Enthusiasts of soccer in China have a strong affinity for competitive gaming, with a staggering 84% expressing their enjoyment. This passion for esports extends to simulated soccer, as a Safe Betting Sites poll unveiled that 52% of Chinese soccer aficionados find it equally captivating as watching a live game. This starkly contrasts with supporters of Europe’s premier five leagues, where a mere 29.5% echo this sentiment.
This trend in China is likely intertwined with the rapid ascent of esports, which has surged in popularity since the early 2000s in tandem with the gaming sector. Now a multi-billion dollar global sensation, esports is swiftly broadening its scope, with sports-centric games at the forefront. This surge has also propelled the growth of esports wagering, particularly during the pandemic, as games like FIFA and eFootball (previously Pro Evolution Soccer) enthralled fans globally.
While esports is undeniably gaining momentum, it’s evident that authentic competition still holds a special allure for most enthusiasts. However, China stands apart, with nearly half its fans deeming virtual soccer as exhilarating as the real thing. This figure significantly surpasses other regions, with France trailing at 36%. Conversely, only 29.2% of fans following Europe’s top leagues favor esports, and Germany lags behind with a mere 23% showing interest in the digital field.
The United States also exhibits a keen interest in esports, with 66% of its soccer supporters embracing the digital facet of the sport. This data paints a vivid picture: China and the US are emerging as dominant forces in the esports realm, while Europe, despite its rich soccer heritage, appears to be embracing the digital shift at a more gradual pace.
When it comes to esports enthusiasts, Spain dominates Europe, with a remarkable 58% of its populace engaged in competitive gaming. Conversely, Germany appears to favor traditional sports, with a mere 47% acknowledging themselves as esports aficionados.
Rex Pascual, an esports authority at Safe Betting Sites, observes, “The surge in esports popularity is no longer a novel phenomenon. The 2020 pandemic significantly accelerated its growth, and the entire gaming realm has been thriving ever since.” He further notes, “Games that mirror real-life sports are currently experiencing immense success. The inherent competitive spirit truly resonates with individuals.”
Looking towards the future, Pascual forecasts, “Esports, particularly those emulating real-world sports, are here to stay. In fact, they are poised for even greater expansion, especially with the increasing popularity of games like racing simulations.”
