The year 2023 was a breakthrough year for professional esports. The industry produced the most talented gamers, attracting millions of followers and presenting life-changing sums of cash to the best performers in prize money and sponsorship. Professional esports are almost unrecognizable today to just 12 months ago. We're excited to see where things go from here.

The most talented gamers play on the professional esports circuit, watched by millions worldwide, with competitions broadcast on television and legal live-streaming apps. You can study the form, make predictions on the winner at the top online sports betting
apps, and follow on your smartphone. Gaming has changed forever, and esports is the driving force behind that change. It's exciting to know esports is only at the beginning of what's certain to be a rollercoaster ride.

Reflecting on esports success

What's next for esports, and what could the future hold? There's no surefire way of telling where the industry might go in 2024, but one thing is certain: It'll continue to grow in both revenue and popularity. The predicted growth attracts leading names in television, cash-rich commercial partners, and an ever-improving pool of talented gamers. If you fancy yourself good enough to join the pro esports tour, you'll find qualifying competitions throughout 2024. If you're happy to sit back and enjoy the show, download a legal live stream and monitor the schedule.

We can second-guess where esports is headed by reflecting on its journey so far, where it started, and how it came to its current position. Only a few years ago, esports was little more than a niche market for gamers, lacking the following needed to become mainstream. The industry enjoyed a long-term backer in major online sports betting apps that became fans in the early days and believed in the product enough to help fund its rise. You may have noticed when visiting a sportsbook app prior to 2020 that esports was near the foot of the table, alongside sports like bandy and hurling. All that changed in 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic that took hold in 2020 wasn't the driving force behind the rise of esports, but it was a contributing factor to its early success. With much of the world in lockdown and major sports fixtures canceled, postponed, or played behind closed doors, millions of sports fans off work and sat at home with nothing to watch and little by way of entertainment. That's when people began turning to esports and virtual sports, which enjoyed an uninterrupted schedule as games could be played by players remotely. New faces arrived out of curiosity but stayed for the excitement, unpredictability, and drama of esports.

Please keep reading for our esports content team's predictions on the future of esports.

Technological advancements

The trajectory of esports binds to technological advancements. As technology continues to progress, so too does the potential for esports. The advent of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and advancements in immersive gaming experiences promise to revolutionize how audiences engage with competitive gaming. VR tournaments and AR-enhanced spectator experiences are poised to elevate the level of immersion, blurring the lines between physical and digital worlds.

Expansion of games

The future of esports lies in the diversity of games and genres. While titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive have dominated the scene, the landscape is diversifying. New genres, such as battle royale games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, are making their mark, attracting a broader demographic of players and viewers. Additionally, mobile gaming is emerging as a significant platform for competitive play, expanding the reach of esports to a mobile-first audience.

Mainstream integration

Esports' journey to mainstream recognition continues, fueled by partnerships and sponsorships from traditional sports organizations, tech giants, and global brands. Collaborations between esports teams and classic sports franchises, investments from entertainment moguls, and endorsements from prominent brands signify a shift toward acceptance and validation of esports as a legitimate sporting and entertainment endeavor.

Infrastructure development

The infrastructure supporting esports is rapidly evolving to accommodate its global reach. Purpose-built esports arenas and training facilities are cropping up worldwide, providing professional players with top-notch facilities and creating hubs for gaming communities. Furthermore, improvements in internet infrastructure and streaming technology are crucial in ensuring seamless and high-quality broadcasts to audiences across the globe.

Evolution of professionalism

The professionalization of esports is an ongoing process. As the industry matures, emphasis on player welfare, mental health support, and structured talent development programs is becoming more prevalent. Esports organizations are investing in coaching staff, sports psychologists, and comprehensive training regimens to elevate players' performance and well-being.

Integration of storytelling

Storytelling and broadcasting play a pivotal role in the future of esports. The development of compelling narratives around players, teams, and tournaments enriches the viewer experience, fostering emotional connections and deeper engagement. Enhanced production value, augmented reality elements, and interactive viewer experiences are transforming esports broadcasts into immersive entertainment spectacles.

Societal and cultural impact

Esports' influence extends beyond gaming, impacting societal perceptions and cultural norms. It has become a unifying force, transcending geographical and cultural barriers and fostering a global community united by a shared passion for gaming. Esports' presence in education, as a career path, and in bridging generational gaps continues to reshape perceptions of gaming as a legitimate pursuit.