eSports: Highest Earning Countries, by prize winnings
CountryPrize money,
in million USD
ChinaChina37.78
U.S.United States of America28.71
Russian FederationRussia14.47
South KoreaSouth Korea11.70
BrazilBrazil10.81
FranceFrance7.02
ThailandThailand6.34
DenmarkDenmark5.88
U.K.United Kingdom5.30
JapanJapan5.21
SwedenSweden4.76
UkraineUkraine4.76
GermanyGermany4.64
PolandPoland4.55
CanadaCanada4.20
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: 2023
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 13, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

China leads in eSports earnings

China stands at the pinnacle of eSports earnings, accumulating a staggering 37.78 million USD in prize money. This not only places China at the forefront of the eSports industry but also showcases the significant financial opportunities available within the competitive gaming sector.

U.S. holds the second position

The U.S. secures the second spot in the global eSports arena with impressive prize winnings totaling 28.71 million USD. The country's strong performance underscores its critical role and substantial influence in the development and promotion of eSports worldwide.

Top three countries dominate the earnings chart

China, the U.S., and the Russian Federation collectively dominate the eSports earnings chart, amassing over 81 million USD in prize money. This concentration of winnings among the top three countries highlights the uneven distribution of financial rewards in the eSports ecosystem.

Significant gap between top and bottom earners

A pronounced gap exists between the highest and lowest earning countries in the top 15, with China earning nearly nine times more than Canada, the lowest on the list at 4.20 million USD. This disparity reflects the varying levels of participation, infrastructure, and success in the global eSports industry.

European countries make a strong showing

European nations, including the Russian Federation, France, Denmark, Sweden, Ukraine, Germany, and Poland, collectively contribute 47.56 million USD to the total prize money, underscoring Europe's significant impact on the competitive gaming landscape.

Asian dominance in eSports

Asian countries, namely China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, have collectively garnered 54.69 million USD in earnings, showcasing Asia's leadership and competitive edge in the global eSports market.

Growth of eSports in emerging markets

Countries like Brazil and Thailand, with earnings of 10.81 million USD and 6.34 million USD respectively, indicate the growth and potential of eSports in emerging markets. This expansion reflects the broadening appeal and increasing investment in competitive gaming across diverse regions.

Nordic countries' contribution

Denmark and Sweden together have earned 10.64 million USD, highlighting the Nordic countries' strong presence and competitive spirit within the international eSports community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who leads in eSports earnings according to the statistics?

China leads in eSports earnings, accumulating a staggering 37.78 million USD in prize money.

Who holds the second position in global eSports earnings?

The U.S. holds the second position in eSports earnings with total winnings of 28.71 million USD.

What is the total prize money earned by the top three countries in eSports?

The top three countries, China, the U.S., and Russia, have earned over 81 million USD in eSports prize money.

How much is the earnings difference between the highest and lowest earning countries in eSports?

The top esports earning country, China, earns nearly nine times more than Canada, the lowest earner, which has a total of 4.20 million USD.

Terms and Definitions

eSports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. These competitions often take the form of organized, multiplayer video game events, where professional players participate individually or as teams. The games involved can range from real-time strategy games, first-person shooter games, to multiplayer online battle arena games.

This refers to the money or awards given to the players or teams that achieve certain rankings or completion of set objectives in the game or tournament. The amount can vary greatly from one competition to another, based on factors like the game's popularity, the number of participants, and the competition's sponsors.

MOBA is a subgenre of strategy video games where two teams of players compete against each other on a predefined battlefield. The goal is to destroy the other team's main structure with the help of periodically spawning computer-controlled units that march towards the enemy's base.

RTS games are a type of video game that does not progress incrementally in turns. It is characterized by the simultaneous strategizing and contending by all players in real-time, where players are required to develop territories and unlock new units or abilities.

FPS games are a genre of video games where the gameplay involves shooting enemies and other targets, with a perspective from the viewpoint of the player character. The goal is generally to complete objectives, which may involve eliminating other players or completing tasks.
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