by Esports has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, but the growth story isn’t what most people expect.
While established markets like the United States and China still dominate—accounting for nearly 50% of global gaming revenue—their explosive growth phase has already passed.
These mature markets now see steady but modest increases year over year.
The real excitement is happening elsewhere. Emerging markets across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are experiencing unprecedented growth rates that dwarf established regions.
These fastest-growing esports regions are reshaping the competitive gaming landscape through mobile internet expansion, government support, and passionate young populations discovering competitive gaming for the first time.
What’s driving this transformation? A perfect storm of factors: affordable smartphones flooding developing markets, 4G and 5G network expansion reaching previously disconnected populations, COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns pushing people toward digital entertainment, and governments recognizing esports as a legitimate economic opportunity.
For comprehensive coverage of these emerging markets and global esports trends, etruesportshub.com provides in-depth analysis of how competitive gaming is evolving worldwide.
Fastest-Growing Esports Regions in the World
According to Newzoo’s 2020 data, the global games market reached $159.3 billion.
The fastest-growing esports regions we’ll explore represent only 2.73% of that total—but their growth rates suggest they’ll play increasingly important roles in esports’ future.
Let’s examine the top 10 regions leading this expansion.
Top 10 Fastest-Growing Esports Regions (2019-2020)
| Rank | Country | Market Growth | Player Growth | Primary Growth Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuba | 49.0% | 8.2% | Mobile internet expansion since 2018 |
| 2 | India | 45.6% | 11.4% | Affordable smartphones, 4G coverage, young population |
| 3 | Ethiopia | 43.3% | 20.0% | Economic growth, telecom privatization |
| 4 | Guatemala | 42.2% | 10.2% | COVID-19 lockdowns, mobile gaming surge |
| 5 | Paraguay | 40.9% | 8.9% | Internet speed improvements, pandemic effects |
| 6 | Costa Rica | 37.6% | 5.7% | 4G nationwide coverage, connection speed doubling |
| 7 | Philippines | 37.1% | 17.1% | Government support, 5G launch, esports in education |
| 8 | Dominican Republic | 37.1% | 6.8% | Pandemic restrictions, 80% mobile traffic increase |
| 9 | Uruguay | 36.4% | 5.4% | Government developer support, business incubators |
| 10 | Saudi Arabia | 36.2% | 0.4% | State sponsorship, esports stadiums, global ambitions |
1. Cuba – The Caribbean’s Digital Awakening
Official Language: Spanish
Market Growth: 49.0% (from $45.5M to $67.7M)
Player Growth: 8.2% (from 3.8M to 4.1M players)
Cuba tops our list with the highest growth rate among all global markets, which is remarkable considering the country only gained widespread internet access in 2018. For decades, Cuba’s population had virtually no connectivity, but that changed when mobile internet finally arrived on the island.
ETECSA, Cuba’s sole internet provider, reported that mobile traffic tripled in 2020 alone. This explosive growth reflects pent-up demand from a population that had been largely disconnected from the digital world. While coverage and connection speeds still lag behind other markets, the trajectory is clear.
Why Cuba’s Esports Scene Is Growing:
- First-time internet access for millions of Cubans
- Mobile gaming becoming primary entertainment option
- Young population eager to connect with global gaming culture
- Social gaming fulfilling community connection needs
The challenge for Cuba remains infrastructure. Internet speeds are still relatively slow and expensive by international standards. However, as connectivity improves and becomes more affordable, Cuba’s gaming market could continue its impressive expansion. The cultural enthusiasm for gaming is clearly present—it just needs better infrastructure to fully flourish.
2. India – The Mobile Gaming Giant
Official Languages: English, Hindi
Market Growth: 45.6% (from $1.5B to $2.2B)
Player Growth: 11.4% (from 280M to 312M players)
India represents the most significant market on this list in absolute terms. With over 312 million players and a market value exceeding $2 billion, India isn’t just growing fast—it’s becoming a major force in global gaming and esports.
The transformation happened remarkably quickly. Just five years ago, mobile internet in India was expensive and unreliable. Then telecom giant Jio disrupted the entire market, making 4G connectivity affordable and accessible. Data prices dropped tenfold while traffic increased sixtyfold. Today, 4G networks cover 99% of India’s territory.
India’s Esports Advantages:
- Over 312 million gamers, one of the world’s largest player bases
- Median age of 29 years—massive young demographic
- Smartphone sales growing 15% annually
- Mobile gaming dominance (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire popularity)
- Growing esports tournament scene and professional teams
India’s esports ecosystem is rapidly maturing. Major international tournament organizers now host events in Indian cities. Local organizations are developing professional leagues. Gaming cafes and esports arenas are appearing in major urban centers. Indian teams are beginning to compete internationally, particularly in mobile esports titles.
The combination of a young population, affordable internet, cheap smartphones, and growing cultural acceptance of gaming as legitimate entertainment makes India one of the fastest-growing esports regions with the most long-term potential.
3. Ethiopia – Africa’s Surprising Contender
Official Language: Amharic
English Proficiency: Low
Market Growth: 43.3% (from $21.6M to $31M)
Player Growth: 20.0% (from 10M to 12M players)
Ethiopia’s appearance in the top three surprises many observers, but it reflects the country’s remarkable economic transformation. Ethiopia has experienced rapid GDP growth in recent decades, lifting millions out of poverty and creating a growing middle class with disposable income.
The gaming industry’s growth mirrors Ethiopia’s overall economic development. As incomes rise, more Ethiopians can afford smartphones and internet access. The telecommunications market, previously monopolized by the state, recently opened to private companies, leading to more competitive pricing and better service.
Ethiopia’s Growth Factors:
- Consistent GDP growth creating middle class
- Telecom privatization reducing internet costs
- Young, tech-savvy population
- 20% player growth—highest on this list
Ethiopia’s gaming scene is still in early stages, with mobile gaming dominating due to affordability and accessibility. PC gaming and console gaming remain limited to wealthier demographics. However, if economic growth continues and internet infrastructure improves, Ethiopia could become a significant market within Africa’s emerging esports landscape.
The country represents the potential of African markets more broadly—huge populations, young demographics, and improving economic conditions that could make the continent a major esports region in the coming decade.
4. Guatemala – Central America’s Gaming Hub
Official Language: Spanish
English Proficiency: Low
Market Growth: 42.2% (from $49M to $69.7M)
Player Growth: 10.2% (from 4.6M to 5.1M players)
Guatemala’s gaming market surge was largely pandemic-driven. COVID-19 restrictions, including curfews and stay-at-home orders, pushed Guatemalans toward digital entertainment. Mobile gaming became a primary way to pass time during lockdowns.
Mobile device and tablet traffic increased by 40% in 2020, reflecting the shift toward mobile gaming. Guatemalans discovered games like Free Fire, Mobile Legends, and other titles that work well on modest smartphones and require less data than PC or console gaming.
Guatemala’s Esports Characteristics:
- Pandemic accelerated existing mobile gaming trends
- 40% increase in mobile/tablet traffic
- Growing competitive Free Fire scene
- Regional tournaments gaining traction
While Guatemala’s market remains relatively small, it’s part of a broader Central American gaming community that’s becoming increasingly connected. Regional tournaments allow Guatemalan players to compete against teams from neighboring countries, building a competitive culture that could sustain growth beyond pandemic conditions.
The key question is whether Guatemala can maintain growth momentum as pandemic restrictions ease. If infrastructure continues improving and the gaming culture that developed during lockdowns persists, Guatemala could establish itself as a Central American esports center.
5. Paraguay – Latin America’s Rising Star
Official Languages: Guarani, Spanish
English Proficiency: Moderate
Market Growth: 40.9% (from $38.7M to $54.5M)
Player Growth: 8.9% (from 2.7M to 2.9M players)
Paraguay exemplifies the broader Latin American gaming boom. Like its neighbors, Paraguay experienced the double impact of improving internet infrastructure and pandemic-driven gaming adoption.
Average connection speeds and traffic grew by an astounding 150% in 2020. This improvement made online gaming far more accessible and enjoyable for Paraguayan players, who previously struggled with lag and connectivity issues that made competitive gaming frustrating.
Paraguay’s Growth Drivers:
- 150% increase in connection speed and traffic
- Growing middle class with gaming purchasing power
- Latin American gaming community integration
- Regional esports tournaments
Paraguay’s gaming scene connects with the broader Latin American esports ecosystem. Paraguayan players compete in regional leagues and tournaments, particularly in games popular across Latin America like League of Legends, Free Fire, and FIFA. This regional connectivity helps sustain interest and provides aspirational pathways for competitive players.
The country’s continued internet infrastructure development suggests gaming market growth will persist. As 5G networks eventually reach Paraguay and connection quality continues improving, the esports scene should mature from casual mobile gaming toward more competitive PC and console gaming.
6. Costa Rica – Central America’s Tech Leader
Official Language: Spanish
English Proficiency: Moderate
Market Growth: 37.6% (from $41.3M to $56.8M)
Player Growth: 5.7% (from 2.1M to 2.2M players)
Costa Rica has long been Central America’s technology leader, with relatively high internet penetration and tech-savvy population. The pandemic accelerated gaming adoption even in this comparatively developed market.
Mobile connection speeds doubled while fixed wireless speeds increased by 1.5 times. 4G networks now cover the entire country, providing reliable connectivity even in rural areas. The total number of internet users increased by 10% in 2020, with many new users discovering gaming.
Costa Rica’s Advantages:
- Complete nationwide 4G coverage
- Doubled mobile connection speeds
- Tech-friendly culture and infrastructure
- Growing esports tournament scene
Costa Rica’s combination of good infrastructure, moderate English proficiency, and regional connectivity positions it well for continued esports growth. The country hosts regional tournaments and has produced competitive players in various games. Gaming cafes and esports venues are appearing in major cities like San José.
Unlike some markets on this list where growth might plateau, Costa Rica has the infrastructure and cultural acceptance to develop a sophisticated esports ecosystem. The country could become a regional hub for Central American esports events and team training facilities.
7. Philippines – Asia’s Esports Education Pioneer
Official Languages: Filipino, English
Market Growth: 37.1% (from $554.5M to $760.4M)
Player Growth: 17.1% (from 43.3M to 50.7M players)
The Philippines stands out as one of the three markets on this list large enough to significantly impact global esports. With over 50 million players and a market approaching $1 billion, the Philippines is already a major force in competitive gaming.
What makes the Philippines unique is government support. The Philippine government recognizes gaming as a key economic sector and actively promotes esports development. The country has integrated esports into school education, created a national esports league, and established collegiate and school competitions.
Philippines’ Esports Strengths:
- Over 50 million gamers, one of Asia’s largest communities
- Government-backed esports programs in schools
- National, collegiate, and school esports leagues
- 5G network launch improving connectivity
- Strong English proficiency enabling global engagement
The Philippines has produced world-class players and teams, particularly in mobile esports titles like Mobile Legends. Filipino teams regularly compete at international tournaments, and the country’s players are known for their mechanical skill and strategic innovation.
The combination of massive player base, government support, excellent English proficiency, and improving infrastructure makes the Philippines one of the fastest-growing esports regions with tremendous long-term potential. The country could become Southeast Asia’s esports capital if current growth trends continue.
8. Dominican Republic – Caribbean Gaming Boom
Official Language: Spanish
English Proficiency: Low
Market Growth: 37.1% (from $72.8M to $99.8M)
Player Growth: 6.8% (from 4.7M to 5.0M players)
The Dominican Republic’s gaming surge was heavily influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Lockdowns, curfews, and travel limitations pushed Dominicans toward digital entertainment, with gaming becoming a primary recreational activity.
Mobile device and tablet traffic increased by 80% in 2020—one of the highest increases globally. This dramatic shift reflects how quickly gaming can be adopted when circumstances force people to find entertainment at home.
Dominican Republic’s Growth Story:
- 80% increase in mobile/tablet traffic
- Pandemic-driven gaming adoption
- Growing Caribbean gaming community
- Mobile gaming dominance
The Dominican Republic’s gaming market faces questions about sustainability. Much of the growth came from temporary pandemic conditions. However, if the gaming habits formed during lockdowns persist and infrastructure continues improving, the country could maintain significant market size.
The Dominican Republic is also part of a broader Caribbean gaming community that’s becoming increasingly connected through regional tournaments and online play. This regional connectivity could help sustain interest even as pandemic conditions normalize.
9. Uruguay – South America’s Developer Hub
Official Language: Spanish
English Proficiency: Low
Market Growth: 36.4% (from $49.4M to $67.4M)
Player Growth: 5.4% (from 1.5M to 1.6M players)
Uruguay’s gaming growth reflects both pandemic effects and proactive government support for the gaming industry. The Uruguayan government doesn’t just support esports—it actively promotes game development through conferences, business incubators, and support programs.
This focus on development alongside player growth creates a more sustainable ecosystem. Uruguay isn’t just consuming games—it’s creating them, which generates jobs, attracts investment, and builds local gaming culture from multiple angles.
Uruguay’s Unique Approach:
- Government-organized developer conferences
- Business incubators for gaming startups
- Support for both players and developers
- Growing regional tournament presence
Uruguay’s small population limits total market size, but the government’s strategic approach to gaming industry development could make the country punch above its weight. By focusing on game development and esports simultaneously, Uruguay is building infrastructure that could make it a South American gaming hub despite its modest player base.
The country’s educated population, stable government, and strategic support for gaming suggest continued growth beyond pandemic-driven increases. Uruguay represents how smart government policy can accelerate gaming industry development even in smaller markets.
10. Saudi Arabia – The Kingdom’s Esports Vision
Official Language: Arabic
English Proficiency: Very Low
Market Growth: 36.2% (from $704.7M to $959.7M)
Player Growth: 0.4% (from 22.5M to 22.6M players)
Saudi Arabia rounds out our list as the third market large enough for major global impact. With nearly $1 billion in market value and over 22 million players, Saudi Arabia is already a significant esports market—and the government’s ambitious plans suggest it’s just getting started.
The Saudi government actively promotes gaming as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. This includes sponsoring professional esports athletes, funding construction of esports stadiums and gaming cafes, hosting international tournaments, and investing in gaming companies globally.
Saudi Arabia’s Esports Ambitions:
- Government-backed esports stadium construction
- Sponsorship of professional players and teams
- Hosting major international tournaments (Riyadh Masters)
- Investment in global gaming companies
- Part of Vision 2030 economic diversification
Saudi Arabia’s approach differs from other markets on this list. While most regions are experiencing organic gaming growth driven by internet access and cultural adoption, Saudi Arabia is strategically building an esports ecosystem from the top down through massive government investment.
The kingdom has already hosted several major Dota 2 and CS:GO tournaments with multi-million-dollar prize pools, attracting the world’s best teams to compete in Riyadh. Saudi investment funds have purchased stakes in major gaming companies, and the country is building infrastructure to host more international events.
This aggressive approach could make Saudi Arabia a major esports hub within years. However, cultural factors like very low English proficiency and limited grassroots gaming culture present challenges. The country’s success will depend on whether government investment can successfully cultivate organic gaming enthusiasm among Saudi youth.
Comparative Insights: Small Markets, Big Potential
Looking at these fastest-growing esports regions reveals important patterns about where competitive gaming is heading. Together, these 10 markets generated only 2.73% of global gaming revenue in 2020—but their growth rates suggest they’ll play increasingly important roles.
Three markets stand out as particularly significant for long-term global impact:
- India combines a massive population, young demographics, affordable technology, and rapidly developing infrastructure. With over 312 million players, India is already too large to ignore and will likely become one of the world’s top five gaming markets within a decade.
- The Philippines offers excellent English proficiency, government support, and a passionate gaming culture. The country’s integration of esports into education and established tournament infrastructure positions it as Southeast Asia’s potential esports capital.
- Saudi Arabia brings government backing, massive financial investment, and strategic vision. While currently challenged by cultural factors, the kingdom’s resources and commitment could make it the Middle East’s esports center.
The remaining seven markets represent what could be called “growth labs” for esports’ future. These smaller markets show how internet access, mobile gaming, and cultural adoption can create rapid gaming industry expansion even in unexpected places.
Key Growth Drivers Across Regions:
- Mobile internet expansion is reaching previously disconnected populations
- Affordable smartphones are making gaming accessible
- COVID-19 pandemic accelerating digital entertainment adoption
- Government recognition of gaming as a legitimate economic sector
- 4G/5G network deployment is improving connection quality
- Young populations are discovering competitive gaming for the first time
What’s particularly interesting is how diverse these fastest-growing esports regions are. They span four continents, represent different economic development stages, and feature varying levels of government support. Yet they share common factors: improving connectivity, young populations, and growing cultural acceptance of gaming.
FAQs:
- Which region has the fastest gaming market growth?
Cuba leads with 49.0% market growth from 2019 to 2020, driven by the country’s first widespread internet access beginning in 2018. Mobile traffic tripled in 2020 alone as Cubans discovered online gaming for the first time. India follows closely with 45.6% growth, representing a much larger market with over 312 million players.
- Why is India’s gaming market growing so fast?
India’s rapid gaming growth stems from several factors: mobile internet prices dropped tenfold while coverage expanded to 99% of the country, affordable smartphones became widely available with sales growing 15% annually, the median age of 29 years creates a huge young gaming demographic, and mobile games dominate since they require less expensive hardware than PC or console gaming.
- Which emerging markets will have the biggest long-term impact on esports?
Three markets stand out for long-term global impact: India (over 312 million players with massive growth potential), the Philippines (50+ million players with government support and esports in education), and Saudi Arabia (nearly $1 billion market with aggressive government investment in esports infrastructure and tournaments). These are the only emerging markets large enough currently to significantly influence global esports trends.
- How is government support helping esports growth in emerging markets?
Several governments actively promote esports: the Philippines integrates competitive gaming into school curricula and sponsors national leagues, Saudi Arabia invests billions in esports stadiums and international tournaments as part of Vision 2030, and Uruguay creates business incubators and conferences for game developers. Government support accelerates growth by legitimizing gaming as a career path, funding infrastructure, and creating organized competitive structures.
Conclusion:
The fastest-growing esports regions reveal an industry in transformation.
While the United States, China, and Western Europe remain dominant in absolute terms, the future of esports is increasingly global and surprisingly diverse.
The next generation of esports champions might come from Ethiopia or India. Major tournaments could regularly take place in Manila or Riyadh.
Game developers might increasingly target Latin American and Caribbean markets where growth outpaces established regions.
Three factors emerge as critical for sustained esports growth: internet infrastructure that enables quality online gaming, youth populations eager to adopt competitive gaming culture, and government support or at least tolerance for esports as legitimate industry.
The regions leading growth today—from Cuba’s digital awakening to India’s mobile gaming explosion—demonstrate that esports’ expansion is driven more by connectivity and cultural adoption than by wealth alone.
As internet access continues spreading globally and 5G networks reach more regions, we’ll likely see new markets join this list of fastest-growing areas.
For aspiring professional players in these emerging regions, the opportunities are increasing rapidly.
Local tournaments, regional leagues, and international qualifying events are providing pathways to competitive careers that didn’t exist five years ago.
The esports industry is finally becoming truly global, with talent emerging from everywhere rather than just established regions.
The next decade will be fascinating to watch. Will these growth rates sustain as markets mature? Can smaller regions develop competitive scenes that rival established ecosystems?
How will increased diversity change esports culture, and which games will become popular globally?
One thing seems certain: esports’ future won’t look like its past. The fastest-growing esports regions are ensuring that competitive gaming becomes a truly worldwide phenomenon, bringing new perspectives, strategies, and champions to the global stage.
