Their passion, once dismissed as simply “loving games,” has now expanded into activities as professional gamers and even team ownership.
This article introduces specific examples of entertainers like Ryosuke Yamada of Hey! Say! JUMP and globally renowned athletes who are involved in esports. It delves into the astounding growth of the esports market and the reasons why they are pursuing “dual careers.”
This is a must-read guide that explores the cutting edge where entertainment and esports merge.
1. Involvement of Entertainers and Professional Athletes in Esports
The number of Japanese entertainers and global professional athletes getting involved in esports is on the rise.
- Entertainers: A notable example is Ryosuke Yamada of Hey! Say! JUMP, who joined a professional gaming team (Crazy Raccoon) while continuing his idol career. There is also the case of Ryunosuke Nakamura, a former member of Kansai Johnny’s Jr., who became a pro gamer after leaving the agency. A common thread among them is their high level of gaming skill, proving they are more than just spokespeople.
- Professional Athletes: While there are not many clear examples of athletes “transitioning” to pro gamers after retirement, a growing number of them are becoming co-owners or investors in esports teams. Examples include football legend Ronaldinho, basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, and F1 driver Max Verstappen.
2. The Current State and Future of the Esports Market
The esports market is experiencing rapid growth both globally and in Japan.
- Global: The market reached approximately $1.45 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $6.75 billion by 2030.
- Japan: The domestic market size reached ¥14.685 billion in 2023 and is expected to approach ¥20 billion by 2025. The number of Japanese esports fans has also increased to 8.56 million as of 2023.
3. Reasons for the Growing Involvement
This trend is driven by the expansion of the esports market and the diversification of career paths for talent and athletes.
- Increased Recognition of Esports: With major corporations entering as sponsors and more media exposure, esports is gaining widespread social recognition.
- Career Diversification: For entertainers and professional athletes, gaming offers a new platform to showcase their talents and personalities, helping them reach new fan bases.
- Meritocracy: The rise of individuals with genuine, high-level gaming skills, rather than just popular figures, makes them more accepted and respected by the gaming community.
Moving forward, it is expected that more “hybrid” talents will emerge who balance their primary careers with esports, further energizing the industry.
