ESports is becoming big business in Canada as cities like Vancouver continue to account for a huge chunk of the growth. Stadiums in the west coast are increasingly selling out as enthusiasts flock to watch out gamer’s battle it out on the League of Legends series as well as Overwatch League. Widespread acceptance and adoption of eSports has also given rise to investment opportunities in the form of Axion Ventures (TSXV:AXV), Enthusiast Gaming (TSXV:EGLX) and Global Gaming Technologies (CSE:GGAM).
eSports Growing Popularity
For those still in the dark, eSports is one of the fastest-growing facets in the gaming industry where professional gamers congregate to battle out in popular video games. Installation of big screens in stadiums, as well as arenas, has made it possible for fans to come and see professional gamers battle out for prize money, running into millions of dollars. In addition, there are popular streaming sites that allow people to watch gamers battle out.
Vancouver is slowly becoming a hotbed of eSports following the opening of a first of it’s kind eSports arena. The Gaming Stadium in Richmond British Columbia, by Myesports Ventures Ltd, is set to become a hub for eSports competition as well as training and tournaments.
The opening of the Esports arena comes a year barely after the city hosted the International eSports competition following yet another sold-out League of Legends summer championship in 2017. The infrastructure put in place should continue to strengthen the city’s ability to host big eSports events and local tournaments, as prize pools continue to grow.
Canadians are starting to take eSports seriously given the influx of sponsorships as well as investments into the sector. Drake is the latest big personality to enter the eSports foray having completed an investment in an eSports betting startup that went on to close $3 million in financing.
eSports Stocks To Watch
The size of the global eSports market is poised to hit record highs of $1.8 billion by 2022. The North America market could generate $409.1 million in revenues. Amidst the expected growth, Axion Ventures stands out, as an ideal pick for gaining exposure to the burgeoning Canadian eSports market.
Axion Ventures is slowly making a name for itself on the development of games for the eSports sector with its True Axion Interactive joint venture, based in Thailand. The two have already released INVICTUS: Lost Soul that continues to enjoy high retention rates in the eSports space.
Enthusiast Gaming, on the other hand, is an ideal pick for people who would like to gain exposure on eSports platforms. The company boasts of a portfolio of 80 video gaming websites that receive 1 billion ad requests. With over 150 million monthly active users, Enthusiasts Gaming remains well-positioned to generate significant advertising revenues from the eSports websites.
 Global Gaming Technologies is another company that has made strategic investments in pursuit of growth in the eSports space. The eSports and gaming investment company has acquired eSports assets having also acquired a minority stake in millennial eSports and Game Galaxy.
