If you’re into video games, learn how to make money with E-Sports and Gaming. We’ll explain what they are, how they’ve evolved, and the most popular genres. We’ll also show you four ways to make money, including becoming a pro gamer, streaming your gameplay, creating video game content, or selling gaming merchandise or services. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges that await you in this exciting and lucrative domain.

The rise of competitive video gaming
E-Sports, short for “electronic sports”, is the term used to describe competitive video gaming at a professional level. This players compete against each other in organized tournaments and leagues, either individually or as part of a team, for fame and fortune. E-Sports is similar to traditional sports in many ways, such as having rules, referees, coaches, sponsors, and spectators. However, instead of playing on a physical field or court, E-Sports players play in a virtual environment, using computers, consoles, or mobile devices.
E-Sports has been around since the 1970s, when the first arcade games and home consoles emerged, but it gained popularity and recognition in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the advent of the internet and online gaming. Since then, E-Sports has grown exponentially, thanks to the development of new technologies, platforms, and genres, as well as the support of game developers, media outlets, and investors. According to Newzoo, a leading market research firm, the global E-Sports industry was worth $1.1 billion in 2020, and had an audience of 495 million people. It is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2023, and have an audience of 646 million people.
Make money with E-Sports and Gaming investments?
Now that you have a basic idea of what E-Sports and Gaming are, you might be wondering how you can make money with them. The good news is that there are many ways to do so, depending on your goals, talents, and resources. Here are four of the most common and effective ways to earn money with E-Sports and Gaming investments:
Stocks:
One of the simplest and most accessible ways to invest in E-Sports and Gaming is to buy stocks of companies that are involved in this industry. These can be game developers, publishers, platforms, hardware manufacturers, or service providers. Some of the most well-known and successful companies in E-Sports and Gaming are Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Tencent, Nvidia, and Amazon.
Investing in stocks allows you to benefit from the growth and profitability of these companies, as well as from the dividends they may pay. However, investing in stocks also involves some risks, such as market volatility, competition, regulation, and innovation. Therefore, you need to do your research, diversify your portfolio, and monitor your performance.
ETFs:
Another way to invest in E-Sports and Gaming is to buy exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the performance of a basket of stocks related to this industry. ETFs are similar to mutual funds, but they trade like stocks on an exchange. Some of the most popular and reputable ETFs that focus on E-Sports and Gaming are VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF, Roundhill BITKRAFT Esports & Digital Entertainment ETF, and Global X Video Games & Esports ETF.
Investing in ETFs allows you to gain exposure to a broad and diversified range of companies in E-Sports and Gaming, without having to buy individual stocks. This can reduce your risk, lower your costs, and simplify your management. However, investing in ETFs also involves some drawbacks, such as fees, tracking errors, and liquidity issues. Therefore, you need to compare different ETFs, check their holdings, and evaluate their performance.
Cryptocurrencies
A more novel and adventurous way to invest in E-Sports and Gaming is to buy cryptocurrencies that are related to this industry. Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that use cryptography to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. Some of the most innovative and promising cryptocurrencies that are linked to E-Sports and Gaming are Enjin Coin, Decentraland, Axie Infinity, and Theta.
Investing in cryptocurrencies allows you to participate in the development and adoption of new technologies and platforms that are transforming E-Sports and Gaming, such as blockchain, smart contracts, NFTs, and streaming. However, investing in cryptocurrencies also involves a lot of uncertainty, volatility, and complexity. Therefore, you need to understand how they work, how to store them, and how to trade them.
E-Sports and Gaming Startups
A more challenging and rewarding way to invest in E-Sports and Gaming is to invest in startups that are creating new products and services for this industry. Startups are young and innovative companies that aim to solve a problem or meet a need in a new or better way. Some of the most exciting and successful startups in E-Sports and Gaming are Discord, Skillz, FTX, and Playco.
Investing in startups allows you to support the vision and mission of these entrepreneurs, and potentially earn a high return if they succeed. However, investing in startups also involves a lot of risk, as most of them fail or struggle to grow. Therefore, you need to do your due diligence, evaluate their potential, and be prepared to lose your money.
A fun way to make money
E-Sports and Gaming are two of the most dynamic and lucrative industries in the world, and they offer many opportunities for investors who want to make money with them. Whether you choose to invest in stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, or startups, you need to be informed, strategic, and cautious. You also need to be passionate, curious, and adventurous. E-Sports and Gaming are not only about money, but also about fun, entertainment, and community.