eSports

AdColony Survey Findings | Mobile Usage During eSports

Published

5 years ago

June 15, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Esports is a fast-growing industry that involves professional, competitive video gaming between individuals or team players, often in an organized league. Viewers can tune in to watch these competitions on sites like Twitch and YouTube, streaming them live or watching later. AdColony wanted to discover how users are watching esports, what they are doing while watching, and how they feel about brand advertising and sponsoring teams and during broadcasts. Discover more about esports viewers and their mobile activities from the Esports Survey, and keep scrolling to see the infographic!

According to GWI’s latest research, by 2023 there will be 646 million esports viewers globally and almost $1.8 billion in revenue generated. When users could not engage with traditional sports as much during the pandemic, esports took off as an entertainment replacement, and this new activity is here to stay. GWI also indicates that esports viewership is not just for Gen Z and Millennials, as 38% of Gen Xers also follow esports indicating that they attract users of all ages, not just the younger generations. When thinking about esports as an activity, 40% of viewers think of gaming as just as legitimate a pastime as traditional sports like football or basketball.

Highlights from the Study

Users of all genders watch esports — Esports appeals to people of all genders as respondents who said they watch esports at least once a month were split pretty evenly with 44% female and 56% male viewers.

Mobile is one of the top devices for watching esports — 31.1% of users responded that they watch esports on a Mobile Device, which is slightly above Connected TV (Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast) at 30.5%. Desktop or Laptop Computer follows those two platforms with 20% of respondents viewing esports through this channel.

Almost half of viewers agree it’s important to keep up with esports on multiple devices — 46% of users plan on watching and keeping up with esports information on more than one device. In addition, users are likely to be playing games on a mobile device while also watching esports with 26% of users responding that they play mobile games while watching esports, following browse social media (45%) and text (41%).

Viewers are more likely to play games on mobile while watching esports — 40% of respondents indicated that they are playing a game on mobile, which is up 10% from the viewers who said they would play a game on a computer while watching esports.

Brands can make a significant impact by advertising through esports — 61% of esports viewers said they would research a brand they saw featured while watching esports, and 45% of viewers believe that brands featured in esports are ahead of the curve. What’s more, 31% of viewers are likely to look up an ad that aired during esports and watch it again.

Brands that work to be featured in esports and sponsor teams can reach a valuable audience that is receptive to brand advertising and ready to connect with innovative ideas and creative content. Moreover, this audience will take the time to research brands that they felt made an impact and learn more about the brands and products that they saw while viewing esports.

Brands looking to reach an engaged audience should continue to value mobile games as a prime channel for advertising as a wide variety of users are viewing esports on mobile devices and also playing games on mobile while watching esports. Viewers are keeping up with esports across more than one device, creating even more touchpoints for brands to connect with users. Users who are playing games on a mobile device are actively engaged with their device, in a good mood, and receptive to brand messaging. Users playing mobile games are more likely to be engaged with brand messaging since they are actively interacting with their mobile device instead of passively consuming content through communication tools like text, social media, email, etc. Many consumers are watching esports, and when they are doing so, they are looking to mobile devices to watch the game, stay informed, and be entertained throughout the streaming process, so brands can leverage this space to interact with more consumers and create conversions.

Asia

Insurgence Gaming Company Expands Grassroots Vision with MOBA Legends 5v5 Discord Play-Ins

Published

1 hour ago

January 21, 2026

Wladimir P.

insurgence-gaming-company-expands-grassroots-vision-with-moba-legends-5v5-discord-play-ins

Following the launch of its inaugural women-focused VALORANT tournament La Imperia, the Insurgence Gaming Company has announced its second competitive initiative, MOBA Legends 5v5 Discord Play-Ins, a series of open community tournaments created to make organised competition more accessible to emerging players.

While La Imperia introduced a visibility-led invitational format, the MOBA Legends 5v5 Discord Play-Ins take a different approach. The series is built around open participation and will be hosted entirely online, with all tournament operations managed through Discord. This allows teams from across India to compete in a structured setting without the restrictions often associated with invite-only events.

The Play-Ins are designed as a starting point for players and teams who want to experience organised competition. Matches will be played in a 5v5 MOBA Draft Pick format, with scheduling, match reporting, and communication handled through dedicated Discord channels.

The announcement continues Insurgence Gaming Company’s early focus on grassroots esports. The company was created to address gaps in India’s competitive ecosystem, particularly at the amateur and semi-professional level where consistent tournament opportunities are still limited.

Speaking on the launch, Jasper Shabin, Founder of the Insurgence Gaming Company, said: “With La Imperia, we focused on visibility. With the Discord Play-Ins, the focus shifts to access. Competitive players need regular places to play, improve, and test themselves, not just one-off tournaments. MOBA Legends 5v5 is one of the most accessible competitive titles on mobile, which makes it a strong fit for an open, community-driven format.”

Beyond competition, the Discord Play-Ins are also intended to build a sense of continuity. Players will have access to channels dedicated to match coordination, tournament updates, and post-game discussion, helping teams stay connected beyond a single tournament run.

With the MOBA Legends 5v5 Discord Play-Ins, the Insurgence Gaming Company continues to shape its identity around community-first formats, pairing visibility-led initiatives like La Imperia with open competitive pathways that support long-term grassroots growth in Indian esports.

The post Insurgence Gaming Company Expands Grassroots Vision with MOBA Legends 5v5 Discord Play-Ins appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

EMEA ESPORTS

MOVEMBER TEAMS UP WITH RIOT GAMES EMEA ESPORTS

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

movember-teams-up-with-riot-games-emea-esports

TLDR:

Movember is partnering with the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA, and Game Changers EMEA Championship as the Official Mental Health Partner, supporting players, team staff and the wider community for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Date: January 20, 2026 [London]

What you need to know:

Riot Games and Movember announce a multi-year partnership focused on embedding mental health and wellbeing into the EMEA esports ecosystem.
The partnership will integrate mental health and wellbeing frameworks, support systems, and initiatives across the leagues.
Movember will provide tools and resources to better manage competitive pressure, build healthier habits, and be encouraged to discuss mental health openly.
Planned initiatives for the upcoming year include mental health training for players and staff, and player-only roundtables on stress and coping strategies, with a view to use this to cascade content and guidance to the wider esports community.
Movember will share messaging on the broadcasts and on-site during events that highlight the importance of mental health and help reduce the stigma around honest discussions and seeking help when needed.
Together, Movember and Riot Games aim to make the gaming environment a healthier environment for all.

Quote from Daniel Ringland, Head of VALORANT Esports, EMEA:

“Supporting the wellbeing of the VCT EMEA community, our players, and team staff is something we are committed to strengthening, so we’re thrilled to welcome Movember as a partner. While supporting open conversations and ensuring our players know trusted resources are available is a priority, this partnership also helps raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing across the wider VCT EMEA community. Movember’s expertise will help normalize these discussions beyond the competitive stage, and provide the tools so everyone connected to our ecosystem feels supported by professionals committed to making a positive impact.”

Quote from Maximilian Peter Schmidt, Director of League of Legends Esports, EMEA

“Partnering with Movember allows us to take our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our players and teams to the next level. We want our community to feel empowered to speak openly about the challenges they face and know resources are available if needed. Gaming should be a safe and healthy space for everyone, and this partnership will help us ensure that the environment is maintained and strengthened.”

Quote from Dan Cooper, Global Director, Innovations at Movember:

“Movember is committed to bring community first solutions to today’s most urgent mental health challenges. Esports is a focus area for our work in mental health, and by working with Riot Games we aim to have a real impact and drive positive change in esports.”

The post MOVEMBER TEAMS UP WITH RIOT GAMES EMEA ESPORTS appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

Razer Enters into Multiyear Deal with VALORANT Esports EMEA

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

razer-enters-into-multiyear-deal-with-valorant-esports-emea

Razer has entered into a multiyear deal to become the Official Gaming Chair Partner for VCT EMEA and Game Changers EMEA.

For the 2026 and 2027 seasons, Razer’s Iskur V2 gaming chair will be used by all teams on stage and in the coach and co-streaming rooms backstage. Designed with advanced ergonomic features for extended gaming sessions, the Iskur V2 provides support and comfort, during long, high-pressure games, helping players stay focused. In a game like VALORANT, precision, speed and consistency can decide the outcome.

Razer’s flagship gaming chairs are known for their ergonomic design, featuring adaptive lumbar support system that dynamically adjusts to every movement, helping players maintain proper posture through every high-stakes moment during the season.

Razer has consistently developed gear trusted by both professional and aspiring players and now, their equipment has earned the trust of others in the VALORANT scene. Recently, VCT EMEA’s Karmine Corp also announced Razer as their Official Partner including Gaming Chairs for the upcoming year – further proof of Razer’s commitment to elevating the competitive experience.

The post Razer Enters into Multiyear Deal with VALORANT Esports EMEA appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.