Powering the play: How payments shape the esports experience
Explore how Paysafe powers seamless payments across esports—from fan tipping to player access—driving deeper engagement and global growth.
Esports have rapidly evolved from a niche subculture into a global entertainment powerhouse. In 2024, the industry generated USD 2.73 billion, which is expected to grow to USD 3.25 billion by the end of 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 19.4%. The global esports audience continues to rise, forecasted to exceed 318 million fans in 2025. With this surge in popularity, fan expectations are evolving quickly — from instant access to events and seamless in-game purchases to real-time tipping and exclusive merchandise drops.
This upward trajectory has led major colleges and universities to take note of the rapid growth in esports, treating it like more traditional college sports like football and basketball. Many universities across North America and Europe have been launching varsity esports programs and offering full or partial scholarships for student-athletes. With competitive gaming now opening doors to higher education, accessible payment solutions are essential to supporting rising talent.
Behind every epic play is a payment powering it. Explore how Paysafe is driving the esports economy.
Seamless tournament payments
Whether for a live arena event or a premium livestream, esports fans demand the same smooth payment experience they're used to in other parts of their digital lives. Friction at checkout risks lost sales and disappointed fans. Paysafe's payment gateway helps eliminate this risk by integrating seamlessly with esports platforms and vendors. Our technology supports credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and alternative payment methods, including our prepaid solution, PaysafeCard, ensuring that fans worldwide can easily purchase tickets, digital passes, and team gear.
Real-time payment processing is vital in keeping pace with fast-selling events. Paysafe ensures that transactions are processed in seconds, so fans don't miss out due to payment delays or rejections.
Monetization and fan engagement
Esports monetization is driven by fan interaction. Fans routinely engage with their favorite players and content creators by tipping during livestreams, subscribing to channels, or buying digital goods like skins and badges. This direct support helps creators sustain their work and enhances the sense of connection between the fan and the player.
However, not all fans have access to traditional banking. Paysafe bridges this gap with PaysafeCard, a solution that allows users to fund digital wallets or make direct payments without needing a credit card or bank account. This is especially critical in underbanked regions or among younger fans who are digital natives but financially underserved. These options strengthen fan loyalty and drive revenue growth by making participation possible for a wider audience.
Sponsorships that drive real engagement
Brand presence in esports must go beyond passive sponsorship—it should enhance the fan journey. As the official sponsor of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA, PaysafeCard connects with fans through targeted activations, exclusive promotions, and integrations that support seamless in-game spending and community engagement.
By embedding the payment experience into every stage of the fan journey, Paysafe enhances the connection between the brand and the community it serves.
Looking ahead
The esports industry shows no signs of slowing down. As the industry scales, so do the opportunities to build better, more inclusive experiences for players and fans alike. Payment solutions must keep up with evolving consumer behaviors, regional preferences, and digital trends. At Paysafe, we're continually innovating to meet those demands—powering real-time tips, facilitating global access, or enabling the next wave of esports athletes.
To discover how Paysafe’s gaming-focused solutions can elevate your next esports venture, visit our video gaming hub.
