What do people in Russia know about eSports?

Publication date: 21 Aug 2022

Only 57% of Russians are familiar with eSports. Another 28% of respondents have heard of the term. At the same time, one in five would like to become a professional esportsman, while another 37% have never thought about it, but consider it an interesting experience. The main reasons cited for becoming an esportsman include an interest in games and the opportunity to do what they love (49%), a high-paying job (30%), a “fun thing to do” (27%) and the chance to become popular (21%).

Such data is contained in a new study on the attitude of Russians to eSports and eSports competitions, conducted jointly by VK Play and ResearchMe. The information was gathered from an online survey of 1,500 people over the age of 18 across Russia.

At the same time, among those surveyed 34% have a positive attitude to eSports, with only 2% of respondents stating a negative attitude.

• According to statistics from Platforma, since the beginning of 2022, the interest of Russians in online bookmaker sites has increased dramatically by 24%!  Meanwhile, the experts specify that it is eSports that has been the main reason for such a rapid growth of attendance!

As a result of the survey, 24% of the population play video games regularly and 39% play them from time to time. Another 18% of those surveyed used to play before, but no longer do. Moreover, 42% of the players spend every day playing video games, 36% do so several times a week and 15% play a few times a month.

What are the most popular eSports games in Russia?

Russians have named the most popular video game genres. Most of those surveyed (41%) play puzzle games. Strategy games are in second place (24%) according to popularity. Completing the top three (20%) are simulation games. Further come shooting games (16%) and MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game, 12%).

As for popular eSports games, Dota 2 (39% of respondents are familiar with it), Warface (28%), CS:GO and Call of Duty (23% each) are in the top list.

70% of surveyed Russians would like to participate in eSports tournaments on shooting games (Warface, Call of Duty, CS:GO, Fortnite), while 22% would only be willing to participate as a spectator. Furthermore, 14% have already played Warface, 15% have played it before, whereas another 25% would like to give it a try.

• Russian eSports Federation has announced a series of tournaments to be held in the disciplines of CS:GO and Dota 2. The finals will take place in September 2022 at the Yota Arena in Moscow. The prize fund for the tournament is 3 million roubles.  For details on all global and local events, check out the Sports Events Calendar on 3SNET.