esports
It’s rare for a new sport to emerge, let alone one that captivates audiences across the globe. Yet, that’s precisely the story of eSports—a category of competitive gaming that has evolved into a full-fledged spectator sport, now filling arenas across Asia and beyond. Alongside this surge in popularity, the eSports betting industry has experienced explosive growth, with the sport’s profile continuing to ascend rapidly.
With such a remarkable rise in recent years, it might seem as though eSports has reached its pinnacle. However, insiders believe the journey is far from over.
eSports and Betting: A Growing Synergy
Spencer Yang, of Unikrn Asia—a platform dedicated to eSports events and betting—predicts that 2018 could mark another milestone year for the industry. According to Yang, this could be the year where operators and fans fully embrace eSports betting.
Yang said, “We have always been very enthusiastic about the innovations taking place in Asia, especially in eSports.” This year, we made the decision to focus more on betting opportunities. More than 250 million people play Arena of Valour in China alone. This market is enormous in size, and we are actively looking into ways to get into it.
Yang also emphasised how eSports betting has changed over time, becoming much more sophisticated. What began with simple money-line bets has now expanded into a more sophisticated market, featuring diverse betting options and offers.
Yang clarified that while ” betting products are uniquely different, they borrow the best elements from traditional sportsbooks.” “It’s amazing how much innovation is happening both online and offline.” It’s an exciting time for the industry.”
From Humble Beginnings to Global Phenomenon
While eSports has only recently become a hot topic in the betting world, its roots stretch back decades. The first recorded eSports competition took place in 1972 at Stanford University, where students competed in the game Spacewar. By the 1980s, organizations like Twin Galaxies and the US National Video Game Team helped formalize competitive gaming.
Though eSports originated in the U.S., Asia has emerged as the powerhouse of modern eSports. The region boasts the largest audiences, some of the most popular games, and significant investments from major corporations. For instance, eSports made history as a medal sport at the 2022 Asian Games, underscoring its growing legitimacy on the global stage.
Corporate Backing and Market Expansion
The growth has attracted substantial corporate support. One of the biggest online retailers in the world, Alibaba, has been a significant backer. Executive Chairman Jack Ma has championed the industry, with Alibaba reportedly investing over $150 million in a Korean organization. The sector as a whole generated $493 million in revenue in 2016—a figure that has only continued to grow.
As corporate funding pours in and audience engagement surges, the trajectory of appears unstoppable. The ecosystem of players, fans, and operators is expanding rapidly, paving the way for new opportunities in both gaming and betting.
The Road Ahead for Betting
With its widespread popularity, particularly in Asia, betting is poised to become a mainstream offering for betting operators worldwide. For many, the industry represents a lucrative frontier, with untapped markets ready to welcome a new generation enthusiasts.
So, will 2018 prove to be the breakthrough year for and its betting counterpart, as some predict? The indicators are promising. The convergence of innovation, investment, and audience growth sets the stage for to solidify its place as a major player in global sports and entertainment.
