Why does esports sponsorship attract so much attention? With the sector’s spectacular rise, more and more brands are turning to esports to reach a young, engaged audience. Esports offers global visibility via influential streamers and live competitions watched by millions.
Jump Influence, experts in esports campaigns, helps companies build effective programmes and ensure optimised ROI. The sector lets brands forge authentic bonds with a new generation of consumers while benefiting from strong engagement and worldwide reach.
A significant market
A young, engaged audience
In 2023, France Esports highlighted in a study that 11.8 million internet users aged 15+ are passionate about esports. Fans are predominantly young—a highly sought-after demographic. They are numerous and highly engaged; their bond with games, teams and pro players is deep, making sponsorship especially effective at creating emotional connections between brands and audiences.
Global visibility
Esports has international reach through tournaments broadcast worldwide. Millions watch live on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, giving sponsors unprecedented visibility. A single esports event can attract several million viewers; for example, Riot Games’ 2023 League of Legends Worlds drew over 6.4 million viewers, delivering real-time global exposure.
League of Legends Worlds 2022 in the United States (source: AFP)
A fast-growing market
The esports industry is expanding rapidly. In 2024 it is projected to surpass two billion dollars in market value—great news for brands investing in a dynamic sector. This swift expansion draws sponsors, positioning esports as an emerging market with 20.5% growth potential between 2024 and 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence.
Influential broadcast platforms
Twitch and YouTube have become pillars of esports. They offer ad inventory and partnership opportunities that sponsors fully leverage. By teaming up with these platforms, brands benefit from real-time engagement with viewers and grow awareness organically.
The strengths and advantages of esports sponsorship
Personalisation opportunities
Esports allows subtle, personalised brand integration into the player/fan experience. Unlike traditional advertising, sponsors can blend directly into games, events or live streams, ensuring unique visibility without being intrusive—reaching audiences authentically.
Attractive return on investment
One major advantage is ROI. Sponsorship costs in esports remain relatively low compared with traditional sport. Thanks to engaged audiences, each dollar invested can deliver strong impact, resulting in highly attractive ROI. Unlike traditional advertising, metrics can be tracked more clearly and comprehensively.
A strong bond with consumers
Esports fans are famously loyal to their favourite teams, players and creators. By associating with events or teams—like Karmine Corp’s KCX—brands tap into that loyalty, building deeper connections with target consumers.
KCX 3 by Karmine Corp at Paris La Défense Arena in 2023 (source: GAAK)
Values of modernity and innovation
Esports is widely perceived as a cutting-edge, tech-savvy and culturally innovative space. Brands investing here are instantly associated with these values. Supporting competitions or teams projects a modern, forward-looking image that resonates with younger generations.
A testbed for new marketing approaches
Esports offers a unique experimentation ground for brands. From product placement to interactive ads and partnerships with esports influencers, companies can test new tactics and adapt according to real-time feedback—rare in other sectors.
An ever-evolving ecosystem
The esports universe evolves quickly, with new games, formats and platforms regularly emerging. For sponsors, this means constant new integration opportunities. This dynamic environment attracts brands eager to keep pace with trends and explore fresh forms of engagement with their audience.
In brief
Esports is far more than a fad; it’s a booming industry with huge potential for sponsors. By investing in esports, brands gain not only international visibility but also authentic connections with a young, active audience. The sector’s flexibility and innovation enable bold strategies while positioning companies as modern, forward-thinking players. For all these reasons, esports is now an essential playing field. To go further and optimise your collaborations in this universe, discover how to nail a Twitch partnership with our dedicated guide.
FAQ – Esports Sponsorship
Q1 – Why has esports become so attractive to sponsors?
Because of its young, engaged, international audience, and the global visibility of live competitions—often at lower cost than traditional sectors—while delivering attractive ROI.
Q2 – What are the benefits of sponsoring a team or tournament?
Global visibility, an authentic connection with a young, passionate audience, and association with an innovative, modern industry. Fans are often loyal to sponsors of their favourite teams and events, helping brands forge deeper consumer bonds.
Q3 – How do you measure ROI in esports?
Track visibility, viewer engagement and direct impact on sales or brand lift. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube provide real-time stats, making it easier to fine-tune sponsor strategies.
