Over the last decade, esports has experienced a dynamic growth. The industry revenue exceeded $4 billion by the end of 2024. The projected market volume is about to reach $6 billion by 2029. Compared to traditional sports, esports can exist decentralized since most events are streamed on digital platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Esports betting online stats are often revealed by independent bookmakers like GGBet Eesti. When it comes to profits, esports rely mainly on sponsors and media companies. Continue reading to learn more about the esports industry.

Major Esports Franchises

Esports has gained large public interest similar to conventional sports. Some game franchises have already become massive hits with millions of followers across the world. Take a close look at the major esports franchises in recent years.

• Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is a strategic gaming shooter launched by Valve Corporation. It is a team-based game that requires players aim to destroy their rivals and defuse or plant bombs. The game has huge popularity and is one of the major esports to date. In 2024, IEM Katowice was watched by 1.85 million people.
• League of Legends (LoL) is a MOBA game established by Riot Games. Two teams, five players each, aim to gain more power and eliminate the main rivals, the Nexus. The game has one of the biggest fan bases, with almost 150 million monthly users. The LoL World Championships 2024 broke the record, reaching almost 7 million views.
• Dota 2 is a MOBA game developed by Valve Corporation. It was meant as an unofficial sequel to Warcraft III. Dota 2 has a concept similar to LoL, but with a clear learning curve. In 2024, the Dota 2 International Tournament offered a massive prize pool, reaching up to $34 million.

When looking for an esports franchise, it can be hard to choose the one that works for you. It is important to consider the game features, related tournaments, and potential winnings. In the end, you should rely on your preferences when deciding which franchise to join.

Esports Sponsorships and Partnerships

Most video games are available for free. Esports tournaments are also streamed at no cost. How do they make a profit? Sponsorships and partnerships with mainstream brands and esports organizations help them make a solid profit in the short or long run. For example, Porsche sponsored the Overwatch Championship Series at Dreamhack Dallas. Riot Games expanded its collaboration with Cisco to promote advanced technology during League of Legends tournaments. Adidas Originals teamed up with 100 Thieves, while OpTic Gaming partnered with Juventus. These business partnerships demonstrate esports’ growing mainstream appeal and cultural influence.

Diverse Career Opportunities in Esports

Esports has a large ecosystem with multiple career opportunities. Professional players and coaches play key roles. However, there are other specialists responsible for the industry’s success:

• Commentators and analysts break down matches for audiences, offering insights and improving the viewing experience. They engage the audience and improve the interest toward esports events.
• Event organizers coordinate tournaments, manage logistics, and ensure smooth operations. They are responsible for finding the right sponsors and partners.
• Content creators like streamers and YouTube bloggers create visually attractive content and build their personal brands while promoting esports. They aim to keep fans connected to the scene through tutorials, highlight reels, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Marketing and PR professionals promote esports brands among players and fans. They develop campaigns that resonate with the unique culture of esports. PR teams manage public relations to maintain a positive image for teams and organizations.

The growing popularity of esports also create a lot of opportunities in game development and technology innovation. For example, game developers are constantly working to optimize games for competitive play. Team managers are responsible for player recruitment and contract negotiations.

The Future of Esports

The growth of esports is determined by advanced technologies and large public interest. Esports is now integrated into traditional sports leagues. The NBA and Premier League host esports tournaments, often held in professional arenas. Immersive technologies like VR make it easier and more exciting to watch live streaming. Moreover, schools have started adopting esports programs to prepare students for careers in this dynamic field. The global esports integration reveals a great number of opportunities for everyone.