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Affiliate marketing for eSports in 2024

Affiliate marketing for eSports in 2024

Content

  1. How to work with cyber sports in affiliate marketing
  2. Sources of eSports traffic
  3. Cybersports market size
  4. Target audience of cybersports
  5. Popular disciplines and tournaments
  6. Conclusion

Cybersports offers are offers from advertisers related to cybersports events, betting on matches, and various promotions in this sphere. They include various bonuses, freespins and other attractive terms that help to attract new users and retain existing ones.

How cyber sports are handled in affiliate marketing

In cyber sports, just like in betting, the main traffic is leaked to Telegram channels. And where you will take this traffic from is up to you. There are many ways, but let's take a look at one of the popular UBT sources - YouTube.

The main platform to work with is YouTube. The main ways to attract traffic include creating creative video content, tournament reviews, gameplay, and collaborating with popular bloggers and streamers. Video reviews and gameplay attract a huge audience interested in eSports, which allows you to effectively target this traffic to offeers in the future.

Webmasters create channels or collaborate with existing cybersports channels by placing ads and affiliate links in video descriptions and comments. This helps to avoid aggressive advertising and improve audience trust. In addition, YouTube provides opportunities for live streaming and real-time audience interaction, which increases engagement and the likelihood of conversion.

Example #1

Here's an example of one channel that started its development in 2017. The authors publish educational and review content on Dota, which has nothing to do with betting and cybersports. But the most loyal fans get into the Telegram channel.

 

The channel is actively maintained and works with the audience providing all the latest news on dota and on youtube channel.

There are no predictions in the channel, but there is advertising of BC and affiliate link, which sometimes slips among other posts.

 

Example #2

Another channel on which the owner posted a video with a breakdown on how to bet in CS.

 

And pinned in the comments is the link.

 

 

Example #3

A beginner channel where videos are filmed for every Dota and CS event. Its audience is small, but the traffic is hot.

 

The sales funnel leads to a telegram channel where players can join the vip and get predictions.

 

In addition to the methods described above, you can pour into such channels directly from Facebook or other sources. It is important to choose a relevant discipline and actively lead the channel to keep the audience.

Read more: How to pour gambling with Telegram channels

Sources of traffic to cybersports

Social networks

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram

Social media is a powerful tool for attracting a cybersport audience. Facebook and Instagram offer a wide range of targeting options to target users' interests, age, and geography. TikTok, with its short video formats, is ideal for capturing the attention of a younger audience that is actively interested in cybersports. Examples of successful campaigns include sponsored posts from famous streamers and cyber sportsmen, as well as viral videos showing highlights of matches and tournaments.

At the moment, the main drain of traffic occurs in Telegram channels that specialize in forecasts or other news related to cyber sports.

 

 

Traffic to such channels can come from both TikTok and Youtube. Buying advertising from bloggers is also considered effective.

Search advertising

Google Ads, Yandex.Direct

Search advertising through Google Ads and Yandex.Direct allows you to effectively attract traffic by targeting keywords related to cybersports. Ads displayed on the first page of search results attract users actively seeking information about tournaments, teams and betting. The use of dynamic ads and retargeting helps retain attention and bring back users who have already shown interest in cyber sports.

Streaming platforms

Twitch, YouTube Gaming

Streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming are key channels for advertising in eSports. These platforms have millions of viewers watching tournament broadcasts, team practices, and individual streamers. Advertising integrations in the form of sponsored spots, banners, and live streams allow you to reach your target audience at the time of their maximum engagement. Examples of successful campaigns include partnership programs with popular streamers that promote specific offers and promotions.

Cybersports market size

The cybersports market is growing rapidly, attracting the attention of investors and advertisers. According to analysts, cybersports has already become a multi-billion dollar industry, with revenues and viewership increasing every year. Major tournaments, such as The International and League of Legends championships, attract millions of viewers around the world, attracting significant funds from sponsors and advertisers.

 

Based on data at Statista.com, revenues in cybersports show significant growth from 2019 through 2023. In 2019, revenues totaled about $900 million, rising to $1 billion in 2020 despite the pandemic. In 2021, the market reached $1.13 billion, and in 2022, $1.38 billion. In 2023, revenues surpassed $1.5 billion. With these trends, the eSports market will have almost twice as much revenue by 2025 than in 2020 - $1.8 billion dollars.

Target Audience of eSports

The target audience of eSports includes mostly young people who are actively interested in video games and competitive events in this field. These are people who not only play popular games, but also follow professional tournaments, teams and individual players. They participate in discussions on forums and social networks, watch streams and video content related to cyber sports.

Demographics and interests

According to demographics, the bulk of the eSports audience is male between the ages of 18 and 34. However, the number of women who are into cybersports is also increasing every year. These people often have average or above average incomes and are active users of the internet and mobile devices. The interests of this audience go beyond games: they are fascinated by technological innovations, sporting events, music and pop culture.

The cybersports target audience also values content that provides in-depth analytics, match reviews, and interviews with professional players and coaches. They are attracted by unique offers such as sign-up bonuses, exclusive promotions and eSports related events.

Cybersports encompasses many games, but a few stand out for their popularity and importance on the world stage.

  • League of Legends

A popular MOBA game from Riot Games that has been a hit since its release in 2009, with a huge global audience and regular international tournaments.

  • Dota 2

Another popular MOBA from Valve, launched in 2013, known for its annual tournament The International with record prize pools.

  • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS)

A tactical first-person shooter from Valve, released in 2012, which remains one of the top cybersports disciplines due to its competitive scene.

  • Fortnite

A battle royal from Epic Games that has become a phenomenon since 2017 with its unique mix of building and combat and massive tournaments.

  • StarCraft II

Real-time strategy game by Blizzard, launched in 2010, dominating cybersports, especially in South Korea.

  • Overwatch

A team-based shooter from Blizzard released in 2016, quickly becoming popular due to its unique hero mechanics and Overwatch League.

  • Hearthstone

A collectible card game from Blizzard that began its popularity in 2014, known for its strategic elements and large cybersport tournaments.

  • PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds)

A pioneer of the battle royal genre, released in 2017, becoming popular for its realism and intense battles.

  • FIFA

Soccer simulator from EA Sports, popular since 1993, with an active cybersports scene and annual world championships.

  • Rocket League

A unique game combining soccer and cars from Psyonix, made popular since 2015, with fun and dynamic gameplay and regular championships.

Prize pools and big tournaments

Prize pools in eSports reach impressive sizes, making it attractive to professional players and spectators alike.

  • The International (Dota 2)

The International is the largest Dota 2 tournament with a prize pool that exceeds $30 million annually. This event brings together the best players from all over the world and is broadcast to millions of viewers.

 
  • League of Legends World Championship

The League of Legends World Championship attracts millions of spectators and has a prize pool of several million dollars. This tournament is the culmination of the annual season and gathers the best teams from different regions.

  • CS Major Championships

CS Major Championships are some of the most prestigious tournaments in the shooter genre, with prize pools reaching up to $1 million. These tournaments are organized by ESL, DreamHack and other major companies.Fortnite World Cup

Fortnite World Cup offers prize pools that can exceed $30 million. It is one of the biggest events in cybersports that attracts the attention of both professional and amateur players.

  1. South Korea (StarCraft, League of Legends)
  2. China (Dota 2, League of Legends)
  3. USA (Fortnite, Call of Duty)
  4. Russia (Dota 2, CS)
  5. Denmark (CS)
  6. Sweden (Dota 2, CS)
  7. Germany (League of Legends, CS)
  8. Brazil (CS, League of Legends)
  9. France (League of Legends, Rainbow Six Siege)
  10. Canada (Fortnite, CS)
  11. Poland (CS, League of Legends)
  12. Ukraine (Dota 2, CS)
  13. Finland (CS, StarCraft II)
  14. Japan (Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros.)
  15. Thailand (PUBG, Arena of Valor)
  16. Philippines (Dota 2, Mobile Legends)
  17. Vietnam (League of Legends, PUBG)
  18. Indonesia (Mobile Legends, PUBG)
  19. Mexico (FIFA, League of Legends)
  20. Spain (League of Legends, FIFA)

Conclusion

Cybersports in affiliate marketing is a dynamic field that offers many opportunities for marketers and affiliates. Effectively engaging with cybersport traffic requires the use of various strategies such as creating targeted advertising campaigns, content marketing, and influencer partnerships. Constant analysis and optimization helps achieve high conversion rates and ROI. With the growing popularity of cybersports and increasing market size, it's important for affiliates to stay on top of current trends and adapt their approaches to successfully monetize traffic.

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