While many believe e-sports fans are young kids, teenagers or college-age students, a new poll shows that 60% of e-sports fans fall between the ages of 25-39, according to data from media agency Mindshare North America. Among those polled in the U.S., 497 identified themselves as e-sports fans, with 65% identifying as Millenials (18-34). Men accounted for the majority of e-sports fans, but women made up 38%. E-sports fans also have strong buying power, as 43% of fans have an annual household income of $75,000 or higher, while 31% are at $90,000 or higher. Some 58% of e-sports fans ages 25+ also live with kids in the household.
FRIEND ZONE: Nearly half (49%) of e-sports fans said that they spend most of their free time around e-sports. That number jumps to 56% for those with an annual household income of $50,000-$90,000 and then jumps to 67% for those with income of $100,000 or more. Meanwhile, 60% of e-sports fans said they were willing to travel to see their favorite games, tournaments and players. The e-sports experience also tends to be very social, with 67% of fans saying they have made new friends or acquaintances through the games. Fans also tend to see e-sports teams as "moderate" or "major" celebs who wield influence (61% of fans). However, 63% of fans say a stigma still exists around e-sports. In terms of the e-sports game experience, 57% of fans said they were willing to pay money to not see ads while watching a game (Mindshare).
