US eSports Market Report 2023

This US esports industry report provides a complete analysis of developments in 2023 and research-backed predictions for the future. Our analyst discusses barriers to engagement and opportunities to overcome these, alongside consumer behavior and industry trends, and much more.

Below, we summarize the key areas analyzed and offer handpicked insights from the report.

Key Areas Analyzed

• Trends in the esports and gaming industries, and how to leverage these in marketing.
• Demographics of gamers who engage with esports.
• What factors are negatively impacting gamers’ engagement with esports.
• Which game genres players are interested in, and entry points to esports viewership.
• What marketing and brand sponsorships esports viewers notice.
• Gamers’ attitudes toward esports including gender-related issues and spending.

US Esports Market Overview

With 61% of North America’s esports revenue coming from sponsorship deals, it’s no surprise that the FTX and crypto collapse has affected the industry. FTX was a major sponsor of League of Legends in particular, and many teams are accordingly rumored to be selling their League competitive franchise spots to stem the financial tide. While competitive esports is not going anywhere, 2023 is proving to be a year of significant changes for the US esports industry.

• US esports market size: the North American esports market generated an estimated $349.7m revenue in 2022.

Esports Industry Trends

Demographics remain stable, and there is room for change

Esports remains strong amongst the core demographic of male gamers aged 18-34, with 51% having watched esports in the last six months. Meanwhile, 40% of women gamers watch esports because they want to compete themselves, a percentage that is higher than for men. 

Brands can encourage women to live their aspirations by increasing sponsorship for women-led teams. Overall, there is a lot of potential to make the US esports industry more profitable by encouraging women to participate more and breaking stereotypes (see our Women and Gaming Report).

Gamers as a whole struggle with esports

Around half of all gamers struggle to understand the appeal of esports, and 43% of gamers state disinterest in the game being played as a top reason for not watching esports. With esports being generally more complex than typical sports, there is an opportunity here to simplify commentary to capture a wider audience.

Future of the Esports Industry

The decline of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) esports discussed signals a domino effect of changes in the US esports industry in 2023. While MOBAs won’t fade, their dominance may fade, paving the way for new games to take the stage.

This year’s Prize pools indicate that esports’ future could become less centrally dominated. Without the intervention of a new large investor, the industry will be entering a period of more managed growth between 2024 and 2025, creating opportunities for smaller games to garner attention.

In 2026 and beyond, without MOBAs at center stage, and as more diverse games and tournaments compete for views, the next big game or tournament that rises from 2023’s ashes will likely be leaner, smarter, and faster. Competitive players are clamoring for a new strategy title in particular.

Inside the report, you’ll find over 50 pages of content dedicated to exploring industry trends and opportunities for businesses operating in esports. You may also find our Gaming Trends Report relevant, or you can explore our Gaming Market Research library to find what you need.

Industry Definition and Brands Discussed

Industry definition: Esports is competitive video gaming at a professional level and in an organized format with a clear distinction between teams and players playing against each other.

Brands discussed: A number of brands and organizations relevant to industry developments and trends are discussed throughout the report, including but not limited to FTX, FaZe Clan, LCS Players Association, Panda Esports Global, and Nintendo.

Additional Features Included in Your Report

Different Digital Formats: PDF for conveniently sharing with your team, PowerPoint for quickly including in your presentation, as well as an Infographic and an Excel Databook.

Mintel’s Clients Portal: Our portal offers instant access to actionable analysis and trends pieces relevant to your industry that are published almost daily. You can also browse for more market research reports.

Expert Analysis from a Gaming Specialist

This report, written by Brian Benway a leading video gaming analyst, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends in the US esports market, adding expert context to the numbers.

Esports has become a popular form of entertainment and an effective marketing tool, but it has also attracted professional players who take the game seriously. As a result, it is no longer just fun and games, but rather a legitimate sport that must be managed with the same level of respect and professionalism as any other competitive league.

Brian Benway
Senior Analyst, Gaming and Technology