eSports
Esports Market Surpass $ 7131.8 Mn by 2028 Says Acumen Research and Consulting Experts
Global Esports Market size is estimated to grow a CAGR above 25.1% over the forecast timeframe and reach a market value of around USD 7131.8 Mn by 2028.
Esports is a burgeoning global industry in which skilled video gamers compete. Globally, time spent on mobile devices has officially surpassed time spent on television, with users spending eight minutes more per day on their mobile devices. By 2021, this figure had risen to more than 30 minutes. Over 380 million people watch esports worldwide both online and in person.
Covid-19 impact on Esports Market
Despite widespread economic disruption caused by the coronavirus, the global video game industry is thriving. The coronavirus is not immune to gaming. Esports, with its reliance on live events, was one of the first sectors to be affected. The majority of esports events have been cancelled or postponed, though some are still taking place without spectators. However, today the industry is performing outstanding driven by increasing number of global tournaments, growth in number of regional events, etc.
Global Esports Market Dynamics
The growing youth population and changing lifestyles have both contributed to an increase in demand for video games and online video games over the years. Growing audience reach and engagement activities, significant investments, rising live streaming of games, and expanding infrastructure for league tournaments are key factors driving the market growth. Global online platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch, which allow streamers to gain popularity and impressive earnings, have contributed to the esports market share’s increased growth. Increased smartphone penetration and improved internet connectivity have resulted in a rapid increase in the number of gamers.
However, certain constraints and challenges are likely to impede the overall growth of the Esports Market. The fraudulent betting that is leading to game piracy poses a threat to the market. Additionally, the market’s growth has been hampered by a lack of tournament infrastructure and a small number of organizations. The video game industry is rapidly evolving from a casual hobby to a professional career opportunity, which is also a global esports market trend. Moreover, large-scale esports investments are expected to fuel the esports industry’s growth. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of advanced gaming technologies increased smartphone penetration, and improved internet connectivity has increased the number of gamers, positively influencing the market growth.
Sponsorship accumulated for the impressive shares in the global esports market scenario
In 2020, the sponsorship segment acquired the largest shares. The well-known gaming/tech esports sponsors are increasing their involvement as the industry intensifies. Sponsorships are important in the esports industry because an increasing number of companies are investing in them. Furthermore, with rising player wages and an expanding esports market, the introduction of new sponsors is critical for esports’ long-term commercial success. To increase their brand value gaming as well as non-gaming sectors are also investing in the esports industry.
On the other hand, the media rights segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR throughout the forecast period 2021 – 2028. Media companies pay exorbitant fees to win the exclusive right to broadcast the live streaming of major sporting events. Esports is made up of thousands of individual leagues, and events, and the media rights deal, thus the media rights segment is likely to register the fastest growth in the esports industry.
Esports Regional Stance
The global classification of the esports market includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Among all the regions, North America conquered the global market with the largest shares in 2020. The growing number of investments and technological expansions are the key aspects that continue with the franchising North America League of Legends Championship Series (NA LCS) and Overwatch League are fueling the North American esports market. However, the Asia-Pacific esports industry is expected to dominate the market in the coming years. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Asian gaming behemoths such as Nintendo and Tencent saw increased sales in the first quarter of 2020. This trend is expected to continue, as an increasing number of gaming companies collaborate with sports organizations to provide virtual tournaments to sports fans. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific is also expected to register significant growth.
Major Players
The esports market is consolidated with a large number of players. The prominent players presented in the report include Activision Blizzard, Inc., Valve Corporation, Tencent Holding Limited, Modern Times Group, Faceit, Electronic Arts Inc., Gameloft SE, Nintendo of America Inc., NVIDIA Corporation, Wargaming Public, and others.
For instance, on September 29, 2021 – Electronic Arts Inc. and FIFA have announced the launch of a new EA SPORTS FIFA 22 esports program that is expected to attract millions of players and viewers. In 1v1 and 2v2 competitions, players will characterize themselves, globally recognized e-sports organizations, real-world football clubs, and their country in a series of FIFA esports events.
Moreover, in November 2017 – Electronic Arts and FIFA collaborated to launch an esports tournament series for the Electronics Arts FIFA video game franchise.
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Eight creators compete across five timed stages with eliminations, broadcast on Red Bull’s Twitch and YouTube channels.
Red Bull will stage a one-day Balatro speedrun competition, Red Bull Boss Rush, on April 17, 2026. The event brings together eight creators for timed runs in the roguelike deckbuilder, with viewers able to follow via individual creator POV streams and a central hub broadcast.
The competitor lineup includes Red Bull Player Ludwig, plus The Spiffing Brit, FrostPrime, Feinberg, Adef, Yahiamice, mbtyugioh and dreads. Red Bull said live commentary will be provided by esports host Yinsu ‘Yinsu’ Collins, card-game specialist Blake ‘Rarran’ Eram, and DrSpectered.
Boss Rush is structured as five 30-minute stages, with players ranked by completion time. Red Bull said the opening three stages use a shared random seed with unlimited resets, and points are awarded by placement each stage; the bottom four are eliminated after stage 3. Stage 4 determines the finalists, followed by a final winner-takes-all matchup.
The event also includes a downloadable Red Bull Boss Rush mod featuring a custom-branded deck and new Red Bull-themed Jokers, Bosses and Skip Tags. Red Bull highlighted additions including ‘Witch’, ‘Princess and Frog’, ‘Zebra’, Old Dog, ‘Pirate’, ‘Genie’, ‘Prince Charming’, and ‘Jester’, each designed to alter scoring or run economics.
Red Bull Boss Rush will stream on twitch.tv/redbull and Red Bull’s YouTube Gaming channel. Scan is supplying gaming PCs for the competition, according to the company.
Relevant data as follows:
- Red Bull Gaming on Twitch; https://www.twitch.tv/redbull Primary broadcast destination for the event.
- Red Bull Gaming on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redbullgaming Secondary broadcast destination cited in the release.
- Red Bull Gaming: https://www.redbull.com/ Official Red Bull site for event context and confirmation.
- Balatro on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2379780/Balatro/ Authoritative reference for the game featured in the competition.
- Scan Computers: https://www.scan.co.uk/ PC supplier mentioned as providing systems for the event.
The post Red Bull runs one-day Balatro speedrun event, Boss Rush, on April 17 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The CIS-based EMEA lineup brings past EWC experience and titles including PUBG Global Series 8 as S8UL targets Riyadh qualification.
S8UL has signed the Team Question Mark (QM) roster to represent the organisation in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on PC ahead of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026. The deal was announced April 16 from Mumbai as S8UL prepares for the tournament in Riyadh, scheduled for July 21 to 26.
The CIS-based EMEA lineup includes:
- captain Roman Zinovev (ADOUZ1E),
- Andrey Ionov (Bestoloch),
- Mansur Tsimpaev (f1lfirst),
- Nikita Odobesku (Molodoct),
- and coach Yermek Torebekov (Ermaak).
S8UL said the roster will compete through the qualification pathway for a place in the 24-team event, which has a $2 million prize pool.
S8UL is adding a roster with a proven record in top-tier PUBG competition, including wins at PUBG Continental Series 7 Europe 2022 and PUBG Global Series 8 in 2025. The team has also posted a Top 3 finish at PUBG Global Series 2 in 2023 and a Top 7 finish at PUBG Global Championship 2022. The organisation said the roster has competed at both previous editions of the EWC in 2024 and 2025 and has amassed approximately $713,000 in total prize winnings.
Commenting on the move, Naman Mathur, Co-founder, S8UL said, “Signing the QM roster is a significant step for us as we continue to strengthen our presence in global esports. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is one of the most competitive titles in the world, and this team has consistently proven itself against the very best. At a broader level, this move reflects the direction S8UL is heading in. Over the past year, we have focused on building depth across our rosters and competing consistently at the highest level. As we prepare for the Esports World Cup 2026, we are committed to providing the team with the right support and resources as they aim to make a strong impact in the qualifiers as well as on the global stage.”
Roman Zinovev aka ADOUZ1E added, “Becoming part of S8UL is a big opportunity for us as a team. As a team, we’ve always believed in our ability to compete with the best in the world, and having the backing of a global organisation allows us to push even further. With the Esports World Cup coming up, we’re focused on working through the qualifiers and making sure we deliver performances that match our potential.,”
S8UL said the announcement follows its selection as a Club Partner by the Esports Foundation (EF), placing it among 40 global organisations. The organisation has also listed 13 titles it plans to enter for EWC 2026, including PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, Apex Legends, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Call of Duty: Warzone, Chess, EA Sports FC, FATAL Fury, Fortnite, Honor of Kings, MOBA Legends 5V5, Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Trackmania.
Relevant data as follows:
- S8UL Esports: https://s8ul.gg/ Official organisation site for roster and announcement verification.
- PUBG Esports (PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS competitive updates): https://pubgesports.com/ Authoritative source for PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS esports circuits, event results, and qualifiers.
- Esports World Cup (official site): https://esportsworldcup.com/ Event organiser site for EWC 2026 schedule, formats, and prize pool confirmation.
The post S8UL signs Team Question Mark roster for PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS ahead of EWC 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The ex-Wasserman and former Excel Esports partnerships lead joins the London-based group behind the Esports Awards and MOBIES.
The Mobile, Esports and Gaming Alliance (MEGA) has appointed Patrick Collins as Vice President of Growth, the company said on April 15, 2026. Collins will lead growth strategy, including commercial partnerships and new business development, from London.
Collins joins from boutique agency Leapfox, which he founded in early 2022. Prior to that, he led commercial partnerships at UK esports organisation Excel Esports, securing deals with brands including BT, Sony, JD Sports, Neosurf and Chupa Chups, alongside partners such as HyperX, Anda Seat, Belong Gaming Arenas and Chillblast PCs.
Earlier in his career, Collins worked at sports marketing agency Wasserman, where MEGA said he helped secure EE’s six-year partnership with Wembley Stadium and advised brands including American Express, Vodafone and PepsiCo. The company also cited experience working with Premier League football clubs and brands including Barclays, Santander, Under Armour and Puma.
“I’m pleased to officially join MEGA at such an important time for esports and gaming,” said Patrick Collins, VP of Growth at MEGA. “Having worked across traditional sport, esports, and commercial partnerships, and founding Leapfox to bridge these worlds and guide my clients, I’m looking forward to applying my experience to support MEGA and our properties as we continue to grow.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Patrick to MEGA as our new Vice President of Growth,” said Michael Ashford, Co-Founder of MEGA. “His extensive experience, including founding Leapfox, uniquely positions him to shape the future of our company. With Patrick on board, MEGA is determined to accelerate our growth, embark on transformative partnerships, and deliver world-class experiences that will define the next era of esports entertainment.”
Relevant data as follows:
- MEGA (Mobile, Esports and Gaming Alliance): https://themega.global/ Official company site to support the appointment and provide background on MEGA.
- Esports Awards: https://esportsawards.com/ Official site for one of the properties referenced in connection with MEGA.
- MOBIES: https://mobies.com/ Official site for the Mobile Gaming Awards referenced alongside MEGA.
The post MEGA hires Leapfox founder Patrick Collins as VP of Growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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