Global esports market will exceed $1 billion in 2019

North America, China to continue to represent the majority of esports revenue, though global awareness remains on the rise

With more events, more investment, more games, and more awareness, it should come as no surprise that the global esports industry is anticipated to continue to grow in the coming year according to predictions from leading analysts at Newzoo.

In its 2019 Global Esports Market Report, Newzoo predicts global esports revenues to rise to $1.1 billion in 2019, bringing revenue over $1 billion for the first time ever with a revenue increase of 26.7% year-over-year. North America will account for $409.1 million of that amount, and China will represent $210.3 million.

Looking further ahead, Newzoo predicts global esports revenues to reach $1.8 billion by 2022 in its base scenario, with the most optimistic scenario generating $3.2 billion and the most pessimistic $1.3 billion.

In addition, Newzoo predicts that in the coming year, $897.2 million of global esports revenue (82% of the market) will come from brand investments such as media rights, advertising, and sponsorships. Sponsorships alone are the highest grossing revenue stream for esports and are estimated to bring in $456.7 million in 2019. In addition, merchandise and tickets are expected to exceed the revenue of publisher fees for the first time.

Newzoo anticipates overall brand investment revenue will increase to $1.5 billion by 2022, making up 87% of the total market revenue.