Esports has transformed from small LAN parties into a global business worth billions of dollars. In 2019, the global esports market was valued at around $957.5 million, and today it has surged to approximately $1.64 billion—an increase of more than 70% in just five years. Much of this tremendous growth has been fueled by sponsorships. Traditional sports thrive on sponsorship, and esports is no different. The Biggest Esports Sponsors are not only providing financial support but also helping the industry build legitimacy, infrastructure, and cultural relevance on a global scale.
From tech giants to beverage companies, from bookmakers to financial institutions, these corporations saw potential in competitive gaming long before it became mainstream. Their investments have powered tournaments, supported teams, and created countless opportunities for gamers worldwide. Below, we look at the Top 10 Biggest Esports Sponsors of All Time, ranked in reverse order (10 to 1). Each has left a unique mark on the competitive gaming ecosystem.
Here Are The Top 10 Biggest Esports Sponsors of All Time:
10. Comcast/Xfinity
Comcast, through its Xfinity brand, has been instrumental in shaping the infrastructure side of esports. Gamers crave lightning-fast, lag-free internet, and Comcast recognized this early on. As one of the Biggest Esports Sponsors, the company has partnered with several key organizations and teams. Deals with Evil Geniuses, ESL, and other tournament operators highlight Comcast’s commitment to supporting the esports community.
Notably, Comcast also operates its own esports arena, which shows its dedication to building physical spaces for competitive gaming. Sponsorships go beyond simple branding; Xfinity provides technological backing, ensuring gamers can compete at the highest level without connectivity concerns. This kind of involvement makes them one of the most strategic sponsors in the industry, targeting both grassroots and professional levels.
| Sponsor | Industry | Key Partnerships | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comcast/Xfinity | Internet/Telecom | Evil Geniuses, ESL, Esports Arenas | Infrastructure support, esports arena management |
9. Bookmakers Esport (Betway, GG.BET, Unibet, etc.)
Esports betting has skyrocketed in recent years, and bookmakers have become some of the Biggest Esports Sponsors. Companies like Betway, GG.BET, and Unibet are at the forefront, investing millions into esports teams and tournaments. Betway, in particular, has become synonymous with esports sponsorships, creating its own dedicated esports brand, Betway Esports. This division publishes interviews, player profiles, and exclusive content that bridges the gap between fans and the industry.
GG.BET, meanwhile, has sponsored ESL and major tournaments in CS2 and DOTA 2. They are the official sponsors of HEROIC and were key backers of Dreamhack Open Fall 2020. Bookmakers recognize that esports audiences are young, tech-savvy, and global, making them a valuable demographic for betting platforms. By heavily investing in competitive gaming, these companies have solidified their place among the Biggest Esports Sponsors.
| Sponsor | Industry | Key Partnerships | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betway/GG.BET/Unibet | Esports Betting | ESL, HEROIC, CS2, DOTA 2 | Tournament sponsorships, team deals, esports content creation |
8. Mountain Dew / PepsiCo
Mountain Dew, under PepsiCo, has been closely tied to gaming culture for decades. Their esports sponsorships include deals with major teams such as Splyce, Team Dignitas, and SK Gaming. More recently, PepsiCo became the main sponsor of Gamers8, one of the largest esports events on the 2024 calendar.
Mountain Dew was also named the official beverage partner of ESL and IEM in 2020, giving them unparalleled brand visibility across global tournaments. PepsiCo understands the power of brand association with younger audiences, and Mountain Dew’s bold branding fits perfectly with the adrenaline-driven atmosphere of esports. Their continued presence ensures they remain one of the Biggest Esports Sponsors of all time.
| Sponsor | Industry | Key Partnerships | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Dew/PepsiCo | Beverages | Splyce, SK Gaming, ESL, IEM | Official beverage sponsor, Gamers8 lead partner |
7. Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable brands worldwide, and its involvement in esports has been equally significant. As one of the Biggest Esports Sponsors, Coca-Cola has backed Riot Games’ League of Legends, Overwatch, and even e-NASCAR. Their 2020 $5 million sponsorship deal with Overwatch demonstrated the company’s confidence in the growth of esports.
They’ve supported teams such as Pittsburgh Knights and paiN Gaming, while also being a key sponsor of Tespa, a collegiate esports organization. Coca-Cola’s ability to align itself with multiple esports titles shows versatility and a deep understanding of the industry. While some brands have scaled back esports investments, Coca-Cola continues to expand, cementing itself as a true heavyweight among the Biggest Esports Sponsors.
| Sponsor | Industry | Key Partnerships | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola | Beverages | Riot Games, Overwatch, Tespa | Global beverage partner, collegiate esports backing |
6. Mastercard
When many cryptocurrency sponsors pulled out of esports in recent years, Mastercard stepped in as one of the most reliable financial backers. Their multi-year agreement with Riot Games covers the League of Legends World Championship, Mid-Season Invitational, and All-Star Events. In addition, Mastercard became the official partner of the Esports World Cup in 2024.
Beyond sponsorship, Mastercard has innovated by creating the Mastercard Gamers Academy, which provides mentorship, industry exposure, and travel opportunities for aspiring professionals. Their approach goes beyond financial backing, focusing on sustainable ecosystem development. This long-term commitment makes Mastercard one of the Biggest Esports Sponsors in both reputation and impact.
| Sponsor | Industry | Key Partnerships | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastercard | Financial Services | Riot Games, Esports World Cup | LoL sponsorships, Mastercard Gamers Academy |
5. Monster Energy
Monster Energy is everywhere in esports. The company has sponsored over a dozen major tournaments across various titles and partnered with some of the biggest teams in the industry. Monster Energy thrives on high-octane marketing, and esports is a perfect fit.
Their visibility in games like League of Legends, Call of Duty, and DOTA 2 has made them one of the Biggest Esports Sponsors. By backing multiple events and teams simultaneously, Monster Energy ensures constant brand recognition. Their aggressive presence mirrors their strategy in traditional sports, particularly extreme sports, showing their intent to dominate the esports space as well.
| Sponsor | Industry | Key Partnerships | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monster Energy | Beverages | LoL, DOTA 2, Call of Duty | Sponsorship of 14+ tournaments, global brand presence |
4. Red Bull
Red Bull has always been synonymous with sports innovation, and their entry into esports is no different. As one of the Biggest Esports Sponsors, Red Bull not only supports events but also organizes its own tournaments such as Red Bull SoloQ and Red Bull Wololo.
They have backed elite teams like G2 Esports, OG, and Tempo Storm, while also investing in grassroots competitions across multiple titles. Red Bull’s ability to host premium esports events, like the Red Bull Kumite for Street Fighter, has made them both a sponsor and a cultural curator in competitive gaming. Their involvement goes far beyond financial support—it’s about creating experiences that define esports culture.
| Sponsor | Industry | Key Partnerships | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Bull | Beverages | G2 Esports, OG, SoloQ, Wololo | Own tournaments, major team sponsorships |
3. Mercedes-Benz
Luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz has taken a unique approach to esports sponsorships. As ESL’s global mobility partner, they’ve tied their brand to esports in a sophisticated and stylish way. Their sponsorship of major ESL events, including IEM tournaments, places them among the Biggest Esports Sponsors in the world.
Mercedes-Benz has also collaborated with organizations like SK Gaming and supported regional leagues. By associating themselves with esports, they’ve tapped into a younger generation of consumers who may become future car buyers. This forward-thinking strategy has allowed Mercedes-Benz to stand out in a field dominated by tech and beverage companies.
| Sponsor | Industry | Key Partnerships | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz | Automotive | ESL, SK Gaming | ESL mobility partner, premium event branding |
2. Logitech
Logitech has built its name as a gaming hardware giant, and esports has been central to that branding. Their sponsorships include teams, streamers, and high-profile events. As one of the Biggest Esports Sponsors, Logitech not only backs competitions but also provides professional-grade peripherals that gamers use on stage.
By integrating their products directly into esports competitions, Logitech blurs the line between sponsor and essential equipment provider. Their partnerships with organizations worldwide demonstrate a global vision for competitive gaming. Whether it’s through peripherals or sponsorships, Logitech’s impact on esports is undeniable.
| Sponsor | Industry | Key Partnerships | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech | Gaming Hardware | Multiple global teams & streamers | Official gaming peripherals, global tournament backing |
1. Intel
At the very top of our list of the Biggest Esports Sponsors stands Intel. No company has done more to embed itself into esports history than Intel. Their sponsorship of the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) series has been central to the industry for over two decades. From CS:GO and CS2 to League of Legends and DOTA 2, Intel has been there from the beginning.
Intel doesn’t just provide funding—they provide the technological backbone of esports. From LAN tournament setups in the early 2000s to powering the largest global tournaments today, Intel has ensured that competitive gaming can reach its full potential. Their partnerships with ESL, Riot Games, and DreamHack have left a legacy unmatched by any other brand. Truly, Intel defines what it means to be one of the Biggest Esports Sponsors of all time.
| Sponsor | Industry | Key Partnerships | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel | Technology | ESL, Riot Games, DreamHack | Intel Extreme Masters, core esports infrastructure |
The Biggest Esports Sponsors are more than just financial backers—they are enablers of a cultural revolution. From Intel’s technological backbone to Coca-Cola and PepsiCo’s global brand presence, from Red Bull’s tournament creativity to Mastercard’s ecosystem development, each sponsor has helped push esports toward becoming a mainstream entertainment force.
Without these investments, esports would not have grown into the billion-dollar industry it is today. The partnerships, branding strategies, and innovations brought by these sponsors will continue shaping competitive gaming for years to come.
FAQs:
Q1: Why are sponsorships so important in esports?
Sponsorships are the backbone of esports, providing the majority of revenue for teams and tournaments. The Biggest Esports Sponsors help cover event costs, player salaries, and create global exposure.
Q2: Which company is considered the most influential among the Biggest Esports Sponsors?
Intel is widely regarded as the most influential among the Biggest Esports Sponsors due to its long-term involvement, technology support, and creation of the iconic Intel Extreme Masters series.
Q3: How do beverage companies benefit from being the Biggest Esports Sponsors?
Beverage companies like Coca-Cola, Red Bull, and Monster Energy benefit as Biggest Esports Sponsors by associating their brands with young, global audiences, ensuring long-term loyalty and increased visibility.
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