Report shows esports industry to surpass $1 billion in yearly revenue

The esports industry is projected to make huge strides in its revenue and viewership this year.

Newzoo is one of the leading providers of esports analytics, issuing in-depth market forecasts for the industry. The fifth edition of their esports market projections highlights tremendous growth for both the industry’s revenues and its consumer base.

The company recently released the 2019 Global Esports Market Report, which provides a considered analysis of the esports industry’s status moving into the new year. According to Newzoo, the business of esports is expected to soon hit more major milestones in finances and viewership.

The data revealed that esports revenue for 2019 will likely reach $1.1 billion USD, representing a year-over-year growth of 26.7%. A huge chunk of this figure will come from an increase in sponsorships, bringing in an expected $456 million.

The report also shows a 15% growth in the global esports audience for 2019. More than 453 million esports fans are projected worldwide, consisting of both esports enthusiasts and occasional viewers.

“Plenty of leagues and tournaments now have huge audiences, so companies are positioning themselves to directly monetize these Esports Enthusiasts. 2019 will be the first billion-dollar year for esports, a market that will continue to attract brands across all industries,” said Newzoo CEO Peter Warman.

A variety of non-endemic brands have entered the industry in recent years, and many of these entries have been successful. The esports marketplace offers huge opportunities for these companies willing to take action and pursue one of the youngest and fastest growing audiences in the worlds of sport and gaming.  

Newzoo’s report clearly shows that the industry’s upward trajectory will continue, with an estimated $1.8 billion in revenue by 2022 being a realistic possibility. A more optimistic scenario could even bump this total revenue number as high as $3.2 billion.

The company reported that total esports revenues reached a massive $865 million in 2018.