The fever of online video games continues to grow. have been transformed into a monumental industry that moved around 2021 million dollars worldwide in 1.600. Currently several companies have invested in eSports, although the presence of a large number of soccer players stands out, who have been joining this trend.
Among the footballers who have invested in the eSports industry is the defender of FC Barcelona, Gerard Piqué, the goalkeeper of Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois or Sergio "Kun" Agüero, who became a reference in Gaming for being a great fan of video games. But those are only three well-known cases, because the list of footballers who have approached this world is quite long.
are currently carried out 4.000 eSports championships, something that exposes the abysmal growth of the sector. The boom is so great that there are many companies that offer to bet on esports. Without a doubt, this allows them to gain more notoriety among fans every day.
It is worth noting that the annual sum of prizes in these championships reaches 210 million dollars. For that reason right now there are professional eSports players, something that was totally unthinkable some time ago. In addition, it is expected that in the coming years these tournaments will take ground from traditional sports.
Footballers in the eSports industry
Footballers are becoming more interested in the sector every day. These players have realized the great margin of growth that the industry has for the great popularity that it has been gaining among the youngest.
When talking about the footballers who have invested in the eSports industry the following can be highlighted:
"Kun Aguero
Recently retired Argentinian Sergio “Kun” Agüero is one of the best-known investors in the eSports industry. During the pandemic, his game broadcasts went viral on Twitch and his fanaticism led him to create KRÜ eSports. In a short time this team has become a reference participating in Valorant or FIFA tournaments.
Gerard Piqué
When talking about footballers who have invested in the eSports industry, Gerard's name cannot be missing Piqué. In recent months it has been more news for his separation from Shakira, but the FC Barcelona defender has been consolidating himself for several years as an important businessman in various sectors.
Piqué founded, together with the well-known streamer Ibai Llanos, the KOI team, which participates in the first division of the League of Legends. KOI has major sponsors like Disney, something that shows the relevance that eSports has been gaining.
Thibaut Courtois
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is a great fan of video games, something he has shown in games with "Kun" Agüero broadcast on Twitch. Courtois and the Betis striker, Borja Iglesias -who has a YouTube channel- came together to become owners of Dux Gaming, a team from renowned streamer DjMario.
David Beckham
Another footballer who has invested in the eSports industry is David Beckham, although in his case he is already an entrepreneur. The former English player spent 25 million dollars in the creation of Guild Esports, which has a presence in Fortnite or Rocket League competitions.
Charles Casemiro
The Brazilian multi-champion in the Champions League with Real Madrid and current Manchester United player, Carlos Casemiro, is another footballer who has invested in the eSports industry. The flyer has his team called Case eSports.
You can also highlight others footballers who have invested in the eSports industry such as Alvaro Morata (Ramboot Club), David De Gea (Rebels Gaming), Dani Alves (S2V Esports), Antoine Griezmann (Grizi Esport), Rubén García (Guasones Team) or Gareth Bale (Ellevens eSports).
The great presence of footballers shows the passion they have for video games, as well as the interest in this market. After the pandemic, an eSports boom has been seen, but it seems like an industry that has no ceiling. Currently, according to data from Newzoo, there are more than three billion gamers and that figure is expected to continue growing.
Video games have long ceased to be entertainment for children. It is a large industry that moves millions and footballers with their investments play a fundamental role in the growth of the sector.
Very good article!