Lai Lin Thomala
Research expert covering Greater China
eSports market in China - statistics & facts
China’s eSports market has been expanding so quickly that it is difficult to measure its value. Estimations range from one billion to well over 20 billion dollars with a userbase exceeding 480 million. Accelerated by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, the already thriving market has reached record online viewing highs. With the support of government and investors, China is on course to dethrone North America as the world’s largest eSports commercial market.
With such a commitment, the number of professional players surged from 97 in 2008 to over 1,000 since 2016, bringing home trophies from major tournaments like the LOL World Championship and Dota 2 The International. In terms of tournament prize winnings, China rose to number one again after 2020 after coming off second best behind the United States for three years.
Other tech magnates are joining the race too: Google and NetEase focus on eSports streaming and infrastructure; Alibaba holds its own top-tier eSports tournament - World Electronic Sports Games; Kuaishou and Sina have their eSports pro teams. In the meantime, more brands have scoped out the eSports marketing potential and increased sponsorship and ad spending.
The journey to create legends
Electronic sports is a form of competitive gaming in which teams of players, usually 4 to 6 people, compete against each other in video games. Just like grass sports, eSports emphasizes teamwork, communication, strategy, and sportsmanship. The Chinese government has publicly backed the growth of eSports, announcing it as an official sport in 2003. Aiming at a world dominance as a source of national pride, China included eSports into its national curriculum in 2019, providing scholarships for top-notch gamers. As a host of the 2023 Asian Games, the country has officially added eSports to the medal sport program. Cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen have unveiled action plans to support eSports teams, tournaments, and arenas, striving to be a global eSports hub.With such a commitment, the number of professional players surged from 97 in 2008 to over 1,000 since 2016, bringing home trophies from major tournaments like the LOL World Championship and Dota 2 The International. In terms of tournament prize winnings, China rose to number one again after 2020 after coming off second best behind the United States for three years.
The big money is pouring in
Internet companies are also betting big on this gaming arena. The main reason: a multifaceted market with a variety of revenue streams from tournament ticket sales to team sponsorship, streaming revenue, merchandise, and in-game sales. Tencent's eSports venture is huge and is powerfully entrenched with its own ecosystem. The entertainment powerhouse is not only the major game publisher in China, but also a tournament organizer, an investor in eSports clubs and teams, as well as the owner of China's game streaming duopoly (Huya and Douyu).Other tech magnates are joining the race too: Google and NetEase focus on eSports streaming and infrastructure; Alibaba holds its own top-tier eSports tournament - World Electronic Sports Games; Kuaishou and Sina have their eSports pro teams. In the meantime, more brands have scoped out the eSports marketing potential and increased sponsorship and ad spending.
