China’s eSports realm has been a relentless force since 2016, and as of 2023, it remains at the pinnacle of the global eSports market, projecting a staggering volume of $445.20 million. The surge continues, fueled by an expanding community of active players, enthusiastic fans, and unwavering government support.
Quick Rundown Stats of eSports in China:
China’s eSports market has undergone remarkable growth, driven by the surge in mobile gaming apps in 2019. Even the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 couldn’t impede its remarkable ascent. In 2021, China’s eSports industry generated a colossal $24.4 billion, with an estimated growth rate of 13.6% expected between 2022 and 2023.
Record-Shattering eSports Stats in China:
1. Mobile gaming apps have seamlessly integrated into the eSports landscape, generating a staggering $92 billion in revenue in 2022 alone.
2. China’s eSports industry heavily relies on games (84%) and content creation (14%) for sustained growth.
3. eSports operators and players are now officially recognized professions in China, enshrined in the 14th Five-Year Plan.
China’s eSports Revenue and Enthusiasts:
1. China’s eSports revenue hit a remarkable $10 billion in the first half of 2023.
2. Shanghai, known as the epicenter of eSports events, played a pivotal role, contributing to 84% of revenue from product sales of games.
3. Riot Games announced that Shanghai would host the Valorant Masters in 2024, reinforcing its status as a global eSports hub.
Massive eSports Fan Base in China:
1. Approximately 489 million people in China actively watch or participate in eSports, signifying the remarkable appeal of this digital phenomenon.
2. With the government’s backing and the introduction of eSports management programs in over 50 universities, China’s eSports industry is poised for even more remarkable growth.
Dominance of Top eSports Games in China:
1. China’s eSports market boasts a 34.2% market share in Asia, with games like League of Legends, PUBG, DOTA 2, and Overwatch commanding massive player bases.
Popular eSports Games in China:
1. Minecraft and Roblox have stormed the gaming world, with Minecraft selling nearly 240 million units and Roblox earning $665.3 million in Q1 2023.
Honor of Kings Reigns Supreme:
1. Honor of Kings, with 154 million monthly active players in 2022, reigns as China’s most popular eSports game, marking its impressive global presence.
Top-Earning eSports Players in China:
1. Ame (Wang Chunyu) is the highest-earning male eSports player in China, amassing a staggering $3.91 million in accumulated prize money.
2. Li Xiao Meng, known as “Liooon,” is China’s highest-earning female eSports player, with overall earnings of $241,500.
PSG.LGD: The Powerhouse eSports Team:
1. PSG.LGD stands as China’s highest-earning eSports team, boasting a formidable $24.7 million in prize money earnings and a remarkable win rate of 62%.
Chinese CS: GO Dominance:
1. Eight out of the top ten Chinese CS: GO players have earned over $100,000 in prize money, with somebody (Xu Haowen) leading the pack at $282,600.
PUBG Mobile’s Chinese Ace:
1. Zhu “Paraboy” Bocheng, representing Nova Esports, is celebrated as the best PUBG Mobile player globally, with estimated total earnings of $1.3 million.