Esports

Publication date: 18 May 2023

What Are Competitive Gaming Events?

Competitive gaming — also known as electronic sports — has taken the world by storm. Players compete in well-known titles like Dota 2, CS:GO, and League of Legends. Prize pools often reach millions, attracting huge audiences and media attention.

How Betting Works in Competitive Gaming

Betting adds another layer of excitement to watching matches. Fans can place wagers on teams and outcomes, turning a hobby into a potential income stream.

To succeed, follow the latest news, team statistics, and changes in rosters. Understanding gameplay trends is far more reliable than guessing or betting on hype.

It’s important to analyze teams carefully. Avoid emotional decisions and base predictions on real performance data.

Also, select a licensed and reliable bookmaker. Compare odds to find the best value — this makes a big difference in the long run.

When done right, this type of betting combines strategy, entertainment, and financial gain.

Global Market Growth and Trends

Digital competitions are now part of mainstream culture. As of 2024, global ad spend in this sector reached $477 million. Projections show it could hit $8.5 billion by 2034, growing by 33.4% annually.

The global audience exceeds 600 million viewers. Major brands like Amazon, KitKat, and Axe are investing millions in sponsorships and visibility at major events.

Mobile users play a key role — over 64% of all advertising happens on smartphones. This shift makes the niche more accessible and lucrative.

Influencers also help boost its popularity. Figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Post Malone now support the scene publicly, which draws even more attention.

Opportunities in Advertising and Affiliate Marketing esports

The digital competition scene offers excellent targeting potential. Advertisers can reach young, tech-savvy users who are already engaged with gaming content.

This betting niche operates mostly online. That means it’s less affected by traditional sports delays or cancellations.

Even without broad media coverage, it remains a profitable direction. Affiliates continue to earn well — even without detailed guides or case studies.

Affiliate marketers can work with both CPA and RevShare models. Many campaigns offer flexible terms and high payouts for referred players. 

Performance often peaks during major championships. For example, during events like The International (Dota 2), offers increase and ad activity spikes.

New games are also entering the market. With more variety, it’s easier to capture user interest and drive engagement.

Regional Snapshot: Russia

In 2024, the industry in Russia was valued at $247 million. With the exit of foreign brands, local businesses gained visibility, and ad spending shifted toward collaborations and influencer placements.

In 2025, ad revenue for mobile game developers in Russia is expected to grow by 10%. This growth is closely tied to in-app campaigns and partnerships with streamers.

• What awaits the Russian gambling market in 2025? Read the full review on 3S.INFO

Major International Events Esports

Some of the largest competitions include Dota 2’s “The International,” where Tundra Esports claimed victory in 2022 with an $18.9 million prize.

The League of Legends World Championship is also significant. Team DRX from South Korea took the title in 2022.

G2 Esports won the 2022 edition of the Blast Pro Series — a top-level CS:GO tournament.

In the Overwatch League, Dallas Fuel became champions in 2019, showcasing the global nature of the scene.

Other important events include DreamHack, IEM, EVO, and Capcom Cup. These draw global audiences and huge sponsorships.

Target Audience Insights

Gamers who follow digital competitions are often loyal, informed, and eager to engage. They span a wide range of ages and backgrounds but share a strong passion for the games they follow.

Success in ad campaigns depends on understanding these users. Data-driven targeting and customized messaging make a big difference in conversion rates.

Where and How to Promote Esports Campaigns

Marketing gambling-related services on big platforms isn’t easy. Often, publishers use cloaking tools, clean pages, or creative workarounds.

Social networks like Vkontakte and even *Instagram allow general content, but campaigns involving direct betting promotion are risky.

TikTok is stricter, though influencers and organic strategies still work. Streaming platforms such as Twitch are highly effective for native advertising.

Most ad networks apply strict moderation to gambling campaigns. In many cases, additional approval or local restrictions apply — especially in countries like the U.S. or China.

Still, with the right strategy, it’s possible to drive traffic. Telegram channels, bots, and indirect funnels can reroute users to affiliate offers or prediction services.

This segment of affiliate marketing remains highly profitable and continues to expand. 3SNET has a wide selection of offers — reach out and start earning today!

* Meta Corporation is recognized as extremist in Russia. Facebook and Instagram are blocked.