First e-sports arena opens as industry booms

Global Business

Video gaming known as e-sports has experienced explosive growth in recent years, to the point where global competitions garner viewership second only to the Super Bowl.

The growth is spawning new businesses specifically for the e-sports enthusiast.

CCTV America’s May Lee gets a firsthand look at a unique new venue in Southern California.

The e-sports industry has experienced double digit growth for several years. According to the research group Newzoo, as of this year, it boasts a global community of 256 million. Asia-Pacific accounts for 44 percent.

In terms of revenue, e-sports will smash $1 billion by 2019.

Esports Arena profits from memberships and passes as well as hosting leagues, events and competitions with prize money.

Excitement is putting it mildly when it comes to high-level competitions. World championships with up to $20 million in prize money pack huge stadiums and draw massive viewers through live streaming services like Twitch, which was snapped up by Amazon for nearly a billion dollars in 2014.

Business is going very well at Esports Arena, in fact, that a second venue is in the works in Oakland, California with ties to China. China’s Allied e-sports invested in Esports Arena to expand its global footprint which will include Europe, Russia and Asia.


Chris Vollmer on the future of e-sports

CCTV America’s Karina Huber spoke to Chris Vollmer, Global Entertainment & Media Advisory Leader, PwC’s Strategy&.