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December 9, 2024The esports industry is booming and is now attracting the attention of brands from all walks of life. More than a fad, esports is now establishing itself as an essential strategic lever for capturing the attention of younger generations . Thanks to its ultra-connected and passionate audience, esports represents a unique opportunity for visibility and engagement for companies. Discover the reasons why esports sponsorship is a winning strategy in 2024 and STAKRN Agency supports brands in this growing universe.
A growing ecosystem
Esports has seen a dramatic expansion over the past decade, with growth forecasts continuing to attract new players. By 2024, the global esports audience is estimated to surpass 500 million viewers, with a majority of them being Millennials and Gen Z, who are often immune to traditional advertising methods. This audience is largely comprised of young adults, who are passionate about video games and are fans of platforms like Twitch, YouTube and TikTok , where they follow their favorite teams and players.
The world of esports has already attracted many well-established brands. Giants like Red Bull, Mercedes-Benz, and Mastercard are striking examples of companies that have capitalized on the esports opportunity. Red Bull, for example, sponsors teams, tournaments, and even offers gaming events related to its brand, thus integrating esports into its overall marketing strategy. Mercedes-Benz sponsored the League of Legends World Championship, while Mastercard has been a sponsor of the same competition for several years. In France, Orange has also developed a similar strategy, sponsoring local teams like Team Vitality at the beginning and then Karmine Corp. This type of sponsorship allows these brands to associate themselves with major events or teams, benefiting from immense visibility while directly addressing their target audience.
In this context, companies interested in esports sponsorship must master the codes of this sector and understand its players. A specialized agency like STAKRN Agency can provide this expertise and help brands effectively integrate this rapidly evolving ecosystem, by identifying the opportunities best suited to their objectives.
Why invest in esports sponsorship?
Esports sponsorship has become a powerful marketing strategy for companies looking to capture the attention of a young and responsive audience. Unlike traditional channels, esports allows you to reach consumers in a setting where they are already engaged and open to new experiences. Esports viewers don’t just watch, they actively interact with the content, comment live, follow their favorite players on social media, and are often inclined to support the brands that support their passion.
Here are some of the main reasons why esports sponsorship is particularly attractive for brands:
- Increased visibility : Gaming events and esports competitions are broadcast on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and even television for major events, reaching millions of viewers. Strategic brand placement, whether through the logo on team jerseys or via a digital banner, can generate colossal visibility. For example, the G2 Esports team is sponsored by brands like BMW and Logitech, which benefit from their presence during broadcasts.
- Precise targeting : Esports allows you to reach a young and qualified audience , often difficult to reach through traditional communication means. Esports fans are passionate and loyal, and sponsorship allows brands to connect directly with this target. Companies like Coca-Cola and Pringles have understood this well, sponsoring events like the Overwatch Championship to directly reach young fans.
- Strong engagement : Esports spectators are much more than just observers. They form an active community, which reacts, comments, and shares key moments. They are often very sensitive to brands that integrate themselves into their universe in an authentic way. For example, Nike sponsored the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) in China, associating its image with discipline and performance, values dear to gaming fans.
By partnering with a specialized agency like STAKRN Agency, companies can maximize their return on investment (ROI) by leveraging the experience of esports professionals. A well-executed esports campaign is about more than just logo placement: it’s about authentically integrating into the culture of that community.
How STAKRN Agency can help you
STAKRN Agency positions itself as a key player in the sector, with expertise in strategic consulting, marketing influence and tailor-made support in esports. The agency supports brands from various backgrounds in developing personalized esports strategies, aligned with their values and communication objectives.
STAKRN Agency's main services include:
- Strategic consulting : we help companies define clear and realistic objectives in the esports world. Each sponsorship campaign begins with an in-depth analysis of the brand’s expectations, the target audience and the best options for integrating esports into the overall marketing strategy.
- Influencer Marketing : Esports has many influencers, whether they are professional gamers, streamers or content creators. STAKRN Agency collaborates with renowned gaming influencers to maximize the impact of campaigns. By partnering with recognized and influential figures, brands can directly reach esports fans and increase their engagement.
- training and support : so that brands can take full advantage of esports, STAKRN Agency offers training tailored to marketing, communication and innovation teams. The goal is to educate internal teams on the specificities of the sector, providing them with the keys to understanding the esports audience, anticipating trends, and implementing actions that resonate with this demanding audience.
By working with our leading agency in France since 2016 , brands benefit from recognized expertise and a network of partners in the field of esports. STAKRN Agency thus guarantees successful integration into this particular universe, while ensuring that each campaign is optimized for maximum return on investment.
Conclusion
Esports today offers a unique opportunity for brands wishing to reach generations Y and Z, an audience that is both demanding and passionate. With millions of spectators and continuous growth, esports sponsorship is a powerful marketing strategy for brands ready to innovate and think outside the box. STAKRN Agency offers tailor-made support to help companies enter this expanding universe, with strategic consulting, influence marketing and training services tailored to the specific needs of each brand.
To succeed in esports, it is essential to rely on recognized expertise and demonstrate authenticity. By using STAKRN Agency, brands can connect to this exciting universe and captivate an engaged audience, while developing their notoriety and strengthening their image. Whether you are considering sponsoring an event, collaborating with an influencer or launching a targeted campaign, STAKRN Agency is your ideal partner to maximize your impact and returns in esports!
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