In November 2019, CTA released its inaugural report on the global esports industry. Since then, the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the world with significant impact on the entertainment and technology industries. Esports, along with its underlying gaming industry, has been equally affected.

Despite the setback on the esports live event business, fundamentals of the industry remain strong and the esports viewer base continues to grow. This report analyzes how esports ecosystem stakeholders managed to survive and thrive in this challenging environment and what could shape the global esports market in the years to come. It also highlights initiatives from corporations, nonprofit organizations and professional societies in the gaming and esports industries. The report ends with an update of consumer profiles of gamers and esports viewers and fans, complete with an industry outlook refresh.

Published: September 2021