Esports Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Revenue Source (Sponsorship, Advertising, Merchandise & Tickets, Media Rights), By Streaming, By Region, And Segment Forecasts,
Published Date: April - 2025 | Publisher: MIR | No of Pages: 240 | Industry: technology | Format: Report available in PDF / Excel Format
View Details Buy Now 2999 Download Sample Ask for Discount Request CustomizationEsports Market Size & Trends
The size of the global esports market was approximated at USD 2.13 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach a CAGR of 23.1% during the forecast period 2025-2035. The growth in the market is mainly fueled by the growth in live streaming of games, expanding audience reach, engagement activities, and infrastructure for league tournaments, which in turn impact market growth. The increasing popularity of mobile gaming and easy access to high-speed internet have played a crucial role in raising esports participation and viewership. In addition, clever collaborations between game developers and esports organizations combined with the growing acceptance of cloud gaming platforms are anticipated to further drive the growth of the esports market in the future.
The increasing popularity of live streaming is revolutionizing the esports sector tremendously, with more and more players and fans viewing content on websites like Twitch Interactive Inc. and YouTube, LLC. The explosion in streaming usage increases exposure and widens reach while allowing players and viewers to interact in real time. The interactive environment of these platforms enhances viewer interaction and leads to the formation of loyal fan groups, thus driving long-term esports industry growth.
Also, heavy investments from international stakeholders power the growth of the esports ecosystem. Venture capital firms, media outlets, and large brands see the profitable promise of esports and are investing in infrastructure, content production, and talent acquisition. These strong investments are driving commercialization and professionalization of esports, pushing the market forward.
In addition, greater audience reach and more engagement are the most important drivers of growth in the esports industry. As online platforms grow and internet penetration increases across the world, esports competitions reach millions of active viewers who interact with the content. This increasing and engaged fan base enables monetization via advertising and sponsorships and solidifies the esports industry's position as a major sector of the mainstream entertainment industry.
Additionally, establishing league tournament structures and organized events develops a formalized and reliable esports environment. Professional team growth, regular competitions, and specialized academic initiatives establish new career paths while improving engagement and viewership. In conjunction with top-tier tournaments and sponsorships, these developments enable industry popularity and revenue streams, compounding to promote the long-term development of the esports industry.
Report Coverage & Deliverables
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- Competitive benchmarking
- Historical data & forecasts
- Company revenue shares
- Regional opportunities
- Latest trends & dynamics
Revenue Source Insights
The sponsorship segment held the largest share of global revenue, accounting for over 40% in 2024, boosted by rising brand spends, viewership growth, and synergistic partnerships. The booths, interactive ads, posters, giveaways, video screens, and other innovative ways allow the brand to reach potential consumers. The rise in competition in the sponsorship segment has prompted brands to look for uniqueness and genuineness through sponsorships in the gaming and esports sector. Numerous non-endemic brands joined eSports on home turf via a virtual extension of classic sponsorship partnerships, thus reinforcing the dominance of this category.
The media rights category is expected to expand at a CAGR of more than 25%, becoming a primary source of revenue for the market. This is driven by increasing demand for single-play broadcasting rights, growing viewership, and collaborative partnerships with streaming platforms. Legacy sports networks and technology companies are pouring funds, attracted by the popularity of esport among younger generations and innovative streaming technologies that improve content consumption and audience experience.
Streaming Insights
The live streaming section held the biggest market share during 2024 owing to the growing demand for live esports content, improved interaction among viewers, and heavy investments in streaming infrastructure. The mass adoption of Twitch and YouTube platforms, alongside a boost in viewer engagement and worldwide reach, continues to solidify the segment's role as the major driving force for market growth.
The on-demand segment is anticipated to observe high CAGR between 2025 and 2030 due to the growing popularity of game streaming, enhanced mobile access, and user-controlled, flexible content demand. Better internet infrastructure, growing global audience, and presence of various platforms further boost the growth of this segment in the market.
Regional Insights
​North America accounted for the largest share of over 30% in 2024, primarily driven by the region's focus on technological innovation and digital infrastructure. The widespread adoption of high-speed internet and 5G connectivity enhances streaming quality and viewer engagement, supporting the growth of esports platforms. Additionally, integrating esports programs in educational institutions and establishing dedicated gaming venues further solidify North America's leadership in the market.
U.S. Esports Market Trends
The U.S. esports market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2030, driven by the country's strong focus on innovation and technological advancement. Additionally, the expansion of high-tech training facilities, increased investment in intellectual esports programs, and the concentration of professional leagues and tournaments contribute to the rising demand for esports infrastructure and services in the U.S. The growing involvement of traditional sports organizations and media companies further accelerates market development.
Europe Esports Market Trends
The Europe esports market will grow strongly from 2025 to 2030 based on a number of factors. Advanced digital infrastructure in the region, along with widespread access to high-speed internet, supports easy online gaming experiences. The popularity of mobile-optimized games, with their diverse base of users, also helps boost the market growth. Both public and private investment in esports facilities, like arenas and gaming hubs, drives further market growth. Additionally, incorporation of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies provides richer spectator experiences, further increasing the appeal and immersion of esports. European schools also play a role by providing courses and degree programs relating to esports, hence developing skilled professionals to complement the growth of the industry.
The UK esports market will continue to increase at the most rapid pace during the next several years, benefiting from a highly developed digital infrastructure, high adoption of smartphones across the population, and a developed online gaming tradition. The country's large player base and higher inclusion of sponsorship deals by companies in esports teams and tournaments is further driving growth in the market. Moreover, the UK being a center of international esports competition adds to the country's appeal globally and fueling long-term esports industry development.
The French esports market is powered by the nation's robust digital infrastructure, extensive internet penetration, and vibrant community engaged in grassroots and professional-level esports competitions. Government-supported programs, such as creating a national esports strategy and providing esports-specific visas, are designed to bring international talent into the country and make France an international esports hub. Furthermore, esports have also been incorporated into mainstream media, including national television broadcasts of high-profile tournaments and the active involvement of top French teams. These are some of the contributing factors to the long-term growth and professionalization of the nation's esports industry.
​Asia Pacific Esports Market Trends
The Asia Pacific esports market is projected to develop at the highest CAGR during the forecast period 2025-2030 due to the accelerated digital transformation, growing mobile gaming adoption, and robust institutional support. The region is witnessing a major boost in competitive gaming with widespread smartphone penetration, increasing internet coverage, and rising popularity of mobile-first esports games. Further, an expanding population of youth with deep digital participation and increasing sponsorship arrangements and brand collaborations also gives momentum to market growth in Asia Pacific.
The Japan esports market is gaining momentum driven by a strong gaming culture, government backing, and collaborations that are strategically sound. Relaxed regulations, inclusion in education, and high-tech infrastructure support professional leagues and talent cultivation. These combined elements contribute to the long-term growth of Japan's esports market to make it a key player in the international esports industry.
The Indian esports market is seeing substantial growth due to its vast, digitally savvy youth base, ubiquitous smartphone penetration, and cheap data availability. Efforts by the government to develop digital infrastructure and approve esports as a formal industry add further impetus to its growth. Further, rising investment, growing popularity of mobile gaming, and the emergence of structured tournaments provide a conducive atmosphere for continued market growth in the country.
Key Esports Company Insights
Some of the key players operating in the market include Activision Blizzard, Inc., and Tencent Holding Limited.
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Activision Blizzard, Inc. is a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment content, and it is prominent for iconic franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch. The company delivers immersive gaming experiences across console, PC, and mobile platforms. With a strong presence in esports and digital distribution, the company leverages cutting-edge technology, live services, and global reach to engage millions of players worldwide, driving innovation in the gaming industry.
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Tencent Holding Limited is a technology and entertainment company specializing in social networking, gaming, digital content, and cloud services. Through subsidiaries like Riot Games and investments in numerous gaming studios, it is a major player in the esports and online gaming industry. With a strong digital ecosystem, Tencent integrates AI, cloud computing, and big data to enhance user engagement. Its vast international presence and strategic innovation make it a dominant force in the digital economy.
Cloud9 Esports and G Esports Holding GmbH are some emerging market participants in the esports industry.
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Cloud9 Esports is an American esports organization based in Santa Monica, California. It operates competitive teams in titles such as League of Legends, Valorant, and Counter-Strike. The organization participates in professional leagues and international tournaments, contributing to the growing commercialization of esports. Cloud9 is part of an industry driven by rising global viewership, increasing brand investments, advanced streaming technologies, and expanding tournament infrastructure that support continued market growth.
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G2 Esports is an emerging esports organization that has built a strong brand around its competitive teams in games such as League of Legends, CSGO, and Valorant. The organization focuses on content creation, fan engagement, and participation in international competitions, which has helped it gain significant influence in the market. G2’s strategic approach to team building and branding, and its international presence have positioned it as a rising powerhouse in the esports industry.
Key Esports Companies
The following are the leading companies in the esports market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.
- Activision Blizzard, Inc.
- Electronic Arts Inc.
- Gameloft SE
- HTC Corporation
- Intel Corporation
- Modern Times Group (MTG)
- Nintendo of America Inc.
- NVIDIA Corporation
- Tencent Holding Limited
- Valve Corporation
- Cloud9 Esports
- G Esports Holding GmbH.
Recent Developments
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In April 2025, Nintendo highlighted its esports initiatives during a Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event, introducing new IPs and enhancing Splatoon with esports features like improved matchmaking and live streaming integration. This expansion aims to tap into the growing competitive gaming market, strengthening Nintendo's position in esports through strategic partnerships and global audience engagement.
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In April 2025, Modern Times Group (MTG) announced the acquisition of Plarium, a leading gaming studio. This strategic move aims to strengthen MTG's position in the gaming industry by expanding its portfolio and enhancing its direct-to-consumer platform, Plarium Play.
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In March 2025, Gameloft launched a new mobile esports platform for Asphalt 9Legends, focusing on community-driven tournaments and competitive play. This initiative aims to enhance the mobile esports ecosystem and attract a larger audience by offering regular in-app events, live streaming, and player rewards. ​
Esports Market Report Scope
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Report Attribute |
Details |
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Market size value in 2025 |
USD 2.64 billion |
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Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 7.46 billion |
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Growth rate |
CAGR of 23.1% from 2025 to 2035 |
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Base year for estimation |
2024 |
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Historical data |
2018 - 2023 |
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Forecast period |
2025 - 2035 |
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Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/billion, and CAGR from 2025 to 2035 |
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Report Product |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
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Segments covered |
Revenue source, streaming, region |
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Regional Scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA |
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Country scope |
U.S.; Canada; Mexico; UK; Germany; France; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Australia; Brazil; UAE; Saudi Arabia; South Africa |
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Key companies profiled |
Activision Blizzard, Inc.; Electronic Arts Inc.; Gameloft SE; HTC Corporation; Intel Corporation; Modern Times Group (MTG); Nintendo of America Inc.; NVIDIA Corporation; Tencent Holding Limited; Valve Corporation; Cloud9 Esports; G Esports Holding GmbH. |
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Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent to up to 8 analyst’s working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
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Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet you exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
Global Esports Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest technological trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2035. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global esports market report based on revenue source, streaming, and region
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Revenue Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)
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Sponsorships
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Advertising
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Merchandise & Tickets
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Publisher Fees
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Media Rights
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Streaming Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)
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On-demand
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Live Streaming
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Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)
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North America
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U.S.
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Canada
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Mexico
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Europe
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UK
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Germany
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France
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Asia Pacific
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China
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Japan
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India
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South Korea
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Australia
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Latin America
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Brazil
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Middle East & Africa
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UAE
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Saudi Arabia
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South Africa
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