Millions of Germans Tune in to Esports

Key insights

7 takeaways

01
Approximately 16 million Germans have watched esports tournaments, representing a growth of over 4 million viewers since 2020.
02
Public awareness of esports in Germany has risen to 77 percent of the population, up from 71 percent in 2020.
03
Active participation in esports has increased, with 23 percent of all German gamers—roughly 10 million people—having competed in tournaments or leagues, compared to 18 percent in 2020.
04
Esports engagement is highest among younger demographics, with 48 percent of 16-24-year-olds and 45 percent of 25-34-year-olds having watched esports broadcasts.
05
Among gamers aged 25-34, more than 4 out of 10 have actively participated in esports competitions.
06
Approximately 27 percent of German esports viewers follow specific professional teams, such as BIG, G2 Esports, or SK Gaming.
07
German federal states are increasingly supporting the sector, with initiatives including official state championships in Schleswig-Holstein and Munich hosting the 2024 League of Legends EMEA Championship.

Summary

Esports has established itself as a significant media and participation phenomenon within Germany, experiencing substantial growth in both viewership and active engagement. As of late 2023, approximately 16 million Germans have watched esports tournaments, representing an increase of over 4 million viewers since 2020. Public awareness of the sector has also risen, with 77 percent of the population now familiar with the term, up from 71 percent three years prior. Interest is particularly concentrated among younger demographics, with nearly half of individuals aged 16 to 34 engaging with esports broadcasts.

Beyond passive consumption, active participation has seen a marked rise. Approximately 10 million gamers in Germany—roughly 23 percent of the gaming population—have participated in esports competitions, such as online leagues or LAN parties. This reflects a notable increase from the 18 percent participation rate recorded in 2020. Among the 25-34 age group, active involvement is even higher, with over 40 percent of gamers participating in competitive play.

These findings are based on an online survey conducted by YouGov Deutschland GmbH between July 27 and August 6, 2023, involving a representative sample of 2,053 participants aged 16 and older. The data highlights a growing trend of institutional and political support for the industry, with various German federal states implementing initiatives such as funded regional centers and official championships to foster the esports ecosystem. This political backing is viewed as a critical factor in enhancing Germany’s appeal to both international fans and the global gaming industry.