Esports used to be an extremely niche hobby, but over the last decade it has exploded into the public consciousness. In 2021, more than 25 million people will have viewed esports content online, and those views make up almost half of all gaming content views online.
But how did esports get to this stage? The rise of streaming platforms like Twitch has helped drive the sport forwards. Being able to watch along with talented gamers as they complete difficult levels, smash their way through opponents, and complete ridiculous challenges, provides a completely new type of interactive entertainment that just wasn’t available before.
YouTube only offered you the chance to view pre-created content, but with streaming channels, you could help create it.
Esports teams take over Twitch
You can also stream your own feed without having to invest in a lot of specialist equipment. Once game and software developers realised there was a growing market, they started to build sharing content into their game. And once the content was there, the audience started to grow.
Now there are professional esports teams like TSM and Cloud 9, which are worth more than $350 million each, and comprise the best esports players from all over the world. The range of games esports competitors play is also growing, with classics like League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive joined by newer offerings like Fortnite and Rocket League.
Viewers enjoy that they can play the same games as their esports idols, bringing them closer to the action. Some also enjoy placing bets on their favourite esports teams using sites like Betsafe. The Betsafe esports section offers a variety of odds on the top leagues of the esports world.
Top 4 esports streamers of 2021
Everyone has their favorite esports streamers. Because they cover so many different games, it can be hard to nail down a definitive “best” list. Here is a list of game-focused streamers that have immense popularity for one reason or another.
Pokimane
Pokimane is a Canadian/Moroccan streamer who has become one of the most popular content creators across YouTube and Twitch. She is known for being a talented player, but her videos are also really watchable because of her personality and ability to entertain viewers with her conversation.
Pokimane streams three times a week on her Twitch channel and often showcases popular games alongside esports favourites like Fortnite and LOL. She has 8.2 million followers on Twitch, putting her firmly amongst the top ten most popular streamers on the platform.
S1mple
S1imple isn’t one of the most followed streamers, but he deserves a spot on this list because he is the only professional esports player who takes the time to stream regularly and interact with his fans. A member of the Natus Vincere team, he is considered to be the best CSGO player in the world, which is why watching him play is truly a privilege.
Some esports fans watch because they like the games, others because they follow a team – just like regular sports. S1mple is a streamer who understands the need to make a connection with viewers and foster a relationship, all the while giving them fantastic content and an up close and personal view of his incredible skills.
Ninja
No “best streamer” list would be complete without mentioning the original streaming king, Ninja. With 17 million Twitch followers and sponsorship deals from the likes of Red Bull and Adidas, he is not only the most popular streamer, but also the wealthiest.
Ninja began his gaming career back in 2009 playing Halo 3 for a variety of professional teams including Cloud 9 and Luminosity Gaming, however he most well known for playing Fortnite. In fact, his rise in popularity was direct linked to that of the game, with the developers acknowledging this by creating an in-game skin in his image.
Ninja is well-known for playing with celebrities including Drake and DJ Marshmello, such games often being for charity. In fact, Ninja once held the record for the most concurrent streams when he hosted a game with celebrity participants. While you know you’re always going to get good content from his streams, the added bonus of a little glitz and glamour is what makes him stand out from the rest.
Auronplay
Most esports streamers tend to stick to one or two of their best games, but Auronplay is all about variety. Viewers tune in to see something different each time, with his personality and playing style drawing them back again and again. He has nearly 40,000 subscribers and 10.3 million followers, showing just how popular he is.
Auronplay is based in Spain and is part of a huge surge in esports popularity amongst the Hispanic community. His watch hours number 33.8 million over the last few months alone and have covered popular games like Among Us, Minecraft, and GTA V. He doesn’t play professionally, preferring to stream his gaming directly to his fans.
Viewers love to watch esports streamers to get a player’s-eye view of some top-notch gaming. Being taken along for an epic ride through your favorite game can be exhilarating, so it’s no surprise that people keep coming back for more. The popularity of esports streaming continues to grow and as long as there are great content creators out there, people will keep tuning in.
