Country & Regional Reports·Updated Jun 25, 2026 by PayPal
The European esports audience is projected to reach 92 million viewers by the end of 2020, reflecting a 7.4% year-over-year growth rate.
The global esports market is forecast to grow from nearly €1 billion in 2020 to €1.6 billion by 2023, with European revenue following a similar trajectory.
Women comprise 32% of the European esports audience and demonstrate spending habits comparable to men, with 46% of female respondents reporting purchases.
Spending preferences are gender-distinct, as female viewers favor physical merchandise while male viewers prioritize digital items like skins and premium passes.
Esports engagement shows a strong correlation with traditional sports, as 64% of viewers maintain allegiance to both a traditional sports team and an esports team.
The European esports audience consists of 33 million enthusiasts who watch professional content more than once a month and 59 million occasional viewers.
The European esports audience is projected to reach 92 million viewers by the end of 2020, reflecting a 7.4% year-over-year growth rate.
The global esports market is forecast to grow from nearly €1 billion in 2020 to €1.6 billion by 2023, with European revenue following a similar trajectory.
Women comprise 32% of the European esports audience and demonstrate spending habits comparable to men, with 46% of female respondents reporting purchases.
Spending preferences are gender-distinct, as female viewers favor physical merchandise while male viewers prioritize digital items like skins and premium passes.
Esports engagement shows a strong correlation with traditional sports, as 64% of viewers maintain allegiance to both a traditional sports team and an esports team.
The European esports audience consists of 33 million enthusiasts who watch professional content more than once a month and 59 million occasional viewers.