E-sports has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Southeast Asia in recent years. What was once a niche activity is now embraced by people across the region, from teenagers to young adults.
So, what has caused this massive surge in popularity? Let's explore the main factors contributing to the rapid growth of e-sports in Southeast Asia.
1. Easy Access and Popularity of Mobile Gaming
One of the main reasons why e-sports has become so popular in Southeast Asia is the accessibility provided by mobile gaming. Most people in this region first encountered the digital world through their smartphones, which has made mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends incredibly popular.
According to the website hybrid, about 82% of the online population in Southeast Asia accesses the internet through smartphones, and over 39% use their smartphones as their primary gaming device.
The appeal of mobile gaming lies not only in its affordability compared to PCs, but also in its convenience. Gamers can play anywhere and anytime, without needing expensive equipment or being tied down to a particular location. This accessibility has made mobile e-sports an easy entry point for people across various demographics in Southeast Asia, significantly boosting the overall popularity of e-sports.
2. Technology Supporting E-sports Growth
Technological developments also contribute to the e-sports industry's explosive rise in Southeast Asia. In nations like Malaysia and Indonesia, the rollout of 5G networks has revolutionized competitive gaming by giving gamers faster gameplay and less lag.
According to OpenSignal, Telkomsel has had considerable success in Indonesia in the 5G gaming experience, placing fourth globally with a score of 87.6–88.3 out of 100 points. In contrast, Digi's 5G gaming experience score of 89.7 out of 100 in Malaysia was the highest, demonstrating the network's ability to support e-sports.
These accomplishments demonstrate how Southeast Asia's 5G infrastructure, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, has improved gaming experiences and fueled the growing e-sports sector in the region.
Moreover, smartphones have become more powerful and affordable, particularly with the rise of gaming smartphones, which are designed specifically to provide a better gaming experience. Accessories like controllers and paddles have also become widely available, making mobile gaming more similar to console or PC gaming.
3. The Pandemic’s Impact on E-sports Popularity
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive impact on the e-sports industry. With many offline activities being restricted, people turned to online platforms for entertainment, including watching e-sports tournaments.
In fact, the number of e-sports viewers skyrocketed during the pandemic, and Southeast Asia was no exception. According to E-sports Charts, the PUBG Mobile Global Championship Season 0, which took place between 2020 and 2021, was the most popular tournament in PUBG Mobile's history, reaching a record 3.8 million peak concurrent viewers.
Additionally, 2021 was the most active year for PUBG Mobile, with tournaments accumulating 216.8 million hours watched. This is a significant increase from previous years, such as 2019, which recorded 54.9 million Hours watched. These numbers highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic boosted e-sports viewership, as the shutdowns drove people to turn to online platforms for entertainment.
The rise in popularity of mobile e-sports is not limited to PUBG Mobile alone. According to Hybrid, mobile e-sports have seen a significant rise in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Indonesia, and Philippines.
In Indonesia, mobile e-sports viewership has increased 5 to 6 times in the last three years, with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang playing a major role in this growth. Similarly, in the Philippines, the shift from PC e-sports to mobile e-sports has been noticeable since 2021, with mobile e-sports now overtaking PC e-sports in terms of hours watched.
This trend shows that e-sports is not only a form of entertainment for players but also for viewers who enjoy watching competitive games online. As a result, the e-sports community in Southeast Asia has grown significantly, and the popularity continues to rise.
4. Economic Factors Supporting E-sports Growt
Southeast Asia is known for its fast-growing economies, which also boosts the e-sports scene. The region has a young, tech-savvy population that is eager to engage with digital entertainment. In addition, the affordability of gaming devices has made e-sports even more accessible.
According to Statista, the e-sports market in ASEAN is projected to reach US$79.7 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.63% from 2024 to 2029, which will bring the market volume to US$115.1 million by 2029. This growth is driven by investments in esports infrastructure and education, increasing sponsorship opportunities, and global attention on competitive gaming in Southeast Asia.
In addition, mobile gaming has emerged as a dominant force in the region. According to Allcorrect, In 2019, mobile games accounted for 70% of Southeast Asia’s total gaming revenue, outpacing the traditional PC and console markets. This trend is expected to continue, further strengthening the region's e-sports scene, especially as mobile esports continues to gain traction.
Major tournaments, like the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup and PUBG Mobile Global Championship, are frequently held in Southeast Asia, drawing large crowds and attracting sponsors, media, and investors. This further strengthens the e-sports ecosystem in the region.
5. E-sports as a Career Opportunity
E-sports is no longer just a hobby. It has become a viable career option for many young people in Southeast Asia. Professional players can earn substantial income from tournament winnings, and many also make money by streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Major companies are investing in e-sports, opening up business opportunities such as merchandise, broadcasting, and sponsorship.
In Southeast Asia, one of the most successful individuals in e-sports is Yap "xNova" Jian Wei, a Malaysian Dota 2 player. He has earned a total of $2,137,091.12 from 73 tournaments, making him one of the leading e-sports players in the world and the only Southeast Asian representative on the list of the top 50 highest-earning players.
As the industry continues to grow, more and more people are considering e-sports as a serious career, leading to an even greater influx of participants and professionals in the field. This has contributed to the booming popularity of e-sports in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
E-sports has become a massive phenomenon in Southeast Asia for several reasons, including easy access via mobile devices, technological advancements like 5G networks, the pandemic’s boost to viewership, and the growing economic support for the industry.
Additionally, the rise of e-sports as a career option has further fueled its growth. With all these factors in play, it's no wonder that e-sports has become a dominant force in Southeast Asia, and it is likely to continue thriving for years to come.
