Philly Crafting the Future of Esports: Exploring Emerging Opportunities and Issues

The esports industry has experienced considerable growth over the last 10 years, garnering significant investment in the professional space. While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated investment and exposure, the professional esports ecosystem is mired in a consolidation and correction phase. These events confirm that esports is a nascent industry that is still emerging and formalizing.

While the professional side of esports may be going through some growing pains, as roadblocks still exist, the overall industry is burgeoning with new opportunities. Philadelphia exemplifies this trend; although projects such as Fusion Arena failed to materialize, multiple Philly-based esports organizations are in the vanguard of emerging industry trends. These organizations are working to capitalize on opportunities, such as mobile gaming, esports wagering and cultivating new consumer groups. Learn from this distinguished panel of LeBow alumni and advisory committee members how Philadelphia is uniquely positioned to capitalize and grow esports, and what pitfalls the industry could face in the coming years.