eSports have experienced exponential growth in recent years, transforming into a multi-billion-dollar industry. With the rise of esports odds the sector is attracting an increasing number of investors and technology companies. In this context, BETER stands out as one of the leading providers of solutions for the sector, contributing to the market’s growth and the evolution of digital competitions.
In 2024, the global eSports market was valued at $4.3 billion, with projections indicating an increase to $6 billion by 2029. This expansion is driven by several factors, including the growing interest from young audiences, the involvement of global sponsors and brands, and the support of streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. Additionally, more and more technology companies and investors are betting on eSports as the new frontier of digital entertainment, thanks to their ability to generate engagement and audience loyalty.
Main Markets and Geographical Distribution
Asia continues to dominate the eSports scene, with countries such as China and South Korea leading in talent development and the organization of international tournaments. The United States represents a significant market, with projected revenues of $1.2 billion in 2025, driven by the growing popularity of collegiate tournaments and the support of professional organizations.
Europe is emerging as a key hub, with Germany, France, and the United Kingdom experiencing increasing investments and media interest. Meanwhile, South America and the Middle East are developing infrastructures and local competitions to attract players and sponsors, leading to a steady rise in viewers and participants.
Who plays eSports?
The eSports landscape is incredibly diverse, involving millions of players worldwide. The audience primarily comprises men, but female participation is growing significantly, with more professional female players and dedicated tournaments. The average age of players ranges between 18 and 35 years old, but in recent years, there has been a rise in younger participants, attracted by titles like Fortnite and Valorant. Beyond professional players, who train daily and compete in international tournaments, a vast ecosystem of enthusiasts follows eSports as spectators, fostering an increasingly active and engaged community.
Most popular games and prize money
In 2024, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Valorant, and Counter-Strike remained among the most watched and played games globally, drawing millions of viewers during major tournaments. The eSports industry is strongly tied to prize pools, which continue to grow with the involvement of increasingly prominent sponsors. Dota 2 holds the record for the highest cumulative prize pool, surpassing $340 million as of April 2024. It demonstrates how lucrative it can be for professional players to compete in the most prestigious tournaments. The mobile gaming sector is also gaining ground, with games like PUBG Mobile attracting many players and spectators, further diversifying the market.
Recent tournaments and competitions
The 2024 League of Legends World Championship was held at the O2 Arena in London, drawing a live audience of 20,000 spectators and millions of online viewers. The South Korean team T1, led by the legendary Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, triumphed over China’s Bilibili Gaming in a spectacular final, reaffirming South Korea’s dominance in this discipline. Another significant event was the 2024 Esports World Cup, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring the highest prize pool in eSports history, exceeding $60 million. Team Falcons secured first place in the club championship, followed by Team Liquid and Team BDS, showcasing how the competitive landscape is becoming increasingly international and diversified.
The evolution of eSports
eSports continue to grow globally, driven by strategic investments, new technologies, and an expanding, loyal audience. Their evolution extends beyond tournaments and competitions, encompassing an entire ecosystem of professionals, sponsors, analysts, and tech companies that see competitive gaming as a unique opportunity. With the market set to expand further in the coming years, eSports represent one of the most dynamic and innovative industries in digital entertainment.
