ReportNewzoo
Global Esports and Live Streaming Market Report
1 Jan 20222 pages~7 min full read
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive led 2022 viewership with the PGL Major Antwerp recording 10.5 million hours watched and an average concurrent viewership of 96.7k.
See it on page 1Riot Games is shifting its Valorant esports strategy from high-cost franchising to a partnership model that eliminates franchise fees in favor of financial stipends.
See it on page 2Major esports titles including Dota 2 and League of Legends events generated over 20 million hours of combined viewership in 2022.
See it on page 1Wild Rift’s global championship in Singapore featured a $2 million prize pool across 24 teams, while the PUBG Mobile Nations Cup in Bangkok offered a $500k prize pool.
See it on page 2Valorant’s regional tours and the upcoming Champions Tour in Japan contributed nearly 3 million hours of viewership to the global landscape.
See it on page 1Publishers are increasingly prioritizing inclusivity and grassroots growth through initiatives like Riot’s Game Changers for women’s tournaments and by encouraging third-party off-season events.
See it on page 2The report outlines the global esports and live‑streaming landscape for 2022, emphasizing key tournaments, viewership metrics, and emerging strategic shifts by major publishers. Counter‑Strike: Global Offensive dominated with the PGL Major Antwerp drawing 10.5 million hours watched and an average concurrent unique viewer (ACU) of 96.7 k, followed by Dota 2 and League of Legends events that collectively attracted over 20 million hours. Valorant’s regional tours and the upcoming Champions Tour in Japan added nearly 3 million hours, while Wild Rift’s global championship moved to Singapore with a $2 million prize pool and 24 teams. PUBG Mobile’s Nations Cup returned to Bangkok with a $500 k prize pool, and the IEM Rio Major was re‑announced after pandemic cancellations, selling out tickets in Brazil’s Jeunesse Arena.
The analysis highlights a shift toward franchising models that reduce entry barriers, notably Riot’s new Valorant structure that foregoes franchise fees in favor of long‑term partnerships and financial stipends, contrasting with the high costs seen in League of Legends. Third‑party organizers are encouraged to host off‑season events, expanding grassroots participation and diversifying content. The report also notes the growing importance of women’s tournaments, such as Riot’s Game Changers initiative, to broaden audience engagement.
Data were sourced from Newzoo’s platform aggregating Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming streams, covering global viewership across 2022. The scope spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, focusing on major esports titles and live‑streaming platforms. The methodology involved compiling broadcast hours, ACU figures, and prize pool totals to assess market size, growth drivers, and investment trends within the esports ecosystem.
