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eSports are becoming increasingly popular around the world, both in terms of participation and viewing. Borderless Access conducted research across 15 countries to uncover more about this choice of entertainment. Today, we look specifically at fans who watch others play video games and eSports in the UAE and KSA.

Throughout the world, e-sports are taking off as an alternative to traditional video games, heightened by the steep increase in digitisation that the world is currently witnessing. eSports began in the late 2000s as amateur engagements and have risen to popularity in the last decade; transitioning into professional, organised multiplayer tournaments with huge followings.

The incredible growth of esports viewership

The global esports industry, already on a healthy growth trajectory, has witnessed a massive surge in interest among its audience. According to one report, esports had a global audience of 398 million in 2019, which is expected to reach nearly 600 million by 2024. In the first quarter of 2021 alone, 8.8 billion hours of live streams were viewed by enthusiasts and casual audience combined.