How Growth in the E-Sports Industry is Pushing Top 10 eSports Companies to Transform Gaming Experience

The esports industry has experienced an unparalleled surge in popularity, fueled by live streaming of games, increased gaming investments, and a growing demand for league tournament infrastructure. From being a niche subculture, esports has transformed into a global phenomenon, captivating millions of fans and players worldwide. The allure of attractive international prize money and the potential for a lucrative career have made competitive gaming an enticing choice for young talents.

This industry is flourishing, with a plethora of revenue opportunities arising from the active participation of gamers, organizers, influencers, and game developers. This thriving ecosystem has elevated competitive gaming to a respected and serious endeavor. Driven by their passion for gaming and the desire to excel in this rapidly expanding field, aspiring gamers are seeking opportunities to showcase their skills on the international stage.

Considering the aforementioned factors, Fortune Business Insights estimates that the market for esports could be worth USD 6.75 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21.5% during the forecast period.

Fortune Business Insights™ Presents the 10 Prominent eSports Companies Globally

1. Gfinity PLC

Gfinity is a media and technology company that has established itself as an expert in gaming and esports engagement. With a strategic focus on Gfinity Digital Media, Gfinity Products, and Esports Experiences, the company offers a wide range of services to enhance the gaming market. Its E-sports Experiences segment creates engaging gaming content and events to build a strong community of followers through esports competitions, both online and virtually.

2. Sony Group Corporation

Sony Corporation, one of the top eSports companies in the electronics and gaming industry, offers gaming headsets and monitors under the INZONE brand. Its gaming gear provides high-resolution visuals, superior sound, and advanced spatial alertness to create an invincible gaming experience. Sony's recent partnership in June 2023 with Fnatic Ltd., a professional esports team, further reinforced its commitment to delivering top-notch gaming products.

3. Loco

Loco operates an esports platform and live game streaming service catering to the global gaming community. With over 55 million registered users and 100,000 creators streaming on Loco, the platform has gained significant popularity. Loco's collaboration with Skyesports in June 2023 to host the 'Skyesports Champions Series' and the development of Web3 products showcased its dedication to providing innovative and engaging fan experiences.

4. Riot Games, Inc.

Riot Games is a renowned developer and publisher of player-focused games, most notably the widely popular League of Legends. The company's esports division, Riot Games Esports, is at the forefront of shaping modern esports. Riot Games' partnerships in March 2023 with Amazon Prime Gaming and HyperX demonstrate its commitment to enhancing gaming experiences and supporting esports communities.

5. X1 Entertainment Group

X1 Entertainment Group Inc. operates across the esports, gaming, media, and entertainment industries. The company's esports franchise, RixGG, offers competitive video games and tournaments, complemented by marketing and hosting services. X1 Entertainment Group focuses on organic growth and expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. In November 2022, the company acquired ShiftRLE.gg and Octane.gg.

6. Tencent Holdings Limited

Tencent Holdings Limited is a multinational technology company with a significant presence in social media, online entertainment, and artificial intelligence. Tencent Video, one of its popular products, boasts over 100 million daily active users. The company continues to expand its portfolio by acquiring stakes in foreign gaming companies to offset slow growth in China.

7. Twitch Interactive, Inc.

Twitch is a leading live video platform for gamers, publishers, and esports enthusiasts. Its interactive experiences through Twitch Extensions have garnered a large and dedicated community of viewers and creators. Twitch's recent collaboration with Raidiant in April 2023 and the launch of its innovative Raidiant Challenger Circuit (RCC) further solidified its position in the esports and gaming industry.

8. Activision Blizzard, Inc.

Activision Blizzard is a major player in the interactive entertainment industry, operating through segments such as Blizzard Entertainment and Activision Publishing. The company's focus on high-quality content and services has led to the success of popular games such as Call of Duty and Overwatch. Its acquisition in January 2022 by Microsoft Corporation is set to further drive growth in the gaming business.

9. Caffeine

Caffeine offers a unique value-sharing live streaming platform that rewards viewers and creators through blockchain technology. The platform allows users to interact directly with their favorite creators and supports them through various reward systems. The introduction of the DLive HeroBoard feature adds a new dimension to the streaming experience, enabling streamers and viewers to engage more closely.

10. DLive Entertainment Pte. Ltd.

DLive creates a revolutionary live streaming platform that empowers viewers and creators through its innovative rewards system. Unlike traditional platforms, DLive's blockchain-based approach rewards the community significantly more than corporations, giving users a sense of ownership over the content they engage with. 

Advertising Supercharges the Revenue Growth in the Thriving the Market

This industry has proven itself to be a lucrative and dynamic industry, driven by a myriad of factors contributing to its soaring popularity. One of the key revenue sources for this market is advertising aimed at the ever-growing base of esports viewers. With the rise of live streaming on online platforms, such as YouTube and Twitch, advertising opportunities have expanded significantly, leading to a surge in revenue generation. Major advertisers are tapping into the vast potential of the audience, with Nike releasing its first commercial on an esports platform in October 2022. Significant events, such as the Overwatch League Grand Finals, have seen substantial increase in viewership, reaching a global AMA of 1.12 million in September 2019, indicating a promising future for advertising-related content and revenue growth in the market.

The market is on an upward trajectory, with advertising becoming a pivotal revenue driver. As this industry continues to evolve and attract more viewers and sponsors, the future of esports holds boundless possibilities, promising to reshape the world of competitive gaming and entertainment for years to come. As a global phenomenon captivating the world, esports has truly cemented its position as a dominant force in the realm of modern entertainment.