The rise of competitive video gaming, or esports, is reshaping traditional sports models and attracting digital-first audiences, especially among younger generations.
Interest in esports has surged, partly due to its impressive performance during the pandemic when most other sports events were halted.
This influx of fans has continued, with global viewership now estimated at around 250 million, largely composed of Millennials and Gen Z. The esports industry was valued at over €1.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow by 20 per cent annually in the coming years.
Malta is leveraging synergies with its well-established events and hospitality sectors to become a hub for international esports events. One of the leading esports brands, ESL Gaming, regularly organises competitions in Malta, attracting teams of competitive video game players from around the world. These tournaments, livestreamed to millions of fans, have further cemented Malta’s position in the esports scene.
Investors are drawn to Malta’s strategic central location and its status as a premier tourist destination, offering participants and organisers unique advantages that are hard to replicate elsewhere.
