Enthusiasts of football in China have a strong affinity for competitive gaming, with a remarkable 84% expressing their enjoyment of it. This passion for digital competitions is so intense that 52% of them contend that spectating virtual football matches is equally exhilarating as attending a live game. This stands in stark contrast to supporters of major European leagues, where only approximately 29.5% share the same perspective.
The esports trend emerged in the early 21st century, capitalizing on the flourishing video game sector. Today, it stands as one of the most rapidly expanding industries globally, generating substantial revenue and captivating audiences worldwide.
Esports football, in particular, has ascended the ranks of popularity, spearheaded by titles like FIFA and eFootball (previously known as PES). This surge has also propelled the growth of esports wagering, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person matches were suspended. While many derive pleasure from the virtual field, nothing can truly replicate the excitement and significance of an actual football match.
Intriguingly, the boundaries become blurred in China. Nearly half of Chinese football enthusiasts believe that esports matches are just as captivating as live games. This figure is notably higher than in other regions of the world. France follows with 36%, while only 29.2% of fans in Europe’s top leagues are ardent esports enthusiasts. Germany occupies the lowest position, with a mere 23% favoring the digital pitch.
The United States also exhibits a considerable interest in esports, with 66% of football fans engaging with it. However, China reigns supreme, with an astounding 84% of fans embracing the digital aspect of the sport.
Competitive gaming is experiencing a surge in popularity across Europe, especially in Spain, where a staggering 58% of enthusiasts opt to watch matches online. Conversely, Germany appears to favor the in-person stadium atmosphere, with only 47% engaging with esports. The global health crisis undoubtedly contributed to this growth, as Rex Pascual, Esports correspondent at Secure Wagering Platforms, observes: “Participation throughout the entire gaming sector escalated after the 2020 pandemic, and the ascent of esports is widely recognized.”
He further states that “The ambiance created by competitions for these kinds of games closely resembles that of live sporting spectacles, which has made sports-themed titles particularly compelling.”
This trajectory seems poised to persist, particularly with the emergence of lifelike, engaging games. As Pascual remarks, “The sports category within esports is not anticipated to wane in popularity, especially with other sports titles like racing simulations gaining traction.”
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