Esports Market Growth, Trends, Industry Share, Key Players and Forecast 2025-2033

Market Overview

The global esports market was valued at USD 2.08 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.06 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 17.05% during 2025-2033. Asia Pacific dominated with a 30.0% market share in 2024. Key growth drivers include rising internet penetration, gaming technology innovation, popularity of live-streaming platforms, and increased investments.

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% (2025-2033)
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033
• Asia Pacific led the market with 30.0% share in 2024.
• The US accounted for 86.80% of North American market share in 2024.
• Advertising and sponsorships generated the highest revenue among revenue models in 2024.
• First person shooters (FPS) was the leading game segment in 2024.
• Increasing Gen Z engagement and events like the Olympic Esports Games are boosting market growth.

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Market Growth Factors

The esports market growth is driven by increasing online gaming viewership and participation, coupled with the rise of streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Advances in cloud and mobile gaming have reduced hardware requirements, allowing more players and spectators to access esports. Additionally, expansion in 5G networks, particularly in the US, supports high-definition streaming and low-latency gaming, further enhancing user experience and industry growth.

Esports betting has become a significant global growth driver, with fans wagering real money on match outcomes and in-game events. Online betting platforms integrate esports offerings with real-time analytics, regulated competitions, and increased trust, mirroring traditional sports betting tailored to younger digital audiences. This trend is expected to increase esports’ mainstream presence within the global gambling sector.

Brand sponsorships and strategic investments are critical to esports’ financial growth, with non-endemic brands investing heavily in teams, tournaments, and streamers to reach young, engaged audiences. Corporate and venture capital investments fuel innovation and infrastructure, while major events like the Olympic Esports Games and inclusion of esports as official competition in events like the Asian Games boost the sport’s legitimacy and appeal. Growing internet penetration (66.2% of the global population online by 2024) and improved broadband infrastructure also expand esports accessibility and audience size.

Market Segmentation

By Revenue Model:

• Media Rights
• Advertising and Sponsorships
• Merchandise and Tickets
• Others

Advertising and sponsorships led with 43.6% market share in 2024, providing major financial backing and visibility.

By Platform:

• PC-based Esports
• Consoles-based Esports
• Mobile and Tablets

PC-based esports benefit from superior hardware and a strong community infrastructure, supporting competitive play and streaming. Console-based esports offer accessible and standardized gaming experiences, enhanced by streaming integration and exclusive titles. Mobile esports grow through increasing smartphone penetration, portability, and technological advances, broadening esports accessibility.

By Games:

• Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
• Player vs Player (PvP)
• First Person Shooters (FPS)
• Real Time Strategy (RTS)

First Person Shooters dominated the market in 2024 due to fast-paced, strategic gameplay and strong fan bases. Notable titles and frequent updates sustain engagement and sponsorships.

By Region:

• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• North America
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the esports market in 2024 with a 30.0% share. This leadership is supported by a large, tech-savvy population, advanced internet infrastructure, strong government support, and significant presence of major esports organizations and tournaments. The region benefits from growing youth demographics, affordable gaming devices, and active corporate investments, driving widespread esports adoption.

Recent Developments & News

• April 2025: FIA launched the "Girls on Track Esports Cup," a sim racing competition targeting females aged 16+, in collaboration with Advanced SimRacing and iRacing.
• March 2025: M80 and IMG Academy introduced an esports camp in Florida for teens, offering pro training in Valorant, Rocket League, and League of Legends.
• February 2025: The inaugural Olympic Esports Games is scheduled for 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emphasizing esports' growing recognition.
• June 2024: PrizePicks launched The Esports Lab platform to introduce fantasy sports players to esports with education-focused content.
• May 2024: The International Esports Exchange by USEF and Ghost Gaming held a Tekken tournament in Atlanta, providing a U.S. global competitive stage.
• April 2024: SC State partnered with Blaze Fire Games to launch a competitive esports program enhancing student engagement and career pathways.
• July 2024: Electronic Arts announced EA SPORTS FC 25, a new football game set for release on September 27, featuring game mode enhancements.

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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