Esports is poised for a significant transformation, as highlighted by a comprehensive study from Logitech G. This research, which surveyed 18,000 individuals across 12 countries, reveals a growing cultural acceptance of professional gaming, with many viewing it as a legitimate and aspirational career path.
Changing Career Aspirations
According to the findings, nearly 8% of respondents globally would choose to pursue a career as a professional gamer if given the opportunity to restart their careers. This figure surpasses traditional professions such as politician (6%), recruiter (6%), and professional racer (5%). Among Generation Z, the desire to become a pro gamer rises to 15%, compared to 10% of Millennials, 7% of Generation X, and just 3% of Baby Boomers.
Perceptions surrounding gaming as a viable career are shifting dramatically. More than half (54%) of respondents now consider esports a legitimate professional avenue, with this belief particularly strong among younger generations—67% of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials affirming this view. Countries like Brazil (87%), South Korea (82%), China (79%), and Switzerland (70%) show the highest levels of support, while skepticism remains in several European nations.
Viewership and Attendance Trends
The cultural momentum of esports is further underscored by viewership statistics. The 2024 League of Legends World Final attracted a peak global audience of 50 million, significantly outpacing many traditional sports broadcasts. Additionally, live event attendance is thriving, as evidenced by over 62,000 spectators at the 2025 Honor of Kings KPL Grand Finals in Beijing.
Despite the sector’s rapid growth, challenges persist. Concerns about financial risk (42%), high competition levels (34%), and lack of parental or societal support (31%) deter many from pursuing careers in esports. However, the majority of respondents believe these obstacles can be overcome through increased mainstream media coverage, the establishment of professional training facilities, clearer educational pathways, and greater transparency regarding earnings.
Industry Growth and Future Projections
The global esports audience reached 611 million in 2024, with projections estimating it will grow to 641 million by the end of 2025. The industry is currently valued at .1 billion, with forecasts suggesting it could soar to .5 billion by 2030, primarily driven by sponsorship revenue. This growth sits within a broader global games market projected to reach 7 billion in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth rate of 7.5%.
As esports continues to gain traction, discussions about its integration into global sporting frameworks are ongoing, despite delays in the inaugural Olympic Esports Games. The International Olympic Committee has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting these Games, although a new host has yet to be announced. Opinions about including esports in the main Olympic Games remain divided; 49% of Gen Z support the idea, compared to only 21% of Baby Boomers. Furthermore, public sentiment varies regarding which emerging activities should be considered Olympic-worthy, with esports positioned favorably compared to other unconventional sports.
“Esports has evolved into a global cultural force, creating meaningful pathways into technology, creativity, and high-performance careers. Our research shows clear and growing recognition of competitive gaming as a legitimate profession,” stated Derek Perez, Head of Gaming Communications at Logitech G.
For over two decades, Logitech G has been instrumental in shaping the competitive gaming landscape, collaborating with elite players, teams, and leagues while investing in grassroots, amateur, and collegiate programs worldwide. The company remains dedicated to empowering players, gamers, and creators at all levels, ensuring the industry continues to grow in an inclusive and accessible manner.
As the esports landscape evolves, Logitech G’s new PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE aims to enhance competitive performance with its innovative Haptic Inductive Trigger System (HITS), offering ultra-fast, customizable actuation and precise haptic feedback. Designed for professional-level responsiveness, it combines reduced click latency with the advanced HERO 2 sensor and long battery life, meeting the demands of today’s players.
Research & Sources
The research was commissioned in 2026 by Logitech G in coordination with Censuswide, polling 18,000 in total. 1,500 respondents per market: UK, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, USA, Brazil, South Korea, China, and Australia. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles, and is a member of The British Polling Council. Where indicated:
*Additional data supporting Logitech G’s findings sourced from Riot Games/Stream Hatchet, Hero Esports, Xrep, Verified Market Research, and Newzoo.
