Esports is gaining significant momentum worldwide, but few may know the precise scale of its popularity with concrete numbers.

In fact, it has already sparked enthusiasm comparable to major sports like soccer and baseball.

This article thoroughly summarizes the latest data regarding the number of competitors and market sizes, both globally and within Japan.

We will explore why it is growing so rapidly, delving into the background of high prizes and corporate movements.

【Global】Esports Competitor Population and Related Indicators

Esports continues to create excitement around the world, and understanding the scale can help you grasp its potential as a content creator.

Here, we will unravel the current state and future of the esports industry through three perspectives: the number of players globally, market size, and viewer counts.

Competitor Population: Approximately 130 Million

The estimated number of esports competitors worldwide is said to be around 130 million.

The figure of 130 million is frequently cited by various media, but it is merely an industry estimate rather than an official statistic from a governing body.

The difficulty in accurately determining the number stems from the absence of a unified international governing body for counting competitors, unlike in sports such as soccer and baseball.

Market Size: Approximately $1.62 Billion

The market size of esports is expected to expand to around $1.62 billion by 2024.

Different research organizations have varying views on how to calculate market size, yet the upward growth trend remains consistent across all data.

The primary revenue sources supporting the market are sponsorship fees from companies and broadcasting rights. The rise of online streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming also aids in the expansion of the esports market size.

Viewer Count: Approximately 470 Million

According to official data from 2021, the global esports viewer count recorded approximately 474 million.

According to Newzoo’s research, of the 474 million, around 234 million are “esports enthusiasts” who watch at least once a month, while around 240 million are “occasional viewers.”

Furthermore, the most recent estimates indicate that viewer numbers continue to rise. According to ASO World’s research, it is predicted that by 2025, the number will reach 641.1 million.

If you wish to grasp the basics of esports, please refer to the following article.

>>What is esports? A clear explanation of its structure, history, and popular genres

【Japan】Esports Competitor Population and Related Indicators

The domestic esports market is also steadily growing, creating an environment where streamers can thrive. Here, we will introduce Japan’s current situation based on three pieces of data: competitor population, market size, and number of fans.

Competitor Population: Approximately 4 Million

The estimated number of esports competitors in Japan is around 4 million.

Considering that the global competitor population is approximately 130 million, Japan’s share is about 3%. However, it is essential to note that this figure is an estimate and not an official statistic.

One characteristic of Japanese players is that the number of players in fighting games, such as “Street Fighter” and “Tekken,” is notably high, making it one of Japan’s strengths. When starting to stream, it is advisable to capture such uniquely popular trends within the country.

Market Size: Approximately 14.685 Billion Yen

In 2023, Japan’s esports market size reached 14.685 billion yen, marking a 117% increase from the previous year.

According to the announcement by the Japan Esports Union (JeSU), the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the revival of offline tournaments and events significantly boosted growth. Within the market breakdown, event operation costs accounted for about 37.6%, making it the largest segment, followed by sponsor revenues.

The growth trend of the market is as follows:

• 2021: Approximately 7.84 billion yen
• 2022: Approximately 12.55 billion yen
• 2023: Approximately 14.685 billion yen

Source: JeSU “The Market and Trends of Esports”

While this is only about 6% of the global market size, it is predicted to expand steadily towards 20 billion yen by 2025, with increasing investment interest from domestic companies.

Fan Count: Approximately 8.56 Million

In 2023, the number of esports fans in Japan recorded approximately 8.56 million, showing a 110.3% increase from the previous year.

In this context, “fans” refers broadly to those who have experience watching matches or videos, or who have seen related TV programs.

The trends and forecasts for the number of fans are as follows:

• 2021: Approximately 7.43 million
• 2023: Approximately 8.56 million
• 2025 Forecast: Over 10 million

Source: JeSU “The Market and Trends of Esports”

For those starting to stream, the fact that there are over 8.5 million potential fans domestically can be a significant motivation.

Reasons for the Increase in Esports Competitor Population

The increasing number of esports competitors worldwide is backed by structural changes that go beyond mere trends. Once seen as just a “game,” esports has evolved into a substantial industry with massive financial flows and government support.

Here, we will discuss three specific factors that attract players and expand the industry.

High Prize Pools

With prize pools skyrocketing, esports has transformed into a “dream career where one can aim for a big win.”

A noteworthy example is the “Esports World Cup 2024” held in Saudi Arabia, which featured a total prize pool exceeding $60 million, setting a record in esports history.

The distribution is also unique, allocating $20 million not only as individual game title prizes but also to a “Club Championship” that honors teams achieving excellent results across multiple games.

Increase of Professional Teams and Sponsors

With not only gaming companies but also well-known large corporations entering as sponsors, the financial foundation of the industry has become solid.

The previously mentioned “Esports World Cup 2024” had 27 sponsors, representing a diverse array. For example, major non-endemic companies like:

• Sony Group Corporation
• Amazon.com, Inc.
• PepsiCo, Inc.
• TikTok (owned by ByteDance)

Moreover, state-owned companies such as Aramco and Qiddiya City from Saudi Arabia, part of national project-level enterprises, are also participating.

Government and Educational Support

Nations are beginning to formally recognize esports as an industry and sport, establishing support systems in education and policy worldwide.

Notably, in China, there has been strong government-led support, with the General Administration of Sport recognizing esports as an official sport as early as 2003.

This trend isn’t limited to China. In Japan, more vocational schools are adding esports programs, while Saudi Arabia is investing significantly as part of its national strategy “Saudi Vision 2030.”

【By Game Title】Esports Competitor Population

Next, we will look at the specific competitor populations and popularity reasons for the major esports titles played globally.

Since the characteristics of fan demographics vary by title, this will be valuable information when deciding which game to stream. Here are five representative titles.

League of Legends: Over 100 Million Monthly

The reigning champion of esports that captivates the most players worldwide is League of Legends.

This MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre involves 5v5 team battles focused on destroying the enemy base, requiring advanced strategy and teamwork. Its popularity is overwhelming, boasting over 100 million monthly active players.

A significant feature is the scale of the World Championship. The viewer count for the 2025 tournament peaked at 6.75 million.

The large player count directly correlates with a high viewer count; hence, if you want to attract a sizable audience as a streamer, this title should be among your top considerations.

Counter-Strike 2: Peak of Over 1.6 Million Monthly

As a cornerstone of FPS, the Counter-Strike series has been beloved for many years, with the latest installment “Counter-Strike 2” released in 2023, further accelerating its popularity.

This hardcore tactical shooter, where players divide into terrorists and counter-terrorists, requires quick decision-making and precise shooting skills to determine the outcome. The peak concurrent player count has surpassed 1.6 million, especially popular in Europe and the CIS region (former Soviet countries).

With a long legacy from previous versions, the competitive scene is highly mature. Its high level of competitiveness makes it a recommended genre for those aiming to stream specifically for a core fanbase known as “hardcore gamers.”

Dota 2: Monthly Peak of 700,000 to 940,000

Alongside League of Legends, another giant in the MOBA genre is Dota 2.

Characterized by its complex and deep gameplay, it has a vast array of elements to learn, including item combinations and map mechanics. Its monthly peak concurrent player numbers range between 700,000 to 940,000, supported by passionate fans.

The standout feature of Dota 2 is undoubtedly its “high prize money.” The international tournament “The International” has, in the past, amassed prize pools exceeding $40 million through crowdfunding.

This title garners a high level of interest as a potential avenue for one to strike it rich, drawing attention from all around the world for streams displaying high-level gameplay.

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS: Monthly Peak of 799,000

The game that ignited the “battle royale” boom, where up to 100 players land on an island and fight until only one remains, is PUBG.

Having transitioned to a free-to-play model in 2022, player numbers have again shown a rising trend. Data from December 2024 indicates a peak concurrent player count of about 800,000. Not only on PC but also the mobile version “PUBG MOBILE” has hundreds of millions of users, particularly well-known in Asia.

In Japan, leagues such as “PJS” have a historical presence, making this a familiar title. The intense survival competition often creates nail-biting scenarios for viewers, making it highly compatible with live commentary.

Even beginners can easily follow the situation; thus, this title lends itself well to facilitating an engaging streaming atmosphere.

Overwatch 2: Monthly Active Players of 22 to 24 Million

The action-packed FPS “Overwatch 2” features a diverse array of unique heroes who team up to battle.

Divided into three roles: “Tank,” “Damage,” and “Support,” the game offers cooperative enjoyment by leveraging each other’s abilities. It maintains over 22 million monthly active players, boasting strong global popularity.

While the previously held official league “OWL” has since scaled down, community-led tournaments and international competitions like the “Esports World Cup” are thriving. The character attraction is also strong, and with a high affinity for fan art and cosplay culture, it allows for engaging interactions with viewers beyond just gameplay.

If you’re interested in other esports game genres, please refer to the following article.

>>A Complete Overview of Esports Types! Explaining Game Titles and Essential Skills

【By Country】Esports Pro Player Rankings (Based on 2024 Prize Winners)

Here, we will introduce the esports powerhouse rankings based on the number of players who earned prizes in actual tournaments in 2024.

1st: United States (3,445 Players)

In 2024, the country that produced the most players earning prizes was the United States, with a total of 3,445.

The U.S. remains at the top due to its vast base of competitive players and an environment conducive to aspiring professionals. Many universities offer esports scholarship programs, making it common for young people to pursue professional careers while balancing academics.

A wide variety of games is in which these players excel, particularly high-prize titles like “Fortnite” and “Call of Duty,” which is known for its strong contenders from North America. The total prize money earned is approximately $22.29 million.

2nd: China (1,596 Players)

Second place goes to China, where 1,596 players have earned prizes.

While the player count ranks second after the U.S., what stands out is the significant prize money that China generates. With a total prize pool of approximately $36.81 million, it proudly claims the top spot worldwide for total prize money by country.

The strength lies in their overwhelming achievements in high-stakes titles like “Dota 2” and “League of Legends,” along with robust support from the government.

Additionally, domestic titles such as the mobile MOBA “Honor of Kings” are also actively organizing leagues, illustrating the nation’s commitment to elite training paths resulting in these outcomes.

3rd: Brazil (1,411 Players)

Ranking third is Brazil, with 1,411 players earning prizes in 2024.

While globally recognized for soccer, Brazil also boasts a passionate fan culture and significant talent in esports. Particularly in the FPS genre with the “Counter-Strike” series, Brazil is celebrated as a powerhouse that has produced legendary players.

The mobile game “Free Fire” also enjoys explosive popularity, enabling a significant number of professionals to emerge from those without PC setups.

Countries Ranked 4th to 10th

The countries following the top three are all esports leaders with distinctive characteristics. Here are the rankings for places fourth to tenth:

• 4th: South Korea (934 Players)
• 5th: France (926 Players)
• 6th: Russia (885 Players)
• 7th: Australia (885 Players)
• 8th: United Kingdom (829 Players)
• 9th: Germany (823 Players)
• 10th: Saudi Arabia (685 Players)

Note that the countries with a large number of players do not necessarily correlate with those earning the most prize money. When considering which region’s matches to cover in your streams, it can be interesting to reference these country-specific characteristics.

Esports Viewing Platform Statistics

According to the overall statistics for Twitch in 2024, the average monthly active viewers exceeded 100.5 million, with total viewing hours surpassing a staggering 15.6 billion hours annually.

This figure includes not only esports tournament streams but also individual game commentaries and chatting streams, indicating how many people enjoy streaming cyclically in their daily lives.

Of course, there are options beyond Twitch as well. YouTube Gaming also boasts hundreds of millions of viewers, and recently, streaming on TikTok Live is increasing.

Since each platform has its unique features, finding the one that aligns with your style will be the first step as a streamer.

For those interested in how to stream on Twitch, you may also refer to the following article.

>>How to Start Streaming on Twitch & What You Need! Conditions for Monetization Explained!

Conclusion

This article discussed the growing competitor population of esports worldwide and the market trends by country.

The expanding market size year by year presents a tremendous tailwind for individuals looking to start their streaming activities. Narrowing down entry genres according to your play style and target audience can lead to faster fan acquisition.

Fueled by the passion to “broadcast to the world” or “engage with passionate domestic fans,” utilize the data presented and start preparing for your streams soon.