How eSports Popularity Compares Across The World

Photo by ELLA DON on Unsplash

 

The popularity of eSports around the world is growing thanks to sponsors and consumers pumping money into the industry.

 

The competitive nature of gaming is nothing new, but online access has made competition easier for many to participate in and improved access for viewers. The gaming world has benefitted significantly from being able to enjoy online software, rather than relying on physical hardware to enjoy the latest titles.

eSports Popularity

The popularity of eSports has also led to the gamification of other industries, with online casinos improving the gaming experience of its customers.

 

As well as improving and adding gameplay to traditional casino games and slots, online casinos are able to attract customers from around the world with incentives. Consumers looking for the best crypto casino bonus with no wager can find great options that allow them to enjoy state of the art gameplay without the risk of losing their stake.

 

The ability to win and earn money through gaming is not limited to gambling, and eSports has provided a way for the top competitors to earn a living on a par with more traditional athletes in the sporting world.

 

Sponsorship deals and prize money make it an attractive industry to get into for up and coming players. However, some countries have had a head start and enjoy far greater exposure than others.

By Country

A variety of factors come into play when it comes to the popularity of eSports in different countries, with some governments seeing the potential and providing the backing required for industry growth.

US

The US leads the way for active eSports players with more than double that of closest rivals China and Brazil. There were 3,399 players that participated in competitions during 2024, however, their earnings of just under $290,000,000 are still below that of China. This is expected as US popularity is relatively newer than that of the Asian market.

UK

Participation, viewership, and awareness are all on the rise in the UK thanks to platforms like Twitch. While there is not the same level of participation as other countries, the UK has produced some notable players.

 

The industry's growth in the UK is evidenced by a 163% rise in jobs, creating the foundations for an exciting future.

South Korea

South Korea's passion for eSports has seen it enjoy a lot of media coverage and support from its government. The government's support has helped the industry create some of the world's top players. 

 

In 2021, eSports was the fifth most popular prospective job in the country among students behind content creator, doctor, teacher, and athlete.

China

China is second only to the US in terms of active eSports players, but surpasses earnings to date with 9,100 players amassing $321,943,361.77 in winnings.

 

The 490 million active players in the country make it a powerhouse in the global community with mobile gaming dominating the market. China's Tencent gaming company has played a massive part in the country's success, but the government has also acted to protect children by limiting time spent gaming by minors.

Brazil

Brazil has one of the highest amounts of active eSports players with titles including Rainbow Six Siege, Valorant, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Free Fire among the most popular among consumers.

 

Brazil is the fifth highest country in terms of winnings thanks to its large population and growing market.

Conclusion 

As gaming continues to become more accessible to global consumers, the opportunity to make a living from it is something that more people can aspire towards. eSports has had to overcome attitudes to get where it is today, but industry growth has ensured it can no longer be ignored.

 

Inclusion at the 2022 Commonwealth Games helped to bolster its growing reputation, and the ability for sponsors to reach massive markets has seen it benefit significantly.

 

eSports players have an exciting future to look forward to, and tech developments will only serve to improve access, connectivity, and gameplay.