Electronic sports are gaining ground throughout Latin America and particularly in Mexico, which is establishing itself as an industry with the potential to reach levels similar to those of China or the United States.
Mexico is positioned as a key player in the global eSports scene, both in the consumer sector and among video gamers, assures technology company GGTech in a report on the portal Arena Pública.
“Mexico is one of the 10 most mature markets globally in the world of gaming and ranks second as the country with the largest number of eSports fans in Latin America,” according to GGTech.
Octavio Echeagaray, Director of the ACE League, a specialist in the organization of professional eSports tournaments in Mexico, said that the Latin American market is growing, but “one of the challenges is to establish the necessary infrastructure to help the industry grow in an orderly manner and to add more professionals to the entire ecosystem.”
Currently, the global eSports audience stands at 454 million people, according to GGTech, and it is expected that there will be more than 55 million viewers in Latin America by 2024.
According to Diego Garcia Squetino, business development director at GGTech, the economic importance of eSports goes beyond the players and cash prizes. “Behind each tournament is a complex machinery that ranges from production, marketing, analysts and commentators, to administrative and logistical roles,” the executive explained.
It is worth mentioning that, through the Mexican eSports Federation, the professionalization of the sport in the country is endorsed by the National Commission of Physical Culture and Sports, and is part of the Mexican Sports Confederation.
Furthermore, according to data from the consulting firm GII, it is estimated that the global video games market will reach $294,350 million by 2026, figures that support the growth of eSports, which is even considered an Olympic sport.
Along these lines, the European Parliament recognized the value of eSports and noted at the end of 2022 that the eSports and video game industry contributes to the economy and multiculturalism in Europe.
With an extremely promising scenario for eSports in the region, Mexico seeks to advance and grow in this market and continue “captivating audiences and sponsors,” Arena Publica‘s report added.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/noticias/2023/08/17/68356-mexico-is-the-second-country-in-latin-america-with-the-highest-number-of-esports-fans
