When the FIFA eWorld Cup broke record figures with over 47 million viewers worldwide in 2019, it displayed how interest and evolution of the eSports title was something to pay attention to. As the FIFA 19 Global Series garnered 140 million total views throughout its entire season, it became another landmark that further solidified the growing interest in competitive FIFA on a global scale.
As of 2023, the year-on-year viewership continues to increase, and continued developments in tournaments such as the FIFA eWorld Cup and various other events deliver a unique and exciting experience for attending fans and those watching on FIFA's digital channels.
Following the launch of FIFA 23 last summer, global esports prepared itself for another step towards challenging the esports landscape as a whole.
One of the biggest announcements in EA Sports history arrived when they announced the end of their 30-year partnership with FIFA. However, with the newly titled EA Sports FC 24 in the works and FIFA expected to return to the gaming market in 2025, esports football could expand to newfound heights with a competitive market.
Today, we'll analyze the evolution of FIFA esports and look to create a future vision of what competitive gaming is shaping up to be.
The Rise of Regional Comps
While international, large-scale events have been imperative in the growth of FIFA esports, the rise of regional competitions worldwide has been crucial in the market's expansion. Regional leagues don't just laser in on singular communities but also give way for broader involvement, with players from different cultures and countries arriving to represent their nations.
The perfect example regarding the rise of regional FIFA leagues is found in Europe, as the ePremier League, the eLaLiga Santander, and the Viritual Bundesliga each provide and focus on local players wanting the opportunity to compete on a professional level, gain recognition, and attempt to land deals with professional football clubs. The regional comps aren't just presenting a wealth of new talent from countless regions but also contributing to the competitive nature of FIFA esports globally.
Alongside the growing number of regional FIFA esports leagues, we've witnessed a huge increase in sportsbook betting markets offering wagers on the various leagues and competitions. The promotional content for FIFA esports presented by these sports betting sites has added more attraction for fans to take part, thus elevating its popularity further. Expert handicappers have shifted their focus to researching FIFA esports. With the correct knowledge and know-how, it's becoming a viable path to creating long-term profits in the betting world.
International FIFA eSports Competitions Reaching New Heights
They're the bread and butter of FIFA esports success, and with groundbreaking additions being made each year, international FIFA esports tournaments are gaining the attention of fans worldwide. The FIFAe World Cup represents unprecedented growth and has shifted to become a pivotal event on the esports schedule by drawing the best players from every continent. The global events allow pro-FIFA players to represent their country, many of whom also compete regionally, emulating how real-life football players compete and dream of lifting the prestige FIFA World Cup trophy.
Outside of the players involved, the international tournament acts as a platform where sponsors, developers, and businesses within the esports industry can work together and evolve the industry as a whole. Not forgetting, the international tournament delivers imperative exposure to FIFA esports, inviting a broader audience and creating new fans who may be motivated to showcase their skills or support others.
Boosting the Esports Environment
FIFA's popularity occurs throughout multiple industries, including sponsors, broadcasters, and advertising companies. With so much collateral, the esports environment as a whole is boosted, allowing coordinators to heighten production, create a sturdier framework, and improve the viewer's experience by manufacturing an immersive in-person and at-home encounter.
We must also salute the social media influencers, content creators, and streaming platforms for their participation in evolving the FIFA esports ecosystem. Online FIFA engagement is assisted by the created content, resulting in a healthy online community that works in unison with the esports experience as a whole. FIFA is so accessible as a spectator sport in multiple facets; when paired with the content creator's narration around players and teams, it's heavily involved in the growth of the global esports audience.