This article is part of a 10 part series on gaming and esports trends for 2023

As the world of esports continues to grow and expand, it’s no surprise that major corporations and investors are starting to take notice. In recent years, we’ve seen an influx of big-name companies and investors getting involved in the esports industry, and it’s clear that this trend is only going to continue.

One of the biggest reasons for this increasing involvement is the sheer size and scale of the esports industry. With millions of players and spectators around the world, esports has become a major source of revenue for many companies. In fact, the esports industry was worth over $1.5 billion in 2022, making it an attractive investment opportunity for many corporations and investors.

In addition to the potential for financial gain, many companies and investors are also drawn to the unique opportunities that the esports industry offers. For example, esports tournaments and leagues provide a great platform for companies to reach a younger, tech-savvy audience. This can be especially valuable for companies looking to promote their products or services to a younger demographic.

One of the most notable examples of a major corporation getting involved in esports is the announcement that Coca-Cola has signed a multi-year deal to become the official beverage sponsor of the League of Legends World Championship. This deal will give Coca-Cola a significant presence at one of the biggest esports events in the world, providing the company with a great opportunity to reach millions of fans and players.

Another example of a big-name investor getting involved in esports is the announcement that the New York Yankees have joined forces with Andbox, a New York-based esports organization. This partnership will see the Yankees help Andbox build out their esports infrastructure, including training facilities and broadcast studios. This is a major step for the Yankees, who are the first professional sports team to invest in an esports organization.

Overall, it’s clear that the involvement of major corporations and investors in the esports industry is only going to continue to grow. With the potential for significant financial gain and the ability to reach a younger, tech-savvy audience, it’s no surprise that many companies and investors are looking to get involved in this rapidly-growing industry.