On a global basis, the esports industry has grown significantly in the previous two years. Although comprehensive 2021 figures or reports are not yet available, the worldwide esports sector is estimated to be worth more than $1 billion. As the global esports market expands, it is not only players from North America, Europe, and Asia that gain. South Africans are also getting money by competing in video games. In 2018, the relatively modest South African community of professional gamers earned R3.78 million through winning tournaments. They generated a lot more money from sponsorships and advertising partnerships.
At least 40,000 South Africans watch or participate in esports contests online. It’s a minor quantity in comparison to the 400 million-strong global fandom. Similar to how online gambling boomed, with people searching for the top 10 betting sites in South Africa, esports gaming also opened new doors of opportunities for people from this region.
South Africans love gaming
The passion for gaming in South Africa extends back to the early 2000s when gaming and internet cafés were popular. Many individuals were playing games like Counter-Strike at the time. Damage Control, a prominent South African esports organization, was created in 2001 and is still regarded as one of the greatest Counter-Strike teams today.
Aside from Damage Control, South Africa is home to other eSports teams who represent the country in international tournaments regularly. On the other hand, more than 40,000 individuals regularly watch esports contests. South Africa has millions of gaming fans if you including casual gamers that do not necessarily follow eSports.
The internet made gaming a global thing
Anyone with a computer and Internet connection may play video games online. It makes no difference where you are from in South Africa. Even the visually impaired, deaf, and those with various limitations can play video games. To liven things up, the Internet is brimming with games for individuals of all ages.
There’s a game for everyone online, whether you like mobile puzzle games or football simulation games. FPS battle royale-format titles and online casino games have recently grown in popularity. Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends are some of the most popular examples of this type of online game, where people from all over the world can play with or against each other.
Support from schools and colleges
There is a gaming culture at local high schools and universities in many places where eSports is a huge industry. Consider the United States. Over 20 national institutions and dozens of high schools have programs that encourage competitive video gaming, accounting for more than 30% of the worldwide esports fan base. Similarly, several groups spend hundreds of thousands of Rands each year to promote esports in South African high schools and colleges. Fortunately, the strategy is effective.
Most eSports competitions in the country have been won by high school or college students in recent years. Thabo Moloi, for example, won an eFIFA tournament as a 16-year-old in 2018. Along with his winning, he also brought home the top reward of $4400,000. For this reason, among other things, the South African esports business is expected to grow further. It may take some time to catch up to South Korea’s gaming community, but the country’s gaming industry is undeniably on the rise.
Final thoughts
South Africa has possibly Africa’s largest esports community. As a result, it draws more global eSports brands than any other country on the continent. With the focus comes investment in promoting local gaming players from high school to post-graduate courses.
This is a paid guest post.