eSports
Esports Highlights: Trends to Watch in 2025

Esports, the competitive side of video gaming, has evolved exponentially over the past few decades. From small gatherings of friends competing in local tournaments to massive international leagues and arenas filled with thousands of fans, the landscape of esports has dramatically shifted. With its growth, new trends continue to emerge, bringing about changes in both the games that dominate and the ways in which audiences experience these events. As we look ahead to 2025, several key trends will shape the future of esports, from technological advancements to shifts in fan engagement. In this article, we’ll explore the most significant trends in esports that will likely define the landscape of 2025 and beyond.
1. Rise of Mobile Esports
One of the most important trends in esports in 2025 will be the further rise of mobile gaming. Traditionally, esports has been dominated by PC and console games, but with the advent of powerful smartphones and mobile devices, mobile gaming is now on the rise as a competitive platform. Games like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Brawl Stars have already carved a niche for themselves, attracting millions of players and viewers globally.
Mobile gaming has the distinct advantage of the fact that it’s played on what’s already in your pocket. The fact that 4.3 billion people own at least one smartphone (compared to 1.86 billion PC gamers and 1.6 billion console owners) means that the bar for entry has never been lower.
Historically, esports has been dominated by North American (NA) and European (EU) players, with EU players typically having the edge in skill and performance. However, as the mobile esports scene continues to grow, emerging regions will most likely play a much bigger part in the global esports scene. Indeed, mobile esports has already gained immense popularity in regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and India, where smartphones are more prevalent than gaming PCs or consoles.
In 2025, we can expect to see more titles being optimized for mobile platforms, leading to more inclusive and geographically diverse esports tournaments. Furthermore, the integration of 5G technology will significantly enhance mobile gaming experiences by heavily reducing latency and increasing connection speed, making it even more appealing for professional players and fans.
2. The Continued Convergence of Traditional Sports and Esports
Esports and traditional sports have already begun to overlap in several areas, and this convergence will only grow stronger by 2025. Traditional sports leagues, teams, and athletes are increasingly investing in esports teams and tournaments. For example, major soccer clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona have their own esports teams competing in popular games such as FIFA and Rocket League. Similarly, the NBA has its NBA 2K League, which draws in a new generation of fans while also engaging current basketball enthusiasts.
Notably, certain motorsports leagues have begun trying out notable “sim-racing” champions and giving them chances and tryouts in real race cars. This style of esports to real sports promotion could prove even more common as more real-life sports leagues more closely examine the talent found in esports champions.
The online betting scene has also begun to take notice of the rising popularity of esports and competitive gaming. Most notably, Stake offers both sports betting and eSports betting, which are easier to have fun with than ever.
The collaboration between traditional sports and esports will likely intensify in the coming years, with more partnerships, cross-promotion, and even possible hybrid events. These collaborations will provide new opportunities for esports to reach wider audiences and gain mainstream legitimacy. Fans of traditional sports who may not yet be engaged with esports will become more familiar with the esports scene as their favorite teams and athletes become involved.
In recent years, major TV networks have increasingly embraced esports, recognizing its immense popularity and potential to attract younger, tech-savvy audiences. Networks such as ESPN and TBS have begun broadcasting major esports tournaments, including events like the League of Legends World Championship and NBA 2K League. These partnerships have helped legitimize esports as a mainstream form of entertainment, drawing in millions of viewers and boosting sponsorships and advertising revenue. The inclusion of esports in traditional media platforms also reflects the growing popularity of esports as a whole.
3. The Growth of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Esports
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are two of the most exciting technologies poised to revolutionize the gaming and esports industries. By 2025, VR and AR are expected to enhance the way fans and players experience esports, providing more immersive and interactive environments.
In esports, VR has the potential to offer a fully immersive competitive gaming experience. Players may be able to step into digital worlds with greater interactivity and presence than ever before. VR was in a bit of a slump before Facebook Inc. notoriously changed its company name to Meta Inc., while betting everything on VR and the “Metaverse” being the next big thing. While the Metaverse hasn’t quite yet gained popularity as Meta had hoped, the big push has definitely revived VR and VR gaming, and player numbers are at an all-time high. VR esports could be a lot more prominent in the near future, with some possible contenders for games being Beat Saber and Pavlov.
AR, on the other hand, could change the way fans watch live esports events by overlaying real-time stats, player profiles, and other dynamic content directly into the live broadcasts, as well as onto the smartphones of live attendees. Some traditional sports, (such as Formula 1) have already begun doing so, and esports could very well follow.
4. Increased Focus on Content Creators, Streaming Platforms, and Online Betting
Esports and streaming platforms like Kick, Twitch, and Youtube are deeply intertwined, with content creators and streamers playing a pivotal role in driving viewership, engagement, and revenue. By 2025, these figures will continue to be central to the esports ecosystem, bridging the gap between professional players and casual fans by offering entertainment, educational content, and community-building activities.
Notably, in the past few years, we’ve seen many different Content creators and streamers popularize the genre of speedrunning, the concept of competing in order to fully beat a single-player game in the shortest possible time. In the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, hours-long video essays covering different games’ speedrunning scenes exploded in popularity and viewership, driving never-before-seen audiences to speedrunning events and tournaments.
Examples like these show that online personalities have a huge influence on the popularity of esports and gaming tournaments, both in offline single-player gaming and online hyper-competitive multiplayer tournaments.
Moreover, online betting platforms, particularly Stake.com, will see greater prominence within the esports landscape. As esports fans continue to engage with their favorite games, teams, and events, platforms like Stake will allow users to bet on outcomes, adding an exciting new dimension to the esports experience. This integration of online betting with streaming and content creation will provide fans with even more ways to interact with the esports world, further blurring the lines between gaming entertainment and real-world stakes.
5. Increased Professionalization of Esports Leagues
As esports continues to mature, the structure of its leagues and competitions will become more professionalized. By 2025, we can expect a more established framework for esports leagues, akin to the way traditional sports leagues such as the NFL or NBA are organized. This shift will include increased focus on player welfare, standardized rules, and higher production value for events.
We could very possibly see esports organizations implementing stricter player contracts, better health and wellness programs, and improved support systems for players transitioning into new stages of their careers. Additionally, esports leagues will likely aim for better governance to ensure fairness and transparency in player management, league operations, and tournament outcomes.
Large corporations such as Valve Corporation and Riot Games have already been funding entire leagues on their own, but we could expect to see these leagues become more self-sufficient, as well as potentially new grassroots esports leagues popping up.
6. Expansion into New Games and Genres
While League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2 dominate the esports scene today, new games and genres will continue to emerge and challenge the status quo. We are poised to see new competitive games in genres never before heard of appear in the future.
The current mainstream of 5v5 first-person shooters and top-down MOBAs is definitely popular for now, but the future is, as always, unpredictable. As the esports audience diversifies and seeks new experiences, the demand for new games that offer different styles of gameplay will grow. One game that’s earned a lot of recent attention is Valve’s Deadlock, a fresh take that attempts to wrap a MOBA and a third-person shooter into one game. It borrows all kinds of mechanics from both genres and is currently available for beta testing.
Additionally, one historical genre of gaming that’s been somewhat neglected in the mainstream esports scene is fighting. Popular fighting franchises such as Tekken and Street Fighter are ultra-competitive 1 on 1 experiences that would fit into the modern esports scene incredibly well. They would also fit incredibly well into a traditional tournament bracket, which most modern esports leagues use in their events. It could be a matter of time until we see these games truly explode into the mainstream esports scene.
7. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning on Esports
AI and machine learning are increasingly being integrated into esports, both in-game and behind the scenes. In-game AI can be used to enhance the gameplay experience, provide better matchmaking, and even develop more intelligent NPCs (non-playable characters) for single-player games. Additionally, AI and machine learning are already being used in order to develop more sophisticated anti-cheat software. More advanced and sophisticated anti-cheat will ensure that anyone from regular run-of-the-mill players to battle-hardened esports competitors is all on a completely level playing field.
Behind the scenes, AI can help analyze player performance, predict outcomes, and optimize tournament structures. As these technologies advance, their role in esports will grow, providing more personalized and efficient experiences for players and fans alike.
8. Gender equality in Esports
The future of esports holds immense promise in terms of gender equality, offering the opportunity for both men and women to compete together at the highest levels. Unlike traditional physical sports, where physical strength can be a determining factor, esports provides a level playing field where skill, strategy, and teamwork take precedence. This opens up a world of untapped potential, where an equal participation of men and women could elevate the entire industry, driving innovation and diversity.
By 2025, as barriers to entry continue to diminish, the growing recognition of female players, content creators, and professionals will help shape a more inclusive esports scene. Once we overcome societal hurdles and biases, the industry will see a more unified, competitive, and dynamic environment.
9. Esports as a Career Path
In 2025, esports looks sure to continue to be a legitimate career path for players, coaches, analysts, and content creators. As the industry matures, more individuals will pursue esports as a viable career option.
In addition to competitive gaming, roles such as event organizers, team managers, game developers, and data analysts will become more prominent within the esports ecosystem. The increasing number of job opportunities within esports will help professionalize the industry and ensure its growth in the future.
Educational institutions will most likely offer more dedicated programs and degrees in esports management, broadcasting, and game design, offering professional pathways for future talents. Some high schools and universities have even been starting up their own amateur esports clubs and leagues, as a way for students to socialize and find common interests with each other.
Conclusion
As we head into 2025, esports will continue to evolve, with major transformations driven by mobile gaming, VR/AR integration, and the growing influence of content creators and streaming platforms. The professionalization of leagues and the expansion into new genres will ensure esports remains dynamic, offering exciting opportunities for players, fans, and industry professionals alike.
eSports
Thunderpick Partners with Oddin.gg and Introduces BetPeek, First Fully Interactive Esports Viewing Platform

Thunderpick, the leading esports betting platform, in partnership with Oddin.gg, a provider of end-to-end esports betting solutions, today announced the exclusive launch of BetPeek, a first-of-its-kind interactive esports viewing experience available only on Thunderpick.io.
While most esports streams today limit fans to static broadcast feeds and pre-selected camera angles, BetPeek flips the script. For the first time, viewers can control how they watch the action—transforming every match into a personalized, immersive event.
BetPeek’s key features include:
- Follow Any Player – Switch instantly to the POV of any competitor on the server.
- Dynamic Camera Control – Place the camera anywhere on the map for a unique vantage point.
- X-Ray Vision – Unlock strategic insights by seeing what players can’t.
- Play, Pause & Rewind – Revisit every clutch play with DVR-style controls.
- Integrated Betting Tools – Access deeper context and analysis to inform smarter wagers.
“Traditional esports streams have barely evolved; they’re often one-size-fits-all broadcasts that leave fans wishing for more control,” said Kelly Sanders, Head of Strategy at Thunderpick. “BetPeek completely changes that. By putting fans in the driver’s seat, we’re delivering an esports experience that’s not just more engaging, but truly revolutionary for bettors and spectators alike.”
Why It Matters
Until now, esports fans had little choice beyond passively watching standard tournament streams or fragmented co-streams. BetPeek represents the next era:Â an interactive, on-demand, and bet-integrated platform unlike anything else in the industry. For bettors, this means unprecedented visibility into momentum shifts, rotations, and player form. For fans, it’s a chance to experience the match exactly how they want.
Exclusive to Thunderpick
BetPeek is available only on Thunderpick.io, reinforcing Thunderpick’s position as the most innovative esports betting destination worldwide. In partnership with Oddin.gg, a global leader in esports betting solutions, Thunderpick continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in live, fan-first esports engagement.
eSports
Global Esports Federation confirms program for Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games

The Global Esports Federation at its 16th Board Meeting approved the draft program for the Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games, to be held in December 2026. This follows the earlier announcement of Los Angeles as host city at a major ceremony hosted by Los Angeles Times Media Group Executive Chairman & CEO Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel—now marking a significant milestone on the road to GEF’s flagship event in the United States.
The GEF Board also unanimously elected Paul J. Foster as President of the Global Esports Federation. Paul, who is GEF Chief Executive Officer, was appointed President ad interim following the resignation of founding President Chris Chan in July, and now assumes the role of President & CEO through December 2027.
In addition, the GEF Board approved the establishment of frameworks to develop the esports ecosystem in the United States, anchored in Los Angeles. This initiative will strengthen the GEF’s connections with stakeholders worldwide and reinforce its mission to elevate esports for all.
The outcomes of GEF 16th Board Meeting reaffirm the GEF’s role as a convening platform, uniting athletes, publishers, Member Federations, and partners to power the future of esports globally.
eSports
TEAM VITALITY AND HUMMEL LAUNCH ALTERNATE JERSEY AND EXCLUSIVE APPAREL COLLECTION

- Team Vitality launches 2025 Alternate Jersey and an exclusive apparel collection, bringing a new level of energy and excitement for fans.
- The jersey, featuring a white base with red and blue accents, pays homage to the French flag and will be worn by all Team Vitality athletes at major esports events taking place in France later this year, including the Rocket League Worlds and EVO Nice.
- The Alternate Jersey is available today for €79.99, both online and at Team Vitality’s official Paris store.
Team Vitality is proud to unveil its new Alternate Jersey, accompanied by an exclusive apparel collection. This launch completes the club’s annual merchandise lineup, following the release of the black Pro Jersey earlier this year and the iconic yellow US-style Jersey worn during the Austin Major triumph.
This Alternate edition, featuring the French blue, white and red, honours Team Vitality’s Parisian roots while celebrating the major esports events set to close out the year in France.
The jersey will feature on the global stage with the Rocket League team at the World Championships from September 12 to 14.
PERFORMANCE MEETS LIFESTYLE
The Alternate Collection features a new, stylish jersey and a limited-edition clothing line that blends performance and lifestyle. As with every year, the Alternate Jersey is traditionally white, serving as a complement to the black Pro Jersey released earlier in the year.
Designed in collaboration with hummel, the jersey combines comfort and performance, offering a lightweight fit built to withstand the demands of competitive play. The accompanying exclusive apparel collection follows the same artistic vision, offering clothing and accessories designed for everyday wear. This brand-new lifestyle range, along with exclusive items, reflects the club’s distinctive style.
ALTERNATE JERSEY
- Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Jersey – €79.99
- Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Sleeves – €29.99
- Exclusive Vitality Alternate 2025 Pack – €79.99 (includes 1 Alternate Jersey and a complimentary pair of exclusive sleeves)
LIFESTYLE COLLECTION
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Sweatshirt – €59.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 T-Shirt – €29.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Jacket – €69.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Joggers – €54.99
ACCESSORIES
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Scarf – €19.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Flag – €24.99
- Collector Cards (set of 3 or 8 trading cards) – €5.99
- Mouse Pad (small / large) – €19.99 / €29.99
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