Esports has become a billion-dollar industry with millions of fans and professional players around the world, according to a report by Newzoo. The global esports market generated $1.08 billion in 2020, a 15.7% increase from the previous year, with the Asia-Pacific region as the largest market, accounting for 57% of total revenues. The esports audience is predominantly young and male but is becoming more diverse, with female viewership increasing by 6% from 2016 to 2019. The future of esports looks bright, with new games and technologies constantly emerging and mainstream sports organizations investing in esports teams and events.
Esports Takes the World by Storm: Key Statistics and Trends
Introduction
Esports, also known as electronic sports or competitive gaming, has taken the world by storm in recent years. What once started as a niche hobby has now become a billion-dollar industry, with millions of fans and professional players around the globe. In this article, we will explore the key statistics and trends surrounding this rapidly growing phenomenon.
The Global Esports Market
According to a report by Newzoo, a leading provider of market intelligence on the gaming industry, the global esports market generated $1.08 billion in 2020. This represents a 15.7% increase from the previous year. The report also projects that the esports market will continue to grow, reaching $1.62 billion by 2024.
The Asia-Pacific region is currently the largest esports market, accounting for 57% of total revenues in 2020. North America and Europe follow closely behind, with 18% and 16% respectively.
The Esports Audience
The esports audience is predominantly young and male. According to a report by Nielsen, 71% of esports viewers are male, and 58% are between the ages of 18 and 34. However, the audience is becoming more diverse, with female viewership increasing by 6% from 2016 to 2019.
The report also found that esports viewers are highly engaged and passionate about the content. They spend an average of 95 minutes per viewing session, and 70% of them watch live events.
The Future of Esports
The future of esports looks bright, with new games and technologies constantly emerging. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the growth of esports, as traditional sports have been postponed or cancelled, and people turn to online entertainment.
Esports is also becoming more mainstream, with major sports organizations like the NBA and NFL investing in esports teams and events. The International Olympic Committee has also acknowledged esports as a sport, and it may be included in the Olympics in the future.