Riding the Esports Wave: Atlaslive’s Vision for a Thriving $6.1B Market

The esports industry is evolving fast, fueled by tech advancements, expanding markets, and shifting player habits. While growth has been strong, it has hit a few bumps — like regulatory gaps in some regions and the lingering effects of COVID-19 on live events. Even so, esports is set to keep growing, backed by sponsorships, advertising, merchandise, ticket sales, and the ever-rising popularity of streaming.

Betting has changed a lot too. It used to revolve around traditional sports like football, but now esports is a major player, giving bettors a fresh and dynamic way to engage with their favorite games.

Regarding esports betting, players want options, and local sportsbooks offer a variety of games, leagues, and tournaments. That’s where Atlaslive comes in. With its advanced iGaming Platform and in-house Sportsbook, Atlaslive delivers an extensive lineup of esports titles. In the "Sports" section, fans can bet on top games like Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Valorant, League of Legends, Fortnite, and Call of Duty.

Getting started is simple, players sign up, verify their accounts, make their predictions, and jump right into the action. The Atlaslive Sportsbook covers many esports events, odds, and markets. Games like League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive consistently draw attention, with multiple tournaments and betting options available. The live betting section keeps things exciting, offering a variety of real-time plays tailored to each game.

Atlaslive keeps a close eye on different markets, analyzing trends in gaming and esports revenue across key regions. As the industry evolves, the company continues to push forward, blending cutting-edge technology with top-tier gaming content to create an immersive and seamless experience for players worldwide.

The Esports Market in Figures: Key Stats and What’s Ahead

Esports is all about competitive video gaming, where pro players and teams battle it out in multiplayer games. These showdowns take place in leagues, tournaments, and major events, attracting massive audiences both online and in packed arenas. Thanks to players, sponsors, and passionate fans, esports has exploded into a global phenomenon, shaping an industry that's both highly popular and incredibly profitable. But what’s been driving this rapid rise, and where is the industry headed next?

One major factor fueling esports growth is easy access to high-speed internet, digital platforms, and mobile apps. These tools have made esports more accessible than ever, bringing gaming to a worldwide audience. According to Atlaslive Platform data, over 90% of users now access gaming through their mobile devices, proof that mobile gaming is taking over. With user-friendly apps and optimized websites, placing bets on esports is smoother and more convenient than ever.

Another key driver? Streaming. Platforms like Twitch, which sees around 240 million unique visitors each month, along with Kick and YouTube, have transformed how fans engage with esports. Many platforms are now hiring professional streamers to boost engagement, promote their services, and create a more interactive experience. This shift has helped build tight-knit gaming communities, where fans can easily follow their favorite players and teams in real-time. On top of that, the growing professionalism in esports, with structured leagues, major sponsorships, and high-profile events, has cemented its place as a mainstream entertainment powerhouse.

esports revenue 2025

The global esports market has been on a steady rise, and the numbers prove it. Back in 2017, revenue stood at $1.2 billion, and by 2029, it’s projected to hit an impressive $6.1 billion, growing at a solid CAGR of 14.5%. This upward trend shows how esports has transformed from a niche interest into a booming industry, drawing in massive investments and a growing worldwide audience.

Esports revenue mainly comes from six key streams. Sponsorships and advertising bring in money through brand deals and ads during tournaments. Merchandise and ticket sales contribute through event passes and branded gear. Streaming, media rights, and publisher fees generate income from broadcasting matches on various platforms. And then there’s esports betting, where fans wager on their favorite teams and players. Together, these revenue streams make esports a highly profitable and fast-growing sector.

When it comes to average revenue per user (ARPU), growth has been steady but not explosive. Esports betting ARPU in 2024 sits just above $33 — relatively low compared to traditional sports betting, where ARPU exceeds $300. Still, the rising interest in esports betting suggests a growing audience eager for fresh experiences. The challenge for platforms is to keep up by offering a diverse range of games tailored to different markets.

Merchandise and ticketing are also climbing, albeit at a slower pace, as fans continue to invest in event participation and exclusive products. Meanwhile, streaming revenue, while not the biggest slice of the pie, is gradually increasing, showing the potential, but also the limitations, of monetizing esports content.

Esports is no longer just a trend, it’s an evolving, high-growth industry that’s shaping the future of gaming, entertainment, and digital competition worldwide.

esports reach 2025

Esports has been on a steady rise, and the numbers tell the story. Back in 2017, the industry had a global reach of 386 million users. By 2029, that number is expected to nearly double, reaching 896.1 million.

This growth proves that esports is no longer a niche; it’s becoming a mainstream phenomenon. The shift is especially clear compared to iGaming. By 2025, esports is projected to have 772 million users, while iGaming will have around 211 million. That’s a reach nearly four times larger. Market penetration follows the same trend: iGaming is expected to reach 2.7%, while esports is on track for 12.6%.

With more players and bettors getting involved, driven by high-energy competitions, easy access to online platforms, and the growing professionalism of the industry, esports is attracting attention from all sides. For brands and advertisers, this expanding audience presents a golden opportunity to connect with young, tech-savvy consumers in one of the fastest-growing digital spaces.

esports potential market size Atlaslive

If everything goes right, the esports market could skyrocket to $8.3 billion by 2029 — driven by better internet access, stronger community engagement, and continuous tech advancements. But there are other possible outcomes too. A more moderate projection puts the market at $6.4 billion, while a conservative estimate lands at $4.7 billion by the same year.

These different scenarios show just how much the future of esports depends on external factors. While the most optimistic outlook predicts explosive growth, even the lowest estimate points to steady expansion, proving that esports isn’t just a trend but a resilient and evolving industry with serious staying power.

Leading Regions in the Global Esports Landscape

"The goal is to turn data into information, and information into insight." This quote is a reminder that numbers and trends shape the future of any industry—including esports.

The data below highlights how different regions are fueling the global rise of esports. Established markets are expanding rapidly, while emerging regions are showing strong potential for future growth. By understanding these trends, we can pinpoint where engagement is strongest today and where the next wave of innovation and opportunity is likely to emerge.

esports revenue share

Europe, North America, and Asia dominate the esports industry, generating the largest share of global revenue. Meanwhile, regions like Australia & Oceania, Africa, and South America contribute smaller but still meaningful portions. How these figures evolve depends on several factors, including infrastructure strength and large-scale investments in key esports hubs like the United States, South Korea, and Germany.

Asia, for example, holds a massive share thanks to deeply ingrained gaming cultures in countries like China and South Korea, where government support further accelerates growth. On the other hand, South America faces challenges like economic instability and uneven internet infrastructure, which slow down expansion — though interest in esports continues to rise. Similarly, Australia has a strong esports scene, but its smaller population naturally limits its overall market share.

While some regions are leading the way, others are steadily catching up, proving that esports is becoming a truly global industry.

esports revenue forecast 

Esports Market Growth: Who’s Leading and Who’s Catching Up?

Europe remains the largest esports market for now, but North America’s impressive 10% growth rate could start closing the gap. While Europe is expected to see steady expansion, North America’s strong investments and rapid industry development could make it an even bigger contender in the near future.

Asia, with its solid 6.9% growth rate, continues to hold a dominant position thanks to its massive audience and deeply ingrained gaming culture. However, North America’s rising numbers suggest it could eventually surpass Asia in revenue, fueled by innovation and strategic market expansion.

South America is another region worth watching, with an 8.1% annual growth rate signaling that the market is still in its early stages but has plenty of room to grow. Meanwhile, Africa and Australia & Oceania remain smaller players in the global esports scene. While these markets aren’t as dynamic yet, they are showing signs of potential, making them interesting spaces for future investment and development.

As esports continues to expand, the battle for market dominance is heating up—bringing new opportunities and challenges across different regions.

Unlocking Esports Betting Potential with Atlaslive

The explosive growth of esports has pushed betting operators to evolve, moving beyond traditional pre-match bets to deliver more dynamic experiences. With Atlaslive, users can immerse themselves in live betting, placing wagers as the action unfolds. Whether they prefer pre-tournament bets or real-time predictions, the Atlaslive Platform ensures competitive odds, with live betting often offering even more strategic opportunities.

Recognizing the increasing demand for mobile betting, Atlaslive delivers a seamless mobile experience, allowing players to bet on their favorite esports events anytime, anywhere. The platform’s intuitive design ensures smooth navigation, making on-the-go betting easier than ever.

To help bettors make smarter decisions, Atlaslive integrates detailed statistical tables with real-time and historical data. Players can analyze past results, team performances, and trends—turning insights into winning strategies.

With its advanced technology, Atlaslive enhances esports betting, giving fans an engaging, data-driven experience while empowering operators with diverse betting options and deeper player connections.

Atlaslive – the tech behind the game.