Newzoo’s annual Global Esports Market Report projects revenues to exceed $1B USD in 2020 with China as the largest segment at $385M.

Total esports revenue grew 22.4% year-over-year in 2019, reaching $950.6M.

Newzoo projects the global esports audience to reach 495M in 2020.

Newzoo’s 2020 Global Esports Market Report was released early Tuesday morning. The report explores the latest esports market trends and developments toward 2023, including market estimates and forecasts.

Additionally, details have been added in regards to the most popular events, most-watched games, tournaments, and leagues, and the top 50 countries in terms of esports enthusiasts.

Report Highlights

2019 saw a year-on-year revenue growth of 22.4% that raised the total global esports revenue figure for the year to $950.6M. Newzoo sees the market surpassing $1B in 2020, for the first time even without broadcasting platform revenues.

In terms of the largest revenue markets, China looks to continue to lead the way with total revenues of $385M in 2020, followed by North America with total revenues of $252.8M.

Globally, esports audiences continue to grow and should see a total esports audience of approximately 495M people in 2020 with esports enthusiasts (people who watch more than once a month) making up 222.9M of this number.

With an over 17% year-on-year jump so far in 2020, global esports revenue streams will see $822.4M in revenues, of which three-quarters of the total market will come from media rights and sponsorship.

The report projects that growth looks as if it will continue through 2023 with revenue projections exceeding $1.5B.