Market (Overall)·Updated Apr 8, 2026 by PayPal
The European esports market is projected to reach 92 million viewers by the end of 2020, with a 7.4% year-over-year growth rate.
Global esports revenue is forecasted to climb from €974 million in 2020 to €1.6 billion by 2023, with Europe following a similar growth trajectory.
Esports engagement is not limited to the youngest demographic, as the 21–25 age group currently leads in enthusiast participation compared to the 18–20 cohort.
Geographic engagement varies significantly, with Finland reporting a 52% enthusiast rate among 18–20 year olds compared to only 21% in the UK.
Women comprise 32% of the esports audience and demonstrate high purchasing power, with 46% spending on esports products compared to 38% of men.
Consumer preferences differ by gender, as women favor physical merchandise while men show a stronger preference for digital items like skins and premium passes.
There is a strong overlap between traditional sports and esports, with 64% of esports viewers also supporting a traditional sports team.
The European esports market is projected to reach 92 million viewers by the end of 2020, with a 7.4% year-over-year growth rate.
Global esports revenue is forecasted to climb from €974 million in 2020 to €1.6 billion by 2023, with Europe following a similar growth trajectory.
Esports engagement is not limited to the youngest demographic, as the 21–25 age group currently leads in enthusiast participation compared to the 18–20 cohort.
Geographic engagement varies significantly, with Finland reporting a 52% enthusiast rate among 18–20 year olds compared to only 21% in the UK.
Women comprise 32% of the esports audience and demonstrate high purchasing power, with 46% spending on esports products compared to 38% of men.
Consumer preferences differ by gender, as women favor physical merchandise while men show a stronger preference for digital items like skins and premium passes.
There is a strong overlap between traditional sports and esports, with 64% of esports viewers also supporting a traditional sports team.