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Friday, April 3, 2026

Esports Viewership Grows During Hiatus

  • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends leagues have had record viewership
  • YouTube traffic for theScore’s esports channel is up 33% from last year.
esports
Photo Credit: SaultOnline.com

With no live action on the field, fans are seeking out anything reminiscent of sports or with a hint of competition.

From The Last Dance to the NFL Draft, traditional sports are getting their share of viewers, but so too are several esports. Both the professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends leagues have had record-breaking numbers in recent weeks, according to The Verge.

Some notable CS:GO Season 11 numbers:

  • 489,120 concurrent viewers across all platforms
  • 113.2% increase in total viewers
  • 215.5% increase in average minute audience

Meanwhile, League of Legends European Championship also broke its concurrent viewership record as 476,599 people watched a week-three matchup between the eventual finalists in the competition. In Champions Korea, the championship match for League of Legends drew a record-breaking 1,074,561 peak concurrent viewers.

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