Esports is reaching the elusive millennials audience, but total viewing figures are now even overtaking traditional sports, according to Michiel Bakker, founder en CEO of Ginx Esports TV.
Speaking at this year’s IBC Conference, Bakker said there are opportunities for traditional players in the broadcast market in the esports world. “But you need to be authentic, as the passionate fanbase is very vocal.” He outlined that there is a need for storytelling portraying the players.
Esports is not a recent phenomenon, but started way back in 1080 with Atari hosting the first tournaments in New York City.
Esports has achieved a massive rise, the global esports market was estimated in 2016 to top $463 million, its audience power is unparalleled and offer enormous opportunities for broadcasters.
Prize money has rissen to $100 million a year with members of winning teams pocketing $2 each for a single tournament.
And established firms such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Visa and others have now come aboard as sponsors.
Broadcasting of live esports events was until recently mainly online, but is now also coming to tradtional broacdst channels, with Ginx Espots Channel growing fast. The channel signed deals with OSN, Multichoice and Canada’s Super Channel recently, and Bakker said he hopes to announce an agreement with a European DTH platform in the coming months.
Ginx was launched in 2008, but turned into Ginx Esports TV in 2016 with Sky and ITV taking shares in the fledgling broadcaster.
Ginx eSports TV showcase majors eSports tournaments from across the globe, as well as unique, independent programming. The schedule includes coverage of Turner’s Eleague tournament, FACEIT‘s eSports Championship Series, and Valve’s The International Dota 2.
