The current pandemic is causing a massive shift in how we spend our free time and what options are available for sport enthusiasts. Since almost every major sports event in the entire world has been cancelled in the last two months, the focus is now on an increasingly popular category that remains largely unaffected, or may even significantly grow esports. By their very nature, esports are a perfect alternative, as the live tournaments, such as the IEM 2020 in Katowice, Poland (which, prior to cancellation and switch to live streaming, was supposed to bring in over a hundred thousand spectators), are only an addition to millions of fans watching online on a regular basis. 

Recent reports clearly indicate a significant growth in the number of people gaming online and a rising demand for esports during the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, many traditional sports are switching to the esports format, e.g. virtual Grand Prix hosted by Formula 1 or La Liga’s FIFA 20 tournament. The pandemic situation and its potential consequences are constantly developing, and there are no signs of the growth in esports slowing down.

In this context, markets such as Poland can be seen as an example of the opportunity for growth of esports-oriented business ventures. As the majority of Polish companies are preparing themselves for the impending economic crisis, the company CD Projekt RED, the makers of the Witcher series, has risen to become the highest valued company on the Polish stock market, currently worth over EUR 6,000,000,000. 

Polish gaming companies have been achieving increasing levels of success among consumers in recent years, which, considering the approx. 16,000,000 of gamers and a local market worth over USD 540,000,000 in Poland itself, has understandably attracted the interest of investors. However, there is still room for significant growth in the esports market, as many traditional market participants, such as football clubs, are still reluctant to fully commit to online events.

DLA Piper’s Esports Laws of the World Report, published in November 2019, includes a concise summary of the relevant regulations and key local contacts in 38 jurisdictions, including Poland.

Times are challenging and there will be many obstacles to overcome on the global market, but it may also be the right moment to look for new business opportunities in jurisdictions that have plenty of potential in terms of esports.