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31% of 18–29-year-olds are keeping esports thriving
TL;DR Esports popularity is growing among younger fans, with interest rising from 27% in Q1 2021 to 31% in Q2 2024 for people aged 18-29. However, the gap between younger fans and all consumers is widening, growing from an 11-point difference in Q1 2021 to 14 points in Q2 2024. Esports viewership statistics also show … Continued The post 31% of 18–29-year-olds are keeping esports thriving appeared first on Esports Insider.
TL;DR
- Esports popularity is growing among younger fans, with interest rising from 27% in Q1 2021 to 31% in Q2 2024 for people aged 18-29.
- However, the gap between younger fans and all consumers is widening, growing from an 11-point difference in Q1 2021 to 14 points in Q2 2024.
- Esports viewership statistics also show steady engagement, with 10-12% of younger fans and 5-6% of all consumers following esports regularly over the last few years.
- Even with big industry changes, like the Overwatch League shutting down and fewer LCS teams, esports viewership and interest stayed solid.
- Esports tournaments across different genres, including esports games like MOBAs and shooters, continue to attract steady viewership.
With some leagues closing and teams cutting back in 2024, it’s easy to think esports might be slowing down. But the numbers tell another story.
Both esports viewership and esports popularity have held steady, especially with younger fans. The latest data shows that esports is still going strong, with loyal audiences following tournaments and games around the world.
Esports popularity remains stable among global audiences
Esports popularity has held steady across different age groups, with younger fans leading the way.
According to data from YouGov’s Global fan profiles, interest among the esports audience aged 18-29 has grown slowly but surely over the last few years.
- Back in Q1 2021, around 27% of 18–29-year-olds said they were interested in esports
- By Q2 2022, that number had climbed to 30%
- Interest peaked in Q1 2024 with 33% – then stabilized in Q2 2024 at 31%
Across all age groups, the story is a bit different but just as steady.
- Interest started at 16% in Q1 2021.
- It hovered around 16–18% for the rest of 2021, 2022, and 2023.
- In Q1 2024, the figure peaked at 19%, then dropped to 17% in Q2 2024.
However, the gap between younger fans and the wider audience has grown over time. In Q1 2021, there was an 11-point difference between the 18-29 group (27%) and all consumers (16%) – but by Q2 2024, that gap widened to 14 points (31% vs. 17%).
These figures suggest that esports popularity isn’t just holding on – it’s growing, especially among younger fans. Despite changes in the industry, like league closures or team cutbacks, the esports audience hasn’t turned away.
In fact, these numbers suggest that esports remains a steady part of many people’s interests, with younger viewers in particular continuing to show up and engage.
Esports viewership statistics show steady engagement across all age groups
Esports viewership statistics tell a simple story from 2021 to 2024: regular viewership has stayed steady, even as the industry has shifted.
For the 18–29 demographic – the core of the esports audience – the viewership levels have stayed strong:
- Between 10% and 12% of people in this age group followed esports regularly from Q1 2021 to Q2 2024.
- This group held steady at 11% for four quarters in a row (Q2 2022 to Q2 2023) before rising slightly to 12% in Q3 2023.
- The lowest point was 10% in Q1 2022.
The picture is similar when you look at all consumers, just at a lower level:
- Viewership held at 6% for eleven of the fourteen quarters from Q1 2021 to Q2 2024.
- The lowest figure was 5%, which showed up in three quarters between Q3 2021 and Q1 2022.
These esports stats reflect fans following a wide range of events. The data covers esports tournaments across many genres – like MOBAs, shooters, and battle royales.
This mix of different esports games helps explain why viewership has remained stable. Fans aren’t tied to just one title; they follow multiple competitions, which keeps the numbers steady.
Esports industry changes & their impact on esports tournaments & teams
Between Q1 2021 and Q2 2024, the esports industry went through some big changes, reshaping how leagues and tournaments operate. Here’s a look at the key events during this time.
Overwatch League shut down
Blizzard ended the Overwatch League in 2023 after several seasons. Financial struggles, falling viewership, and a shift in the company’s esports strategy led to the decision.
Teams voted to leave the league, bringing one of the biggest franchise models in esports tournaments to an end.
Fewer LCS teams in North America
In 2024, Riot Games cut the number of teams in the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) from 10 to 8.
This was done to stabilize the league, as esports viewership statistics showed pressure on teams and organizers. Well-known teams like Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians stepped away from the league during this reshuffle.
Layoffs across major esports organizations
Big names in the industry, like 100 Thieves, reduced staff during this period. These cuts were due to economic challenges, sponsor pullbacks, and a correction in the market after the rapid growth seen during the pandemic. The esports teams had to adapt as organisations focused on maintaining sustainability.
Tournament formats adapted
Tournament organizers also tweaked how competitions were run. Riot Games, for example, introduced a Swiss Stage format in 2023 to make matches more competitive and engaging.
These changes aimed to keep esports games fresh and exciting for fans across different regions.
Conclusion
The numbers make it clear – esports viewership and esports popularity have held steady over the last few years. Interest among younger fans keeps growing, while viewership across all age groups stays consistent. Even with changes in the industry, the core audience hasn’t drifted.
Fans continue to follow a mix of games and tournaments, keeping esports a steady part of the entertainment scene. The audience is still here and still engaged.
FAQs
Based on esports viewership statistics, between 5% and 6% of all consumers and 10% to 12% of 18-29-year-olds followed esports regularly from 2021 to 2024.
While this article focuses on esports stats for viewership and interest, opinions on whether esports should be considered a sport often differ. The definition varies, but one thing is clear – people continue to tune in and support their favourite esports teams.
The mix of esports games, from MOBAs to shooters, attracts younger fans looking for fast-paced competition. Big esports tournaments and loyal followings around major esports teams help keep that momentum going.
Yes, especially among younger fans. Interest in esports among 18–29-year-olds climbed from 27% in Q1 2021 to 31% in Q2 2024, according to esports charts. While esports viewership statistics have stayed steady, overall interest continues to rise.
Esports tournaments for games like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Dota 2 are usually among the most watched, thanks to their competitive scenes and dedicated esports teams.
Esports popularity has stayed strong since 2021. Among younger fans, it has grown from 27% to 31% over three years. At the same time, regular viewership for esports tournaments has held steady, showing a loyal fan base.
References
- https://business.yougov.com/content/50516-is-interest-in-esports-waning-amid-industry-transformation (Business.YouGov)
The post 31% of 18–29-year-olds are keeping esports thriving appeared first on Esports Insider.
