The hottest trend on the financial market in recent years is esports stocks. As competitive gaming continues to grow in popularity among millions of enthusiasts worldwide, that new market has attracted interest from investment circles. A star is born.
With esports gaining traction, money men and entrepreneurs scramble to jump on this golden goose. The impact of the local esports ecosystem ranges from professional tournaments packed stadiums to streaming platforms watched by millions. In addition, stocks related to this area are currently causing a sensation in town.
Grand View Research forecasts the 2022 global esports market value at $1.88 billion, with a predicted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.8% from 2023 to 2030.
Fortune Business Insights offers a slightly different analysis. The research company estimates the 2022 market at $1.45 billion, projecting growth to $6.75 billion by 2030. This increase represents an annual compound growth rate of 21.5%. Additionally, Expert Market Research aligns with these trends, predicting the market will reach $2.09 billion in 2023.
Buying into esports stocks might be a window of opportunity to cash in on the rise of competitive gaming. While most traditional sporting leagues are struggling to meet the challenges of a global epidemic, online esports tournaments and streaming services have grabbed hold of an opportunity. The industry has grown as a result of this change in consumer behavior. As a result, major sponsors have come on the scene to take advantage.
Rising from fringe to mainstream, esports have demonstrated a staying power and are primed for further success. The emergence of savvy investors in esports presents a significant opportunity for those astute enough to capitalize on the industry.
Electronic Arts (EA)
The major player in the esports stocks industry, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA), has managed a respectable year-to-date return of around 12%. Behind this impressive figure lies a recently released earnings report, which exceeded all expectations. EA announced EPS of $1.83, which was well ahead of the projection of $1.26, representing a surprise of 45%. This spate of rising EPS reflects EA’s solid financial condition and market positioning.
Along the same lines, EA’s revenue numbers were also very impressive, having come out at $1.82 billion compared to an anticipated US $1.77 billion (a respectable 3% beat). This series of financial benchmarks also demonstrates EA’s skill at making the most of the constantly changing gaming market.
Away from the financial numbers, the key to EA’s current success lies in its interaction with the esports community. Its investments, including the EA Sports WRC Knockout Trophy ’23 and the Apex Legends Global Series Year 2 Championship, have not only broadened its scope but also made it visible among the esports-savvy people of the world. Incorporating UEFA EURO 2024 into EA SPORTS FC 24 and related digital platforms also confirms EA’s leading role.
In addition, the important 2023 milestones of the release of various titles and a new logo for Frostbite exemplify EA’s constant desire to innovate and evolve. Such accomplishments present a picture of a company doing more than just turning a profit. Electronic Arts’ combination of strategic growth and community-centric initiatives makes it a key player in the gaming sector. As a result, it is one of the best esports stocks out there.
Take-Two Interactive (TTWO)
In a tough market, Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:TTWO) has shown the stuff of a round-faced champion. Year-to-date return stands at 56%, giving it a premium position among esports stocks. Other good news for the company is its recent financial performance.
Recently, Take-Two Interactive announced its financial results; it was discovered that EPS reached $1.42, an astonishing increase of 38% over forecasts. Also, the company’s revenue set a new record of $1.44 billion against preliminary estimates. Compared to previous predictions, this performance represents a significant increase in the company’s financial indicators.
Take-Two Interactive’s venture into the esports field is a significant event. Due to its focus on this area, its hugely successful NBA 2K franchise has now become a cornerstone of its esports strategy. Take-Two Interactive is interested in this new field, and the first joint venture into the field, the 2018 NBA 2K League, has already been launched with some success.
In addition, the company’s recent entry into the Nasdaq 100 Index is also a ground-breaking achievement. It represents investor optimism and great expectations for the company’s future publications, including Grand Theft Auto VI. Together with this inclusion, the recently released trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI demonstrates Take-Two Interactive’s market strength.
To summarize, Take-Two Interactive is utilizing its foundation to strengthen its market position. Additionally, the explosive growth of esports supports its strategy and demonstrates a clear vision for future development.
Tencent Holdings Limited (TCEHY)
With its investment in esports of up to $15 billion, Tencent Holdings (OTCMKTS:TCEHY) is driving a sea of change in the region’s esports market. It is intended to foster talent, promote the formation of leagues, and create esport-themed parks. For the company, a pioneer of the form, it blends esports into its mainstream gaming strategy.
Happy and sad To make esports more like the Olympics, Tencent has entered a partnership with the Global Esports Federation. In this way, the company’s commitment to this project can go global. This is just one of many examples of cooperation in esports. The firm is also a key player in events such as the League of Legends championship that attracts a specific but massive audience worldwide.
Apart from esports, Tencent has expanded into e-commerce, the cloud, and digital content. This addition is part of a strategy to complement its largest division–games that remain the world’s most enormous with one overall. If the company has a robust technological base and many users have chosen it, it has a competitive advantage.
On the publication date, Faizan Farooque did not hold (directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.