSports, focusing on fair play and player welfare, which could influence international standards for digital sports.

Questions to consider

• What are the other advantages of eSports over traditional sports?


• How might eSports evolve with the incorporation of mixed reality (XR)?