The popularity of esports has skyrocketed in recent years, fuelled by an insatiable appetite in Asia. It’s not just a case of playing your favourite games and hoping to outperform your friends; players compete for big money and have become wealthy and famous.
Esports, like traditional sports around the world, causes stress, drama, tensions, excitement, happiness, and a respectable pay-out based on your level of skill. Countries from all over the world have been modernising this sport in various ways and jumping on board with these games. Where there is money to be made and advertisement to be had, there is no reason for a region to shy away from developing an Esports culture. Some countries are more successful than others, but statistics and the community surrounding this movement show that Esports is taking over – These are the ten countries where Esports is rapidly growing.
- Denmark
When it comes to gameplay, Danish players are nothing short of outstanding. There are some big names from this country if you play League, Dota 2, or Counterstrike: Global Offensive. The Danish team Copenhagen Wolves sponsors multiple teams for various major games such as FIFA, CS: GO, and League of Legends, which has helped fuel the growth of Esports in this region.
- France
French teams are a force to be reckoned with, and their future promise and growth in Esports are undeniable. Many teams and players have come from this country. Some of the most well-known Starcraft 2 and Warcraft 3 names are French. This country has experienced true Esports growth and has made millions from tournaments alone, not including advertising and support outside of tournaments; the potential is there, and the scene is expanding.
- Russia
Russia’s Esports market is comparable to that of France. What distinguishes them is that their players come from a Dota 2 and League of Legends background, as opposed to Starcraft and Warcraft. It’s a battle between MOBAs and Real Time Strategy games. Russia is successful in its current form and can generate a sizable income from its players, which influences the growth of esports and interest from younger audiences in general. Expect this country to become a top competitor in the coming years.
- Ukraine
This country, which is home to some of the Dota 2 and Counterstrike: Global Offensive legends, has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. It’s had some of the most incredible (single person) success stories in the entire Esports scene, and it’s still got returning names and faces. Although the spotlight is primarily on a few names, these players have earned more than $500,000 during their careers. This country will continue to be one of the most experienced, with many new names emerging to follow in the footsteps of their previous professional players.
- Canada
Canada is not known for being an aggressive country, but they take gaming very seriously. With successful players in games ranging from Dota 2 and smite, and League of Legends to Call of Duty, Counter Strike, and Starcraft 2, Canada has proven that they’re growing and will continue to be a huge competitor known for being so well rounded, not just for a few titles.
- Germany
The success that Germans have had in the Esports scene is impressive. With Dota 2 and Counterstrike being the most popular games in the scene, they compete at levels that most people can only dream of. They are powerful and have shown to be profitable. It’s clear that the competitive scene has grown and will continue to grow in the future. Keep an eye on this country because, as it gains more recognition, we anticipate a surge in the amount of funds available to massively expand the Esports scene.
- Sweden
The countries on the list have been relatively close in terms of the size of their competitive scene, but this country is when we see a significant increase in the amount of successful professional play. Sweden’s players and teams have more than doubled Germany’s profit, coming up just short of $10,000,000. Sweden is home to the popular brand “Kinguin,” which is a significant contributor to the country’s Esports growth; best known for their Dota 2 and Counter-Strike players, Sweden has secured the fourth spot for what constitutes a successful country in Esports.
- China
Every country is known by a different title depending on what is popular in their culture. It’s no secret that China has the best Dota 2 players and is well-versed in all types of MOBAs. China’s top five players have each earned more than $1.1 million dollars and are the names that many players in this country aspire to be. If a Dota 2 tournament is being held, China will most likely take the top spots. This country has many game lounges and is universally accepting of Esports, even encouraging it, which is why their growth in the Esports scene has been and will continue to be massive.
- United States of America
The United States, as one of the few countries with success stories from the Call of Duty franchise, has grown into a massive force. It’s only natural that the home of the creators of League of Legends and Dota 2 would see growth in the Esports scene. Although it took some time, the culture has become more aware and accepting of the idea, and a few states have even labelled it as a sport, indicating that the government is beginning to recognise the competitive scene as respectable. A few colleges have already opened their doors to successful or aspiring professional players, offering scholarships and programmes.
- South Korea
The pinnacle of competitive play and Esports. South Korea has completely accepted and formed a culture that not only accepts but promotes the Esports scene as a job and a way of life. The concept of competitive play is so widely accepted in South Korea that internet cafes, also known as “PC Bangs,” are plentiful and crowded. The South Korean players are exceptional in terms of dedication and determination. Players from this country are generally more respected as professionals. While it may appear amazing and wonderful, this is the first country to have programmes for internet addiction and to label it as a disease with programmes aimed at assisting those who suffer from it.
In the end, we see a country successfully implementing Esports as a sport. Every country has a presence in Esports, which is rapidly expanding as competitive play becomes more popular. We can expect the scene to take over and be broadcast on national television within the next ten years as we evolve as a world and become more accepting of Esports.
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