Esports Report Cites Raleigh as Major Host

A new study examining global trends in hosting in-person esports events has concluded that Raleigh, North Carolina, is among the top destinations for such events.

The project, which examined in-person esports tournaments in North America, Europe and the Nordic region from 2019–2023, was conducted by PLAYHRDR Advisors, the Greater Raleigh Esports Local Organizing Committee and students from the Niner Esports program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

The report, which explored top-tier global events, also concluded that the industry has yet to fully rebound from pre-pandemic levels, although United States destinations hosted 14.5 percent more major esports events than Europe during the time studied. From 2021–2023, Raleigh was in the top five markets for such events in the United States, according to the report, hosting 9.1 percent of those events in 2023 alone. Among the events it has hosted recently were the 2023 League Championship Series (LCS) Spring Finals at PNC Arena and the 2019 Rainbow Six Major at the Raleigh Convention Center. The city will also host the 2024 EsportsTravel Summit, May 29–31, at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Other markets that hosted major events in 2023 included Dallas/Arlington (18.2), Washington, D.C. (15.2 percent), Los Angeles (12.1 percent), and San Diego and Las Vegas (6.1 percent each).

“We knew Greater Raleigh (and North Carolina in general) was quickly becoming a top destination for hosting major esports and gaming events, and PLAYHRDR’s research report only confirms the economic impact data we have been measuring all along,” said Loren Gold, executive vice president of Visit Raleigh. “By having a collaborative strategic plan, providing world-class (and esports-ready) venues, a supportive infrastructure, and a vibrant esports scene, Raleigh has positioned itself as a premier global destination for esports and gaming tournaments, festivals, professionals, players, fans and organizations from around the world.”

The report identified major events by recording announcements from publisher websites and community forums, and cross-referenced them with industry news sources and search engine results to determine major esports events held over the world during the study period. In 2023, there were 80 such events tracked.

A correlation was also observed between a publisher’s game title fan/player base and the geographic regions in which the publisher hosts their events, although the report’s authors noted that more research is required on the topic to explore the correlation.

Ed Tomasi, president of PLAYHRDR Advisors who works with Raleigh as an esports advisor, noted that the esports industry continues to grow beyond just competition, as colleges and universities are increasingly offering esports scholarships, varsity programs, and dedicated facilities, creating a new avenue for academic and athletic achievement.

“Major esports events support hundreds of jobs and inject millions of dollars into the economies of the countries that host them,” Tomasi said. “We continue to work with government, destination and academic clients to build smart strategies that are unique, achievable, measurable and sustainable.”

The full report can be downloaded for free at www.playhrdr.com.